Developed by Molly Keck, IPM Program Specialist, Bexar County AgriLife Extension
RELEVANCE: Insects are a part of everyday life and the greatest exposure to pests and control tactics occurs where people live, work and play . Few people understand that the majority of insects found in urban environments are not harmful, but either beneficial or neutral. Integrated pest management is a practice that encourages using alternative means to control pests, such as cultural and mechanical practices, and using low impact pesticides only when needed. Increasing awareness of beneficial insects and educating homeowners on IPM practices in the home and landscape is necessary to reduce the unnecessary use of pesticides to prevent negative effects on humans, animals, beneficial insects, and the environment.
The Integrated Pest Management Educational Program was directed toward all Bexar County and surrounding county residents.
RESPONSE: Various educational programs covering many insect topics were utilized. 33 total educational programs were presented, reaching 1,199 individuals for 2,617 contact hours. The following activities preceded by an asterisk were programs in which evaluation methods were utilized.
- IPM Adult Education Programs (January – December 2009)
- Structural Pest Management CEU Course (February & December 2010)
- Termite IPM Adult Education (February 2010)
- Master Gardener Intern Training (March, September, October 2010)
- Junior Master Gardener Teacher Training (March & July 2010)
- Quarterly Newsletters (March, June, September, December 2010)
- Master Volunteer Entomology Specialist Training (September 2010)
- Spider Education Programs (October 2010)
- Environmental Protection Agency Pesticide Reduction Grant
RESULTS: Retrospective post surveys were utilized to determine the effectiveness of each educational program. Overall participant’s level of knowledge was increased in all areas of instruction. In addition:
- 80.6% – anticipated taking action or making changes based on the information from the activity they attended
- 59.2% – anticipated beneficiating economically as a direct result of what they learned from the activity.
- 100% – mostly or completely satisfied with the activity
Specific results for each type of educational program are as follows:
IPM Adult Education– percentage of participants who will definitely adopt the following practices:
30.3% – cultural control techniques of IPM
35.2% – mechanical or physical control techniques of IPM
44.2% – use of low impact pesticides
32.1% – encouragement of introducing beneficial insects
34.3% – reduction of pesticides
Table 1. Percent value of participant’s perception of their level of knowledge as a result of the Integrated Pest Management Adult Education Program.
|
Perceptual Knowledge Based Change |
Increase in Knowledge |
Moved up 1 level |
Moved up 2 levels |
Moved up 3 levels |
| Understanding of Integrated Pest Management |
86% |
26.9% |
45.7% |
11% |
| Understanding of Low Impact Pesticides |
93.6% |
34.4% |
40.2% |
16.3% |
| Understanding of Beneficial Insects in the Garden |
93.3% |
31.5% |
38.5% |
23.6% |
| Understanding of Harmful Insects in the Garden |
89.3% |
27.5% |
40.7% |
21.2% |
Table 2. Percent value of participant’s perception of their level of knowledge as a result of Structural Pest Management CEU Course.
|
Perceptual Knowledge Based Change |
Increase in Knowledge |
Moved up 1 level |
Moved up 2 levels |
Moved up 3 levels |
| Understanding of Integrated Pest Management of Bed Bugs |
66.7% |
33.3% |
33.3% |
0% |
| Understanding of Integrated Pest Management of Cockroaches |
58.3% |
50% |
8.3% |
0% |
| Understanding of Termites |
50% |
50% |
0% |
0% |
| Understanding of Lawn and Ornamental Pests |
66.7% |
33.3% |
16.7% |
16.7% |
| Perceptual Knowledge Based Change |
Increase in Knowledge |
Moved up 1 level |
Moved up 2 levels |
Moved up 3 levels |
| I can identify insect to order |
100% |
50% |
50% |
0% |
| I can explain the concept of IPM to others |
89.5% |
52.6% |
36.8% |
0% |
| I can choose a low impact pesticides for a given pest problem |
78.9% |
31.6% |
47.4% |
0% |
| I can suggest the most appropriate treatment for a client with a fire ant problem |
94.1% |
41.2% |
47.1% |
5.9% |
| I know where to go for information about exotic and emerging pests |
88.9% |
50.0% |
33.3% |
5.6% |
| I can prepare insect specimens in an appropriate way for exhibit and study |
100% |
42.1% |
52.6% |
5.3% |
| I can recognize and recommend a solution for an insect attacking a landscape plant |
89.5% |
73.7% |
15.8% |
0% |
| I can recognize and recommend a solution for an insect pest of vegetables |
83.3% |
55.6% |
27.8% |
0% |
| I can recognize and recommend a solution for an insect found in the home |
94.7% |
57.9%
|
36.8% |
0% |
| I can select plants that would be good for a butterfly garden |
63.2% |
36.8% |
21.1%
|
5.3% |
| I understand the difference between biting insects and delusory parasitosis |
94.4% |
38.9% |
33.3% |
22.2% |
| I can identify common beneficial arthropods in the garden |
100% |
68.4% |
21.1% |
5.6% |
| I can identify and recommend a solution for mites in the landscape and garden |
100% |
52.6% |
31.6% |
5.3% |
| I can perform insect photography |
68.4% |
57.9% |
10.5% |
0% |
| I can identify different types of spiders |
94.7% |
63.2% |
26.3% |
5.3% |
| I know of reliable resources that I can go to for answer to insect questions if I do not know the answer |
94.7% |
42.1% |
47.4% |
5.3% |
For more information on this program or others like it, please contact Molly Keck at Bexar County Texas AgriLife Extension (210)467-6575 or mekeck@ag.tamu.edu