Health Care Integrated Pest Management

IPM Training Resources

Pests often carry disease-causing organisms and can put vulnerable patients at risk. However, there are concerns about using chemical pest treatments near patients, staff and visitors. Fortunately, a better way exists to manage pests, and protect patients and staff — a method that's also better for the environment. This approach, Integrated Pest Management (IPM), emphasizes non-chemical pest prevention and least-toxic treatment methods.

Pulling Back the Sheets on the Bed Bug Controversy: Research, Prevention and Management in Hospital & Long Term Care Facilities

With bed bugs continuing to make headlines, Orkin, Inc. and the Association for the Healthcare Environment (AHE) of the American Hospital Association partnered on a new white paper to address bed bugs and their implications for healthcare and long term care providers. Orkin's Director of Technical Services, Ron Harrison, Ph.D. and Orkin Entomologist Bill Lawrence, Ph.D., B.C.E., address the latest research, effective prevention and treatment strategies. Or, watch these video excerpts from Dr. Lawrence’s bed bugs presentation to AHE members at their annual conference.

Joint Commission Pest Control Checklist

Did you know that the Joint Commission requires facilities to post official warning signs and notify staff whenever pesticides are used? This is one of the many Joint Commission requirements of an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program for healthcare facilities.

Is your facility up to Joint Commission standards? Check out our quick and easy Joint Commission Pest Control Checklist to find out.

Free Healthcare IPM Guides

Orkin wrote the book on hospital pest control. Literally. Our experts have co-authored two guides to better hospital pest control — one for the Association for the Healthcare Environment (AHE) and one for Practice Greenhealth.

A true IPM program creates a safer environment for patients and staff and helps you comply with Joint Commission Environment of Care standards. Learn more with the H2E 10 Step Guide to Implementing an Integrated Pest Management Program.

Preview the AHE Recommended Practice: Integrated Pest Management or get help making the business case for a more robust IPM program in your facility with this Business Case for Environmental Services - Integrated Pest Management (developed for AHE).

IPM 101 Staff Training Checklist

Just like humans, pests need certain elements in order to survive — food, water, shelter and optimal temperatures. Since pests enter healthcare facilities in search of these elements, your hospital’s staff may contribute to pest presence without event knowing it — by leaving snacks in lockers, piling dirty dishes in the sink or not wiping up a small drink spill. All of these activities help attract pests to your facility.

It’s up to everyone on your staff to help win the fight against pests. But it’s up to you to let them know what their role is in the pest management efforts.

Review the IPM 101 Checklist, which defines IPM, highlights common "hot spots" where pests often hide and details simple tips that your staff can implement to help prevent pests.

IPM Tips in the News

Orkin experts have written a number of articles for the healthcare industry that explain IPM and how to use it successfully in your facility. Here are just a few sample articles you can use to educate yourself and your team.