In a study published in the April 15th edition of Environmental Health Perspectives Online, researchers implemented and evaluated integrated pest management (IPM), compared to traditional practice, for its impact on pests, allergens, pesticide use and resident satisfaction in a large urban public housing authority. IPM or control status was assigned to 13 buildings in five housing developments and conditions were evaluated at baseline, three and six months in 280 apartments in Brooklyn and Manhattan, New York City. Cockroach and mice populations were measured, cockroach and mouse allergens in dust were collected, and residents were interviewed. The results showed that, compared to controls, apartments receiving IPM had significantly lower counts of cockroaches at three months, and greater success in reducing or sustaining low counts of cockroaches at three and six months. IPM was also associated with lower cockroach allergen levels in kitchens at three months, and in beds and kitchens at six months. Relative to control apartments, pesticide use was reduced in IPM apartments. The authors concluded that, in contrast to previous IPM studies which involved extensive cleaning, repeat visits and often extensive resident education showed that an easily replicable single IPM visit was more effective than the regular application of pesticides alone in managing pests and their consequences.

To view the complete study, visit //www.ehponline.org/members/2009/0800149/0800149.pdf.