Pest Management at MGH

The program is based on the concept of Integrated Pest Management (IPM), which uses all strategies that impact upon pest populations, including physical exclusion and attention to sanitation.

We strongly oppose the use of pesticides in the workplace. Instead we rely on non-chemical alternatives as our major method of pest control. Pesticides, if necessary, are used in strict compliance with Federal and State regulations. Following Massachusetts state law, notification of any application is posted well in advance. MSDS information on pesticides that may be used at MGH and pest control service records are available in the Department of Environmental Services.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

• What do I do if I have a pest problem?

Call Environmental Services immediately, 6-2445. Give your name, building, floor, room number, department and telephone extension, and describe the pest as best as you can. Mention where in the your area you saw the pest or signs of pest activity.

Pest control services are also available on the weekends in the case of an emergency.

Ed Emde ("Doc"), the hospital's Pest Control Technician, will be dispatched and will respond as soon as possible. He has been the hospital's pest control technician since 1976. Doc is state certified and licensed. He receives certification training each year to keep up with new products and procedures, and has completed coursework in urban entomology through Purdue University.

Doc serves an important role in protecting the MGH environment and works cooperatively with Buildings and Grounds and Dietetics to maintain a pest-free and safe workplace. When Doc is not available, Steve Buono (Buono Pest Control, Belmont, MA)provides fill-in service.

• Fruit flies are everywhere! Help!!

As their name implies, fruit flies are attracted to and breed on fruit. But they can also be found on vegetables and may live in drains or where food particles accumulate. If you see fruit flies in your area, it is very likely that a piece of fruit or produce has been forgotten in a cupboard or has fallen on the floor and rolled out of sight. As the fruit decays, it becomes a breeding ground for the flies. Fruit flies can be a frequent problem in the summer and fall when fresh fruits and produce are brought into kitchen and lounges.

You can do a great deal to keep fruit flies out of your area by storing food in sealed containers. Remember not to leave fruits in cupboards and clean up all food waste.
Fruit flies may also be attracted to and breed on food waste in trash barrels. Be sure that waste is removed frequently and that the plastic liners are regularly replaced.
Without a source of food, fruit flies will not be attracted to your area or be able to breed in it.

• I feel like I'm being bitten by bugs, but I can't see them!

Sometimes you may experience what feels like the sensation of an insect bite, and may even see redness or an allergic reaction and then feel itchy. In a very small number of cases an insect or mite may be responsible, but did you receive the bite in the workplace? You may have contacted an insect while gardening on the weekend but the itching sensation may be delayed a day or two.
In any case, if you experience this "biting" sensation we will thoroughly inspect and monitor your area to determine if there is a pest present. However, the vast majority of "biting" cases have nothing to do with insects or mites. Temperature changes, humidity, fibers and dust may produce what may feel like a bite, although they actually cause an allergic response. We will thoroughly inspect your area for pests, and may make cleaning recommendations. We will follow up until the problem is resolved.
• I'm sensitive to chemicals. Will pesticides be used in my area if I report a pest problem?

Virtually all pest are controlled with mechanical traps and baits. Pesticides are formulated with the bait, but do not have any volatility and do not get into the air. Also, the pesticides used in baits are present in extremely small quantities and are more toxic to insects than to mammals, including humans. Insects must eat the bait to contact the pesticide. Baits are very safe and effective.
In the unlikely case that aerosol pesticides are used, you will be notified well in advance. These pesticides are never used when a room is occupied.
• I enjoy feeding the pigeons and squirrels on the patio. Is it ok to do this?

These animals are cute, but they do not belong on hospital grounds. Pigeons and squirrels pests and can harbor diseases. Please do not feed them.
• How do I know when pest management services have been completed?

Your areas will be inspected and treated, if necessary, after you call Environmental Services. Generally, you will receive six weeks of follow-up service. We will then determine if further service is required. When service has been completed, you will receive a pest control service statement, which will describe the work that was done and what you might do to assist us in pest control.
• What are the triangular blue lights I see in the corridors?

The triangular wall sconces that emit a blue light are passive insect traps. They only attract insects which then stick to an adhesive board on the bottom of the trap. These traps are non-toxic and prevent flying insects from entering the hospital and moving into sensitive areas.
• How can I keep my area free of pests?

Pests need food, water and a place to live. Even small amounts of food and living space can encourage an infestation. Here are a few ways to keep pests out of your area.
1. Be sure that all food waste - including sugar and creamer spills - is cleaned up immediately and disposed of properly, and that the trash is emptied frequently. Replace the plastic liners to trash cans when they become contaminated with food residues.


2. Do not store empty soda cans in your area. The sugar residue in the can provides a food source for insects. Recycle cans frequently.
3. Keep microwave and toaster ovens clean.


4. Do not store food in your desk, even if it is only a roll of Lifesavers or a packet of hot chocolate mix. Keep all food in tightly sealed Tupperware containers.


5. Discard old files and cardboard boxes; they provide harborage for pests. The materials used to make cardboard and paper can actually be a food source for some insects.


6. Report water leaks or areas where condensation is occurring on pipes.
   If there is no food, water and living space in your area, the chance that pests will occur there is minimal.