Pest Control on Campus

Insect, rodent, and pigeon infestations are best prevented through effective control of food sources through proper storage, waste handling, good housekeeping, and building maintenance practices. Non-chemical methods are used on campus as much as possible; however, despite best efforts, infestations will sometimes occur, and the use of pesticides may be necessary. If infestations are not controlled either through good practice or chemical methods, health risks may become an issue. The volume of pesticide products used and stored at the University is limited and only used when high infestation occurs. In addition, safe work procedures for the use and handling of chemical pesticides where these are applied are in place, along with training and licence for anyone who may be required to apply these pesticides.

The Safety Office, in collaboration with Campus Sustainability and Physical Plant, will continue to investigate alternatives to controlling pest infestations using non-toxic chemicals, where available. 

We are in the process of making an annual permit application for pesticide use at the University of Winnipeg. As part of the requirement of the pesticide use Regulation, the University is sending this notice to the campus community of intent to use pesticides on campus.  Concerned individuals have 15 days from the date of the notice (February 22, 2013) to send written submissions to MB Conservation regarding any concerns they may have.

Application for a Pesticide Use Permit, Pesticides Regulation 94/88R, Section 6

Public Notice is hereby given, that the University of Winnipeg intends to conduct the following Pesticide Control Programs from March 11, 2013 to December 31, 2013, as may be required. 

Pesticide	Chemical Name	Target Species	University of Winnipeg Application Method
Avitrol	4 - Aminopyradine	Pigeons	Mixed with corn in trays
Konk 418	Pyrethrine	Flying Insects	Aerosol spray can
Konk 400	Propoxur Piperonyl Butoxide	Insects	Aerosol spray can
Konk 409	Pyrethrine Dicarboximide N-octyl bicycloheptene	Flying Insects	Aerosol spray can
Ficam-D	Bendiocarb	Wasps	Hand Puffer
Contrac Blox	Bromadiolone	Mice	Bait Blocks
Final Blox	Brodifacoum	Mice	Bait Blocks
Bat-XB	Bromadiolone	Mice	Powder Bait Packs

 

The following is additional information regarding the University's safety procedures on pesticides application so that employees fully understand why the University requires to do a control program, and the extra measures that are taken to ensure that the application of pesticides is conducted in a safe and responsible manner, particularly in offices, resident areas and day care.

Application of pesticides may take place in the areas of concern only if there is an infestation or possibility of advancing to infestation that is a potential risk to health and potential damage to building structures due to the following: 

- Rodents may carry hantavirus and people may become infected through contact with hantavirus infected rodents or their urine and droppings.

- Insect sting or bite may result in a lethal reaction for those who are allergic to the insect's venom

- Pigeons - "The largest problem that they cause is the amount of feces they produce. It is the accumulation of pigeon feces that may pose a health hazard to the general public. Pigeons have been associated with a variety of diseases, including histoplasmosis and cryptococcosis. As well, the esthetic damage resulting from the accumulation of pigeon feces on buildings and other structures is compounded by the fact that pigeon fecal composition is acidic and leads to erosion of metal and stonework." http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/cps-spc/pubs/pest/_pnotes/pigeon/index-eng.php

Process for Using Pesticides/Insecticides

The Safety Office will be informed of usage of pesticides and monitored for their use on a monthly basis. 

Offices and Resident areas: 

When using insecticide the Physical Plant will always follow procedures as noted below, to prevent exposure in office and resident areas:

1. Insecticides will never be used in the concerned areas without prior notice to the occupant.

2. Insecticides will be applied only when the occupants are not in the area, and occupants are not allowed to re-enter the area until at least four hours have elapsed.

3. A notice will be placed on the door indicating that the area is closed and off limits until the specified time.

4. A piece of tape will be placed over the door lock as a reminder to occupant (s) not to enter the area.

'Final Blox' or 'Contrac Blox' are used to control rodents on campus.  These blocks are placed in 'Protecta' (RTU) tamper proof containers.  These containers will be monitored until the problem has been dealt with.

Daycare:

Procedure for applying the insecticide 'Konk 400' in Day care will be on Friday evenings only so that the children will not be present when it is applied, and will not be present in the building for at least two days.The

University's Health & Safety Office will ensure that any pesticides that are used, are used correctly and safely. 

Concerned individuals may send written submissions or objections within 15 days of the publication of the notice to the department below.  

Manitoba Conservation
Pesticide / Fertilizer Section
Suite 160, 123 Main Street
Winnipeg, Manitoba R3C 1A5