By Chuck Gill, Penn State News

The Pennsylvania Integrated Pest Management Program has announced the appointment of Donald DeMackiewicz Jr. as the new PA IPM schools program assistant.

The PA IPM program, a collaboration between Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences and the state Department of Agriculture, provides educational and logistical resources to help develop and implement effective, sustainable and environmentally conscious pest management practices throughout Pennsylvania’s diverse regions and sector-specific needs.

Program leaders pointed out that, to protect human and environmental health, every school in Pennsylvania is required to use an integrated pest management approach to reduce the risk of pesticide use and exposure while mitigating pests in and around school properties.

However, many schools do not have the in-house expertise to develop effective IPM programs.

Based in Harrisburg, DeMackiewicz will offer consulting services to any Pennsylvania schools seeking expertise and advice while developing and implementing their state-mandated IPM plans.

With a wealth of knowledge in pest management and experience working with pest control suppliers, DeMackiewicz will help schools identify areas prone to pest infestations and develop IPM plans targeted to these areas and the school’s overall needs and available resources.

As part of his role as the schools program assistant, DeMackiewicz will work with school administrators to establish and sustain integrated pest management programs in schools and day care centers, as well as provide training and educational resources for teaching IPM concepts in schools.

Specifically, DeMackiewicz will provide guidance and develop resources for schools in the following areas:

-- School IPM surveys.

-- School IPM manuals and forms.

-- Building and grounds IPM maintenance checklists.

-- In-person school IPM assistance and training.

-- School IPM presentations and educational booths.

As an avid organic gardener and outdoor enthusiast, DeMackiewicz said this role will allow him to bring his passion for environmental sustainability to Pennsylvania’s schools.

PA IPM leaders noted that his appointment signifies the program’s continual commitment to supporting safe and effective pest management strategies throughout the commonwealth.

For inquiries or to schedule consultations, school personnel can contact DeMackiewicz by telephone at 717-783-9550 (office) or 717-614-3079 (mobile), or by email at c-ddemacki@pa.gov or dxd160@psu.edu.

Visit the PA Integrated Pest Management Program webpage to learn more about this program.

(Reprinted from Penn State News.)

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[Posted: May 6, 2024]

5/13/2024