Property and Facilities assists the University community to set up and maintain suitable pest control measures throughout the University. Pests commonly controlled include but are not limited to the following:
| Termites | Cockroaches | Rodents | Bird-lice |
| Silverfish | Pigeons | Wasps | Spiders |
| Feral cats | Bees | Possums | Ants |
Pest Control Objective
It aims to reduce, as far as practicable, the negative impact of pests on University teaching and research activities while preserving, as far as practicable, the diversity and natural balance of animal life throughout the University. It recognises the necessity for a robust and flexible system, that can be suitably adapted to support the many and varied research activities undertaken in controlled environments across the University. It aims to achieve this outcome while restricting the use of pesticides to the minimum.
Strategy
The strategy adopted for the eradication of pests has been developed to suit the needs of the University community and involves the co-operation of building services staff and contractors and the wider University staff. There are three mainstays to the pest control strategy employed:
A) Good housekeeping.
B) Regular monitoring.
C) Targeted treatments.
These three mainstays are supported by:
resources provided by Building Services Section within Property & Facilities, and
effective reporting and communication channels.
Good housekeeping
The delivery of regular and appropriate cleaning services reduces the build up of materials that may provide food or shelter to pests. Cleaning services are monitored daily to ensure that the standard stipulated in the departments scope of works is adhered to. Good waste management practices including the daily clearance of General, Clinical, and Animal wastes from most University sites are followed. Advice regarding appropriate housekeeping practices is provided to departmental staff if current practices require modification.
Regular monitoring
Cleaning Auditors (CLA) maintain regular contact with departmental staff and with the night time cleaners. Departmental staff report sightings of pests or indications that pests are present. Cleaners report sightings of pest or pest droppings.
Pest monitoring stations are placed in areas of higher sensitivity or where problems have historically occurred. Monitoring stations which include ant cafes and sticky boards are placed and monitored by the Pest Control Co-ordinator (PCC). Suitable pest control plans, involving monitoring and or routine treatments, can be requested by laboratory managers, to meet the particular needs of their research program or to match regulators requirements.
Targeted treatments
Pest Control Co-ordinator (PCC) responds to reports of pest control problems. In most instances the initial response occurs on the same day. The response involves a problem diagnosis and treatment that addresses both the current infestation and the root cause of the problem. Work orders to fix damaged building fabric or to block entry points are submitted to P&F Works Control Centre for action. Treatment that involves spraying or baiting is usually carried out by PCC but may be contracted out if the nature or scope of the work demands, eg. termite treatments. In all instances the use of chemicals is monitored by PCC and chemical use is restricted to the minimum necessary. Chemical are not introduced into work areas without the building occupants’ knowledge. MSDS are provided as required to building occupants. Baiting for rodents follows seasonal patterns in known locations and is augmented by additional services in response to reports from P&F and other University staff or students.
Resources
Property and Facilities provide resources including materials to implement the pest control strategy. A full time Pest Control Co-ordinator (PCC), is employed through the building services department to oversee the implementation of it. Monitoring stations are monitored by PCC or a departmental staff member nominated in the particular work-area specific pest management plan. Follow up action is arranged by PCC.
Cleaning Auditors (CLA) monitor the performance of cleaning contractors and identify and resolve problems that arise in relation to cleaning service delivery and waste management. Officers maintain a network of contacts with the occupants of buildings in order to identify and address emergent issues. Officers assist building occupants to find and implement solutions to building services related problems including pest control issues.
Reporting and Communications
Departmental staff can refer pest problems to the Pest Control Co-ordinator (PCC) or make a request for a work-area specific pest management plan from the PCC through the precinct Cleaning Auditors (CLA) or by emailing pestcontrol@pf.uq.edu.au.
Early attention to problems and consideration of possible pest issues before a research project is commenced is recommended in order to reduce negative impacts and associated costs. A list of useful contact details for Building Services Section staff is located at www.pf.uq.edu.au/Ems/Generic/WstePrgrmApp2.pdf, and includes a building services precinct list. Feedback on this service can be directed to the Cleaning Manager on tel 52177 or email p.kerr@pf.uq.edu.au.
