Environment Division to Assess Community Pest Management Need
Jul 5, 2011
The Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe, Environment Division is implementing a project that will determine the community’s need for pest management. The assessment will be conducted for homeowners and business through a direct survey questionnaire.
The definition of pesticides broadly includes fungicides, rodenticides, germicides and bio-controls or products that are used to control insects, mold, rodents, infectious agents and other organisms that are considered nuisance or harmful. Pesticides are commonly sold in stores for consumer use and are also available as restricted materials that can only be applied by trained and registered professional applicators, e.g. “The Bug Guy”. When applied, stored and disposed of properly pesticides are beneficial. When misapplied, haphazardly stored or incorrectly disposed of they pose unnecessary health risk to humans and wildlife.
The questionnaire will be administered by a summer Environmental Intern who will visit homes and businesses that have been randomly selected. The questionnaire will include questions about the use and storage of pesticides, types of pesticides and application of pesticides by commercial applicators. Completed surveys will contain no personal or proprietary information and remain confidential. The data will be compiled into a community-wide average.
The Environment Division will utilize the information to determine the need for the development of a Tribal Pesticides Program. A Tribal Pesticides Program is designed to ensure the health and safety of Tribal members by ensuring that pesticides are used properly. The program wll also encourage the use of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies to reduce the need for pesticides.
The Environment Division requests the community’s cooperation and participation in the survey. You may contact the Environment Division at (518) 358-5937 for questions about the survey in addition to information about pesticides usage and safety.
For more information contact David T. Staddon, Director of Public Information at 518-358-2272 ext. 286.