TE 9_Fort Bragg Pest Management Plan_Amendment 0001_04242026.pdf

INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT PLAN

FORT BRAGG, NORTH CAROLINA

MARCH 2021

i

SIGNATURE PAGE

Prepared By:

Alan L Abellanosa Date Integrated Pest Management Coordinator

Reviewed By:

CPT Phillip J George Date Entomologist, Department of Public Health Womack Army Medical Center

Reviewed By:

Aaron S Brown Date Chief, Environmental Division Directorate of Public Works (DPW)

Submitted By:

Monica A Stephenson Date Director, Directorate of Public Works (DPW)

Technically Approved By:

William B Miller, Ph.D. Date IMCOM Pest Management Consultant US Army Environmental Command

Approved for Implementation By:

Scott Pence, COL Date Garrison Commander, Fort Bragg ii

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SIGNATURE PAGE ....................................................................................................................................................... i

ACRONYMS ...............................................................................................................................................................vi

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ............................................................................................................................................. vii

SECTION 1 – PLAN BACKGROUND

1.1 PURPOSE

1.2 AUTHORITY

1.3 PLAN FORMAT

1.4 PLAN MAINTENANCE

1.5 MEASURES OF MERIT

1.6 USING THE IPMP

1.7 IPMP IMPLEMENTATION

SECTION 2 – FORT BRAGG INFORMATION

2.1 BACKGROUND

2.2 MISSION

2.3 CLIMATE AND ENVIRONMENT

SECTION 3 – ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

3.1 GARRISON COMMANDER, FORT BRAGG

3.2 DIRECTORATE OF PUBLIC WORKS (DPW)

3.3 DPW, ENVIRONMENTAL DIVISION

3.4 INSTALLATION PEST MANAGEMENT COORDINATOR (IPMC)

3.5 PEST MANAGEMENT QUALITY ASSURANCE EVALUATOR (QAE)

3.6 CONTRACTING OFFICER REPRESENTATIVE (COR)

3.7 PEST MANAGEMENT PERSONNEL

3.8 DPW, ENVIRONMENTAL DIVISION

3.9 PREVENTIVE MEDICINE (PRVNTMED), WOMACK ARMY MEDICAL CENTER (WAMC)

3.10 OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH DOCTOR, WAMC

3.11 VETERINARY SERVICES, FORT BRAGG

3.12 DIRECTORATE OF PLANS, TRAINING, MOBILIZATION, AND SECURITY

3.13 SCHOOL SUPERINTENDANT, FORT BRAGG

3.14 CHIEF; CHILD, YOUTH, AND SCHOOL (CYS) SERVICES

3.15 POST EXCHANGE MANAGERS

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3.16 COMMISSARY MANAGERS

3.17 FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS

3.18 BUILDING OCCUPANTS

SECTION 4 – INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT (IPM)

4.1 FEDERAL REGULATION AND POLICY

4.2 WHAT IS INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT?

4.3 IPM OPERATIONS

4.4 IPM WORKSHEETS

SECTION 5 – PEST MANAGEMENT PRIORITIES

5.1 MOST COMMONLY REPORTED PESTS

5.2 PUBLIC HEALTH PESTS

5.3 STRUCTURAL PESTS

5.4 HOUSEHOLD AND NUISANCE PESTS

5.5 STORED PRODUCT PESTS

5.6 PLANT PESTS AND DISEASES

5.7 UNDESIRABLE WEEDS AND NON-NATIVE INVASIVE VEGETATION

5.8 ADDITIONAL VERTEBRATE PESTS

5.9 QUARANTINE AND REGULATED PESTS (NON-NATIVE INVASIVE SPECIES)

5.10 PARACHUTE RIGGING FACILITY PEST INSPECTION

SECTION 6 – HEALTH AND SAFETY

6.1 MEDICAL SURVEILLANCE OF PEST MANAGEMENT PERSONNEL

6.2 HAZARD COMMUNICATION

6.3 PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE)

6.4 PESTICIDE TRANSPORTATION

6.5 PROTECTION OF THE PUBLIC

6.6 FIRE PROTECTION

SECTION 7 – ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS

7.1 SENSITIVE AREAS

7.2 ENDANGERED/PROTECTED SPECIES AND CRITICAL HABITATS

7.3 HISTORICAL BUILDINGS AND CULTURAL RESOURCES

7.4 ENVIRONMENTAL DOCUMENTATION

7.5 PESTICIDE SPILLS AND REMEDIATION

7.6. PESTICIDE CONTAINER DISPOSAL

7.7 POLLUTION MANAGEMENT AND ABATEMENT PROJECTS

7.8 PESTICIDE DISPOSAL

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7.9 PROHIBITED ACTIVITIES

7.10 PESTICIDE USE REDUCTION

SECTION 8 – PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION

8.1 PROGRAM OVERVIEW

8.2 PEST MANAGEMENT CONTRACTS

8.3 IN-HOUSE PEST MANAGEMENT

8.4 QUALITY ASSURANCE (QA)

8.5 CONTRACTOR REQUIREMENTS

8.6 INTERSERVICE SUPPORT AGREEMENTS (ISA) AND MEMORANDUMS OF AGREEMENT (MOA)

8.7 AGRICULTURAL OUTLEASES

8.8 TENANT ACTIVITY SUPPORT

8.9 FACILITIES (MIXING AND STORAGE SITE)

8.10 PESTICIDE INVENTORY

8.11 REPORTS AND RECORDS

8.12 TRAINING AND CERTIFICATION

8.13 PESTICIDE SECURITY

8.14 COORDINATION – DOD, OTHER FEDERAL, STATE, AND LOCAL

8.15 DESIGN REVIEW OF NEW CONSTRUCTION

SECTION 9 – SALE AND DISTRIBUTION OF PESTICIDES

9.1 FAMILY HOUSING SELF-HELP

9.2 BASE SUPPLY STORE

9.3 COMMERCIAL SALES

9.4. PEST MANAGEMENT CHALLENGES

SECTION 10 – PEST MANAGEMENT REFERENCES

10.1. Federal Laws

10.2. Directives and Instructions

10.3. Regulations

10.4. Technical Manuals

10.5. Armed Forces Pest Management Board Technical Guides

10.6. USAEC Documents

10.7. State Rules and Regulations

10.8. FORT BRAGG DOCUMENT

10.9. INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT PLANS

10.10. OTHER PUBLICATIONS AND DOCUMENTS

APPENDICES

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APPENDIX A. FORT BRAGG INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT OUTLINES

APPENDIX B. PESTICIDE USE LIST (PUL) FOR FORT BRAGG, 2021

APPENDIX C. BED BUG CONTROL AND TREATMENT FOR MEDICAL FACILITIES

APPENDIX D. TERMITICIDE AND HERBICIDE APPLICATION REPORT FORM

APPENDIX E. TOP 30 “WORST” INVASIVE SPECIES ON FORT BRAGG (Erich L Hoffman, EMB, 2020)

APPENDIX F. IGSA FOR ANIMAL CONTROL, CUMBERLAND COUNTY

APPENDIX G. IGSA FOR ANIMAL CONTROL, HARNETT COUNTY

APPENDIX H. STANDARD PROCEDURE ON ANIMAL BITE REPORTING (Wilfredo Rivera-Hernandez. 2017, modified)

APPENDIX I. FORT BRAGG PROCEDURE FOR PICK UP AND DISPOSAL OF DEAD ANIMALS (Wilfredo, Rivera-

Hernandez, 2016 modified)

APPENDIX J. DISINFECTING EQUIPMENT FOR DEPLOYMENT (William B Miller, IMCOM)

Appendix K. Total PAI of Pesticides Applied on Fort Bragg, 2016-2020

APPENDIX L. FORT BRAGG PESTICIDE APPLICATORS, 2021

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ACRONYMS

AAFES Army and Air Forces Exchanges Services ACSIM Assistant Chief of Staff for Installation Management AEC Army Environmental Command APHIS Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service ASSON Aerial Spray Statement of Need AFPMB Armed Forces Pest Management Board CRMP Cultural Resources Management Program DMO Demand Maintenance Order DODI Department of Defense Instruction FIFRA Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act IGR Insect Growth Regulator IGSA Inter-governmental Support Agreement INRMP Installation Natural Resource Management Plan IPMP Integrated Pest Management Plan MOA Memorandum of Agreement NCDA & CS North Carolina Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services NEPA National Environmental Policy Act NRM Natural Resources Manager PAI Pounds of Active Ingredient PHC Public Health Command PUL Pesticide Use List QAE Quality Assurance Evaluator RUP Restricted Use Pesticide WAMC Womack Army Medical Center vii

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

SCOPE. The contents of this Integrated Pest Management Plan (IPMP) apply to all activities and individuals working, residing, or otherwise doing business on Fort Bragg. Most of the content of the current plan was derived from the 2014 IPM Plan prepared by James Butler, Entomologist of the Public Health Command, Region-North and Wilfredo Rivera Hernandez, the former IPMC.

The 2014 IPM Plan was well written and still applies to the current needs of Fort Bragg with few updates and additions. One important addition is the Invasive Species section and outline written by Fort Bragg Biologist Erich Hoffman and Botanist Stacy Huskins. A list of common pests on

Fort Bragg is added. Stray animals on Fort Bragg are now handled by Cumberland and Harnett

Counties through the Inter-governmental Support Agreement (IGSA). Some important appendices are added including bed bug control and treatments for medical facilities, animal bite reporting procedures, the retrieval and disposal of dead animals, and disinfecting equipment for deployment.

SITE. Fort Bragg is an installation located in Cumberland, Hoke, Harnett, Moore, Richmond, and Scotland Counties of central North Carolina. It is the home of the US Army Airborne and Special Operations Forces, as well as U.S. Army Forces Command and U.S. Army Reserve Command.

The mission of Fort Bragg is to equip, train, rapidly deploy, and sustain full spectrum forces supporting Combatant Commanders from a Community of Excellence where Soldiers, Families and Civilians thrive.

OVERVIEW. Federal Agencies are mandated by Public Law (Section 136 r-1 of title 7, United

States Code) to use Integrated Pest Management (IPM). This IPMP for Fort Bragg describes past and anticipated pests, and outlines the resources necessary for surveillance and management of these pests including any administrative, safety, or environmental requirements. The program uses DoD certified Government and State certified contract pest management technicians to manage pests.

RESPONSIBILITIES. The Fort Bragg Integrated Pest Management Coordinator oversees the program. Pest prevention, through good sanitation practices, is the responsibility of all individuals that occupy or maintain buildings or open spaces on the installation. Pest management personnel follow the Integrated Pest Management Outlines in Appendix A. Other pest, nuisance, exotic, and invasive species can be found in the Installation Natural Resource Management Plan (INRMP).

Before any pesticides are applied, non-chemical management efforts are used to the maximum extent possible. At no time will pest management operations be performed in a manner that may cause harm to personnel or the environment.

IMPACT. Without an IPM program for Fort Bragg, pests can interfere with the military mission, lower morale, adversely affect ecological service, disrupt and degrade ecosystem integrity, damage real property, increase maintenance costs, and potentially expose installation personnel and visiting patrons to disease.

SECTION 1 – PLAN BACKGROUND

1.1 PURPOSE

This plan is a framework through which an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program is defined and accomplished on Fort Bragg. It describes program elements including program logistics, operating procedures, health and environmental safety, pest identification, pest management, and pesticide and equipment handling. This Integrated Pest Management Plan (IPMP) is a guide to reduce reliance on pesticides, to enhance health and environmental protection, and to maximize the use of IPM techniques. It reflects current Department of Defense (DoD)/Army policies, procedures, and standards and incorporates the requirements of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the State of

North Carolina.

1.2 AUTHORITY

This IPMP is written under the authority of:

a. Section 136 et seq. of title 7, United State Code, “Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide

Act (FIFRA)” as amended.

b. DOD Instruction 4150.07, DOD Pest Management Program, 26 Dec 19.

c. AR 200-1, Environmental Protection and Enhancement, 13 December 2007.

1.3 PLAN FORMAT

Two sources were consulted to determine the format and components for the Fort Bragg IPMP.

These were DoD Instruction 4150.07, DoD Pest Management Program, 26 Dec 19 (Ref. 10.2.1); DODM 4150.07, Vol. 1, 22 Jan 20 provide the information on running an installation. The second source is the Army Environmental Command (AEC) publication, Guidelines to

Prepare Pest Management Plans for Army Installations and Activities, September 1996 (Reference

10.4.e). Although the suggested elements of pest management plans are similar in both publications, the order in which they appear is not. This plan more closely follows the AEC publication has suggested format and included elements.

1.4 PLAN MAINTENANCE

The Fort Bragg Integrated Pest Management Coordinator (IPMC) maintains this IPMP. While pen and ink changes are made to this plan throughout the fiscal year, this plan shall be reviewed and updated every five years to reflect all changes made in the pest management program. Annual updates should be submitted to the AMC Pest Management Consultant (Installations and OIB) no later than 30 October.

Please send comments or suggestions to:

Pest Management Coordinator Alan L. Abellanosa

Mailing Address: DPW-ENV, 2175 Reilly Road, Stop A

Fort Bragg, NC 28310-5000

Office Location: Building 106

Office Phone Number: (910) 908-3245; Cell (910)-309-7783

Email Address: alan.l.abellanosa.civ@mail.mil

1.5 MEASURES OF MERIT

This plan provides the framework for Fort Bragg to meet the DoD’s goals or Measures of Merit (MoM) per DoDI 4150.07 (Table 1). These goals include:

Table 1. DoD Pest Management Measures of Merit

Measures Of Merit IPM Goals

IPM Planning All DoD installations will maintain IPM plans that are reviewed and approved by a DoD-certified PMC and annually updated by the IPMC.

Pesticide Use The DoD will maintain or reduce total pesticide use on DoD installations to a level no greater than 425,000 pounds (average usage of the fiscal years 2007 and 2009 usage) of active ingredient per year.

Pesticide Applicator Certification

All DoD pesticide applicators will be certified. Direct-hire employees, certified in accordance with Volumes 1 and 2 of DoDM 4150.07, have up to 2 years to become certified after initial employment. Contracted employees must have appropriate State or HN certification in the appropriate categories at the time the contract is awarded.

Pesticide Reporting and Archiving

By the end of Fiscal Year 2020, all pesticide application on all DoD installations, or in support of a DoD operation, will be reported.

Reports will be entered into a searchable DoD database and permanently archived.

1.6 USING THE IPMP

This plan provides a comprehensive overview of pest management and pesticide related operations at

Fort Bragg. It can be used as a reference by all installation personnel and can be provided to external pesticide regulators. The intent is for the IPMP to be a useable document for both understanding and facilitating pest management operations at Fort Bragg.

1.7 IPMP IMPLEMENTATION

The IPMP must be reviewed and approved by installation stakeholders and pest management consultants from the AEC. The IPMP is implemented upon signature of the Fort Bragg Garrison

Commander. The IPMC has the task of implementing, coordinating and executing the IPMP among each of the functional areas of the installation.

SECTION 2 – FORT BRAGG INFORMATION

2.1 BACKGROUND

Fort Bragg, including Camp Mackall and Pope Army Airfield, is an installation located in Cumberland, Hoke, Harnett, Moore, Richmond, and Scotland Counties of central North Carolina and consists of approximately 171,982 acres of which 146,800 is used for training.

Camp Mackall is on Moore, Richland, Scotland and touches Hoke Counties. It is the home of the US Army Airborne Forces and Special Operations Forces as well as U.S. Army Forces Command and U.S. Army Reserve Command. Fort Bragg is one of the largest military installations in the world, with approximately 51,617 military personnel, 71,416 family members, 14,121 civilian employees, 2,536 NAF/AAFES employees, and 5,510 contract employees. Recent years have shown a surge of constructions and influx of soldiers (Andrew D Spendlove, MPD 2020). Figure 1 shows Fort Bragg location map (adapted from Internet, 2020) and Figure 2 shows Fort Bragg area map (William P Decarmine, 2020)

Figure 1. Fort Bragg Location Map (adapted from the Internet, 2020)

Figure 2. Fort Bragg Area Map (William P Decarmine, MPD 2020)

2.2 MISSION

The primary mission of Fort Bragg is to equip, train, rapidly deploy, and sustain full spectrum forces supporting Combatant Commanders in a Community of Excellence where Soldiers, Families and

Civilians thrive. The major units assigned to Fort Bragg maintain a level of readiness that facilitates their deployment to any part of the world on very short notice.

2.3 CLIMATE AND ENVIRONMENT

Fort Bragg is located in the Inner Coastal Plain of North Carolina. The Inner Coastal Plain, a higher, drier area, begins west of the Tidewater. In the southwestern corner of the Inner Coastal Plain are the Sandhills, a sub-region of rolling, sandy hills. This area has the highest elevation on the Coastal Plain, ranging from about 900 to 1,000 feet above sea level. Longleaf pines are native to this area.

The subtropical climate of FB is characterized by hot, humid summers and moderately cold, short winters. Table 2 provides a monthly average climate summary based on data from National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) National Weather Service.

The average high temperature on Fort Bragg is 73.9 O F with the highest temperatures occurring from June to August, while the average low temperature on Fort Bragg is 51.9 O F with the lowest temperatures occurring from January to February. The average monthly precipitation in Fort Bragg is 3.71 inches, with the highest precipitation rates occurring from July to August. The humidity in For.t Bragg is about 77% year around.

Fort Bragg landforms include wetlands, numerous creeks, manmade ponds and lakes, forests, woody areas, fields, and ranges that provide habitat for varieties of wildlife such as reptiles, mammals and arthropods. It is very common for reptiles, mammals and arthropods to invade areas where people live and work where they become nuisance and pest problem all year around.

Table 2. 1981-2015 Fort Bragg monthly average climate summary (Adapted from INRMP, 2018)

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Annual

Average Max.

Temperature

(°F)

53.9 59.1 66.4 74.9 82.4 88.6 91.2 89.6 83.6 74.9 66.8 55.6 73.9

Average Min.

Temperature

(°F)

33.2 35.4 42.2 50.4 58.9 67.8 71.5 69.6 63.7 52 42.7 35.1 51.9

Average Total

Precipitation

(in.)

3.3 2.76 3.55 2.82 3.24 4.35 5.92 5.49 4.4 3.21 2.77 2.65 3.71

Source: NOAA National Weather Service Forecast Office (http://w2.weather.gov/climate/local_data.php?wfo=rah).

SECTION 3 – ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

3.1 GARRISON COMMANDER, FORT BRAGG

a. Designate an IPMC for all pest management activities.

b. Approve and support this IPMP.

c. Ensure that all pest management operations are conducted safely and have minimal impact on the environment.

d. Ensure that installation personnel performing pest management functions receive adequate education, training, and achieve pest management or Quality Assurance Evaluator (QAE) certification as required.

3.2 DIRECTORATE OF PUBLIC WORKS (DPW)

a. Determine the pest management requirements for Fort Bragg.

b. Request and monitor contracted pest management operations.

c. Obtain and maintain adequate supplies of pesticides and pesticide management equipment, ensuring that equipment is properly maintained.

d. Maintain adequate records of pest management operations.

3.3 DPW, ENVIRONMENTAL DIVISION

a. Provide an administrative liaison between the pest management program and Fort Bragg activities.

b. Assist the Pest Management Program in abiding by environmental requirements.

c. Abide by the principles of the Fort Bragg IPMP, ensuring that personnel conducting pest management are DoD certified in the appropriate categories and trained to transport/handle pesticides in a safe manner.

d. Obtain all environmental permits to support all pest management activities on Fort Bragg.

3.4 INSTALLATION PEST MANAGEMENT COORDINATOR (IPMC)

a. Determine the pest management requirements for Fort Bragg.

b. Prepare, monitor, and update the IPMP on an annual basis.

c. Oversee contract pest management operations to ensure specifications are met and are based upon specific procedures detailed in Pest Management Outlines (Appendix A)

d. Request to the Contracting Officer to modify pest management contract specifications if they are found not to incorporate the latest, most effective and least toxic IPM methodologies, in coordination with the QAE and the AEC PMC.

e. Coordinate pest management activities between Fort Bragg and the AEC.

f. Submit all pest management contract proposals to AEC for review and approval.

g. Maintain current pest management coordination and QAE training.

h. Gather pest management relevant information (e.g. pesticide use on the installation), report requested information to the AEC on an annual basis (e.g. Pesticide Use Proposal; PUL), and provide answers to questions concerning Fort Bragg pest management from AEC.

i. Coordinate with local activities conducting pest surveillance and/or managing pests on Ft. Bragg to ensure all applicable information is recorded and reported as required by this plan.

j. Function as a point of contact between those individuals who store and apply pesticides (e.g., public works, golf course, pest management contractors, and tenant-activities) and activities or individuals who document or deal with pesticide use in their programs (e.g., Environmental

Office, Safety Office, Fire Department, Industrial Hygienist).

k. Monitor certification and continuing pest management training for pesticide applicators on the installation.

l. Coordinate and monitor contracts dealing with pesticide application and keep a copy of each contract on file.

m. Coordinate with Federal, State, and local agencies, as necessary, to conduct the installation's pest management program.

n. Provide answers to questions concerning pest management from the installation Garrison

Commander, and the AEC.

o. Submit annual NEPA documentation for the IPMP update that are site specific to Fort Bragg that includes the AEC annual approval letter.

p. Coordinate, collaborate and communicate the integration of the IPMP, INRMP and other Plans.

3.5 PEST MANAGEMENT QUALITY ASSURANCE EVALUATOR (QAE)

a. Ensure that pest management contract specifications refer to, or are based upon, specific IPM procedures detailed in Pest Management Outlines (Appendix A).

b. Coordinate with the IPMC to ensure that contractor applied pesticides have been approved and that they are detailed on the annual PUL.

c. Maintain current pest management QAE training.

d. Ensure that installation and contractor personnel performing pest management are certified as required.

e. Evaluate contract pest management operations to ensure contract specifications are met.

f. Evaluate the functions/tasks of contract pest management services while in progress to determine if effective pest management is being obtained.

g. Monitor pest management contract operations for compliance with health, safety, and environmental standards.

h. Document the results of evaluation criteria of contract pest management operations.

i. Monitor the type, concentration, and method of application of pesticides used by contractor.

j. Work with the IPMC to ensure integration of installation plans (IPMP, INRMP, and other plans) and evaluate compliance by contractor personnel.

3.6 CONTRACTING OFFICER REPRESENTATIVE (COR)

a. Provide copies of pest management contracts to the IPMC.

b. Oversee contract pest management operations to ensure specifications are met.

c. Ensure that pest management contract specifications refer to, or are based upon, specific IPM procedures detailed in Pest Management Outlines (Appendices A) prior to solicitation to be coordinated for technical review by the AEC PMC.

d. Modify pest management contract specifications if they are found not to incorporate the latest and most effective and least toxic IPM methodologies, in coordination with the QAE and IPMC.

e. Coordinate with the IPMC to ensure that contractor applied pesticides have been approved and that they are detailed on the annual update

3.7 PEST MANAGEMENT PERSONNEL

a. Follow the IPMP and use IPM during pest management activities.

b. Manage pests according to the provisions of this plan.

c. Operate in a manner that minimizes risk of insecticide or herbicide contamination to the environment and personnel.

d. Provide written records of pest surveillance and management efforts to the IPMC/QAE

e. Maintain DoD State certification as appropriate and provide written records annually of the technician’s certification status or changes in status to the IPMC/QAE.

f. Ensure that superiors are kept informed of changes in pest management requirements.

g. Request pest management supplies and equipment in a timely manner.

h. Remove dead carcasses to include wild life and stray animal.

3.8 DPW, ENVIRONMENTAL DIVISION

a. Abide by the principles of the Fort Bragg IPMP, ensuring that personnel conducting pest management are DoD North Carolina State certified and transport/handle pesticides in a safe manner.

b. Coordinate with the IPMC to establish procedures for pest management operations in areas where endangered and/or protected species may occur.

c. Provide up to date information on endangered and protected species to the IPMC as needed to ensure pest management operations do not adversely affect these species.

3.9 PREVENTIVE MEDICINE (PRVNTMED), WOMACK ARMY MEDICAL CENTER (WAMC)

a. Act as the medical department liaison to the Fort Bragg IPMC.

b. Conduct food service and general sanitation inspections at all dining facilities, food courts and other commercial food establishments.

c. Provide support and recommendations to the IPMC for pest management operations involving medically important pests.

d. Conduct site assessment and surveillance for nuisance and medically relevant pests, such as cockroaches, mosquitoes, and ticks

e. Establish and liaise with local health agencies as they pertain to medically important pest management.

3.10 OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH DOCTOR, WAMC

a. Coordinate with the IPMC to monitor personnel for occupational health screenings.

b. Conduct occupational health screenings for all DoD certified applicators on Fort Bragg annually.

c. Conduct the medical surveillance component of all personnel requiring the use of a respirator.

3.11 VETERINARY SERVICES, FORT BRAGG

a. Conduct surveillance for pests, which damage, destroy, or contaminate food stored in the Commissary, dining facilities, Department of Defense Education Activity (DODEA) schools, the Subsistence Supply management office (SSMO), MWR food facilities, and AAFES food facilities.

b. Ensure stored field rations [i.e. meals ready-to-eat (MREs), etc.] are free from pests.

c. Advise IPMC of any zoonotic diseases that might require pest management measures.

d. Ensure stored dry dog food at Military Working Dog (MWD) facilities are free from pests. Request support from Pest Management as needed.

3.12 DIRECTORATE OF PLANS, TRAINING, MOBILIZATION, AND SECURITY

a. Coordinate with the IPMC on current and future planned construction efforts to ensure adequate pest management operations are in place at all times.

b. Coordinate with the IPMC during the planning phase to ensure pest prevention measures are incorporated into the building design.

3.13 SCHOOL SUPERINTENDANT, FORT BRAGG

a. Abide by this IPMP and the Strategic Pest Management Plan for Schools; Child, Youth, and

School Services (SPMP).

b. Enforce good sanitary practices for all school staff.

c. Cooperate with IPMC and DPW personnel in scheduling pest management operations, including preparing the areas to be treated.

d. Use practical nonchemical pest management techniques prior to requesting assistance from

Pest Management.

3.14 CHIEF; CHILD, YOUTH, AND SCHOOL (CYS) SERVICES

a. Abide by this IPMP and the SPMP.

b. Enforce good sanitary practices for all CYS services staff.

c. Cooperate with installation engineer personnel and contractors in scheduling pest management operations, including preparing the areas to be treated.

3.15 POST EXCHANGE MANAGERS

a. Ensure that pesticide sales comply with the Armed Forces Pest Management Board

(AFPMB) Technical Guide #45: Storage and Display of Retail Pesticides (Ref.

10.5)

b. Ensure that store employees are properly trained on emergency procedures in the event of a pesticide spill.

c. Maintain proper spill kits wherever pesticides are sold/stored.

3.16 COMMISSARY MANAGERS

a. Develop and enforce good sanitary practices IAW Army regulations and this IPMP.

b. Ensure food items for sale are free from stored product pests.

c. Ensure that pesticide sales comply with the AFPMB Technical Guide #45: Storage and Display of Retail Pesticides (Ref. 10.5).

d. Ensure that store employees are properly trained on emergency procedures in the event of a pesticide spill.

e. Maintain proper spill kits wherever pesticides are sold/stored.

3.17 FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS

a. Develop and enforce good sanitary practices IAW Army regulations and this IPMP.

b. Coordinate with pest management and building maintenance personnel to reduce conducive pest conditions using IPM methodologies.

c. Cooperate with DPW maintenance personnel and contractors in scheduling pest management operations, including preparing the areas to be treated.

3.18 BUILDING OCCUPANTS

a. Apply good sanitary practices to prevent pest infestations.

b. Use practical nonchemical pest management techniques prior to requesting assistance from

Pest Management.

c. Cooperate with DPW maintenance personnel and contractors in scheduling pest management operations, including preparing the areas to be treated.

SECTION 4 – INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT (IPM)

4.1 FEDERAL REGULATION AND POLICY

IPM has been mandated on Federal property since 1996 by Section 136r-1 of Title 7, United States

Code, and is cited in Title 41 of the Code of Federal Regulations (102-74.35) as a required service for agencies subject to the authority of the General Services Administration (GSA). The Army is committed to IPM at its facilities and installations as the best approach to manage pests and reduce pesticide reliance and resistance as directed in TG 18 (Ref.10.5)

4.2 WHAT IS INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT?

Integrated Pest Management as defined in DoD Instruction 4150.07, 26 Dec 19 (Glossary, page 16) is

“A science-based, sustainable, decision-making process that identifies and reduces risks from pests and pest management-related strategies. IPM coordinates the use of pest biology, environmental information, and available technology to prevent unacceptable levels of pest damage using the most economical means, while minimizing risk to people, property, resources, and the environment. IPM provides an effective strategy for pest management in all arenas from developed agricultural, residential, and public lands to natural and wilderness areas.” (Ref.10.2 #1). The key outcomes of a proper IPM program include:

• minimizes harm to human health and the environment

• reduces the need for pesticides

• minimizes pest resistance

• minimizes pesticide waste

4.3 IPM OPERATIONS

Although IPM emphasizes the use of non-chemical strategies, chemical management may be an option used in conjunction with other methods. Pesticides should only be used when pests are seen and observed by the occupant or during inspection by a Pest Control Technician. Monitors can be installed first to confirm the presence of pests if infestation signs are not observed such as pest droppings.

Follow-up treatment should strictly follow the pesticide label’s interval between the first treatment and the follow-up treatment. The Fort Bragg Pest Management Program reduces pesticide resistance by implementing the following strategies

• Avoid the development of pesticide resistance by reducing reliance in chemical control with IPM.

• Delay by using pesticide only when needed, as indicated by monitoring and, using pesticide from different chemical classes and rotating their use.

• Reversal by allowing time between applications of a class of pesticide to dilute pesticide resistance-susceptible individuals.

IPM operations should emphasize on training/customer education, inspection, sanitation, exclusion, control and follow-up.

The PUL (Pesticide Use List) lists all the pesticides Fort Bragg intends to use during the upcoming calendar year. It is maintained separately by the IPMC and must include pesticide names, active ingredients and percentages, EPA registration numbers, label signal words, target pests, and intended sites.

DoD policy mandates that professional pest management personnel must use only pesticides that are approved for DoD installations.

4.4 IPM WORKSHEETS

Appendix A contains outlined strategies and concerns with specific pests occurring in or around the Fort

Bragg area. Both non-chemical and chemical control strategies are mentioned along with personnel responsible and any specific concerns to be noted. These worksheets serve as a basic synopsis for effective management of the pest, but should not be considered a cookbook. Every pest situation is unique and thorough inspection and analysis is required properly to address any specific needs.

SECTION 5 – PEST MANAGEMENT PRIORITIES

5.1 MOST COMMONLY REPORTED PESTS

The most common insect pests on Fort Bragg based on submitted demand maintenance orders

(DMO’s) are shown in Table 3. See the IPM Outlines (Appendix A) and the PUL for more specific details on chemical control of pests listed (Appendix B).

Table 3. Ten Most Common Insect Pests on Fort Bragg, 2019

No. Pests Species/Common Names

1 Ants Fire ants, Argentine, little black ants, carpenter

2 Wasp/Bees Paper, hornets, yellowjackets, honey bees, bumble bees, carpenter

3 Cockroaches German, American, Smokybrown

4 Mice House mouse, rats (Norway, roof rat)

5 Spiders House spiders, black widow

6 Bed bugs Common bed bug

7 Termites Subterranean

8 Flies House, blow, fruit, phorid, gnats, drain

9 Mosquitoes Aedes spp., Culex spp.

10 Others Ticks, fleas, ladybug, millipede, crickets

5.2 PUBLIC HEALTH PESTS

Ants. Most service calls for ants outside facilities are for fire ants. Fire ants are a frequent problem throughout Fort Bragg. Fire ant stings are painful and may elicit an allergic reaction in some individuals.

Management of fire ants is conducted aggressively and using a two method approach of broadcast applications and spot treatments for problem and/or critical nests. Aerial applications using ant bait

Esteem (Pyriproxyfen) – an insect growth regulator, has been used annually over Fort Bragg Drop

Zones for several years, covering about 5,000 acres. Inside facilities, little black ants, colloquially referred to as ‘sugars’ are common complaints in barracks, offices, child care centers, and schools.

Argentine ants and fire ants have also been observed inside the buildings at Fort Bragg.

Bees and Wasps. Bees and wasps are found throughout Fort Bragg and its family housing areas. The stings are painful and may cause a serious allergic response in some people. These insects are most prevalent during the months of May to August at Fort Bragg. Honeybees should be protected because they are primary agents of pollination, with 63% of our food supply dependent on them. Currently we have honeybee hives that vanish every year. In 2018, 40% of US honeybee colonies perished. The main reasons for global bees-decline are industrial agriculture, parasites/pathogens and climate change. Neonicotinoid insecticides is also suspected to cause the disappearance of bee colonies.. It is the shop policy of the DPW Pest Management not to kill honeybees unless there is no other way to mitigate the health hazard. Removal of the nest is key to managing bees and wasps. Removing or avoiding planting flowering plants close to the building that attract bees are techniques to reduce the presence of bees and wasps. Carpenter bee holes are chemically treated and caulked. Painting the surface is also known to reduce damage due to carpenter bees. Recently, an invasive Asian Giant

Hornet that kills bees has been spotted in the US, specifically in Washington State. We have to learn how to manage this new invasive species of wasp.

Cockroaches. The most common species of cockroaches on Fort Bragg are German, American and

Smokybrown. German cockroaches are the most difficult to control because they multiply very quickly and usually infest food preparation areas where chemical control is limited. Good sanitation is one of the best techniques to control them. In the absence of good sanitation, chemical controls will not work very well. Rotation of pesticides that are not of the same chemical family should be implemented because cockroaches can become resistant to pesticides over time. It was suspected that cockroaches on Fort Bragg were resistant to Bifenthrin because it was used regularly on post for over 20 years.

There was difficulty in controlling them until newer pesticide formulations were implemented. Pest control technicians should implement a follow-up inspection to check if the treatment is working, especially in DFACs.

American cockroaches normally come from outside and will not establish indoors unless moisture and food are readily available. A good technique to control them is exclusion. Keep doors and windows closed all the time. Seal all holes on walls, floors, and ceilings.

Smokybrown is not very common on post, but they do show up from time to time.

Cockroaches are public health issues because they carry bacteria like salmonella and E. coli that can result in food poisoning. They are also known to cause skin allergies and asthma.

Mice. Mice and rat populations are of concern due to their potential for harboring disease and causing damage to both facility structures and their contents. Mice are common on Fort Bragg, but not many rats have been observed. There are a number of diseases that can be transmitted to humans through rodent activity. These include, but are not limited to plague, leptospirosis, salmonellosis, lymphocytic choriomeningitis, rickettsia pox, rat bite fever, tetanus, tapeworms, and Hantavirus. Most of these diseases are transmitted to humans via rodent bites or through contact with surfaces, soils, water, or food contaminated with infected rodent feces and/or urine. Snap traps and sticky traps are initially used in mice control. Exclusion is a very effective way to control mice if you can find the entry point. Baits are used only if other methods fail due to dead mouse carcasses creating off-putting smells that are difficult to locate.

Spiders. Spiders can be found in undisturbed places, outdoor storage areas, below-grade utility access, and in and around other buildings and structures. Although some of these can be venomous, Fort Bragg personnel have encountered few problems. The brown recluse spider (Loxosceles reclusa) is famous because it is known to cause ulcerous sores that heal slowly, but only a few cases have been reported in North Carolina. Many brown recluse spider claims on Fort Bragg have been made, but Pest Control

Technicians have not observed them during inspections. Other venomous spiders considered to have medical importance, such as black widow spiders (Latrodectus spp.) have been occasionally found in certain areas with a few reported bites. Other potential sources of alleged “spider bite” wounds such as ringworm or community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) should be considered. Medical attention should be sought following any suspected spider bite. Spiders are managed by sanitation, physical exclusion, and reducing food sources (other insects).

Bed Bugs. Several occurrences of bed bug (Cimex lectularius) infestations have occurred in barracks and family housing on Fort Bragg. Bed bugs cause a variety of negative physical health, mental health, and economic consequences. Many field-collected populations of bed bugs demonstrate high levels of resistance to pyrethroid insecticides, a possibility for bed bug populations on Fort Bragg considering

Bifenthrin, a pyrethroid, has been used on Fort Bragg for an extended period of time. Dr. Schal of North

Carolina State University inspected in 2012 some bed bug infestation in wooden cabins, residences, and hotels and provided a four-page report with recommendations. He also tested some samples to evaluate their level of tolerance of insecticides. As far as we know, we did not get the result of the test. However, we should soon have the opportunity to get the result since he has an incoming research on Fort Bragg on bed bug baits.

Management of bed bugs involves a multifaceted approach using cultural, physical, and chemical measures. Bed bug infestation is always treated as an emergency, and pest control technicians respond to the infestation within an hour after the receipt of a DMO. Pest management received many false positive service calls from medical facilities. The Environmental Health Section of Womack’s Department of Public Health created a protocol to minimize the erroneous calls as shown in Figure 3.

Bed bug awareness training has been provided to medical staff, resulting in a significant reduction in unneeded DMO’s. Treatment of pests in general on medical facilities is tricky. It requires careful and specific protocols that consider the presence of sick individuals and the use of pesticides that are labelled for medical facilities. Bed bug control and treatments for a medical facility is shown on

Appendix C. Different pesticides have been used in the past. The most recent pesticide currently being used in Fort Bragg for bed bugs is Crossfire (Clothiandin + Metofluthrin).

Figure 3. Bed bug Protocol Flow Chart (CPT Phillip J George, WAMC 2020)

Mosquitoes. Mosquitoes are common pests at Fort Bragg. Personnel conducting outdoor activities, especially during early evening hours, can minimize the mosquito nuisance by wearing proper clothing

(minimizing exposed skin surfaces) and using an appropriate mosquito repellent (DEET, Picaridin, or

IR3535) and permethrin treated uniforms/clothing. Aside from the nuisance problems, mosquitoes are one of the most important vectors from the standpoint of disease transmission potential. Mosquitoes are capable of transmitting a number of diseases to humans including Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) and West Nile Virus (WNV). Additionally, the potential introduction of Chikungunya, Dengue and Zika viruses in some parts of the country are of recent concern. Managing human exposure to mosquitoes is necessary as Fort Bragg serves as a major troop training location.

Routine mosquito management involves identifying and eliminating temporary water-holding breeding sites. In areas where mosquito larvae have been detected, larval management should be initiated.

Mosquito fogging for adults is typically not an efficient method of mosquito management and poses a greater risk to the environment than larval management methods. Adulticides should only be used in situations where high numbers of adults have been detected and in areas where application will provide sufficient knockdown of adult mosquitoes (e.g. thick bushes along streams) and to break the transmission cycle should there be a mosquito-borne disease outbreak. If mosquito-borne diseases are detected on-site or in surrounding jurisdictions, then chemical larval control may be initiated, depending upon the breeding habits of the potential vector. No post wide pesticide treatment was done on Fort

Bragg even at the time of serious infestation in the aftermath of hurricane Florence in 2018.

Recommendations to mitigate mosquito exposure included using repellent with 20% DEET, getting indoors before dark, covering exposed skin and overturning or emptying objects that have collected storm or rain water such as in old tires, bird bath, flower pots, etc.

Ticks. Ticks and tick-borne diseases are known to occur in the Fort Bragg area, primarily in the training sites. The important tick species include the blacklegged tick (Ixodes scapularis) which can carry

Lyme disease; the lone star tick (Amblyomma americanum) which can transmit human Ehrlichiosis, American dog tick. (Dermacentor variabilis) which can transmit Rocky Mountain spotted fever. It is conceivable that Fort Bragg personnel and pets that visit nearby natural areas could be exposed to these pests and disease vectors.

Edge habitats, such as where grassy fields meet stands of trees, bushes and shrubs, are favorite places for deer to browse and mice to burrow or nest. These areas where ticks could be commonly found waiting for a passing animal host, including humans. Personnel conducting outdoor activities can minimize tick exposure by wearing appropriate clothing, applying proper tick repellent to clothing and self, and performing personal hygiene inspections (with bathing). Emphasis is placed on the use of personal protection and avoidance of tick habitat. Preventive and protective measures are stressed through public education by the Department of Public Health. Pesticide treatments are not usually used unless there is a serious complaint along wood line and bushes.

Fleas. Fleas are also medically important because they serve as vectors of disease and act as intermediate hosts of certain tapeworms that may be parasitic to humans. Fleas can be annoying to humans due to their blood sucking habits, which may produce dermatitis (inflammation of the skin) in hypersensitive individuals. The first step in controlling fleas is to remove the source, is usually a cat or a dog in a facility and sometimes it is a stray cat under the building. Pesticide treatment is repeated a couple of times because infestation will recur as soon as the eggs are hatched. An insect growth regulator (IGR) is used with the pesticide to get good control (see also Appendix A #12).

Ladybugs. Ladybugs or lady beetles are not a health hazard, but represent many service calls.

Ladybugs are a nuisance pest, as they invade homes and offices especially when the temperature drops during the fall season. The native ladybug is red with black spots while the orange with black to brownish spots are native to Asia. The Asian ladybug was first introduced in the 1920 to the Southeast and Washington State by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to control aphids, which are a favorite food of the beetles. The Asian Ladybug, however, did not do well and disappeared in a few years. Decades later, they began to show up in Louisiana because they were accidentally re-introduced via ship cargo in a New Orleans port. The Asian Ladybug made their way to North Carolina by 1992. No pesticides should be used to control ladybugs, a simple vacuuming and exclusion are the best remedy.

5.3 STRUCTURAL PESTS

Wood Destroying Insects. Subterranean termites (Reticulitermes spp.) cause frequent damage to wooden buildings and other structures on the installation. Pre-treatment of new construction and treatment of termite-infested materials have kept damage to a minimum. All new constructions will meet the Corps of Engineer design standards for termite pre-treatment, and the pretreatment will be inspected by the IPMC prior to release of the applicator. All building renovations that requires digging or disturbs an existing building should be retreated with termiticides. All wooden structures shall be visually inspected for termites on an annual basis. All new constructions should have a subterranean termite barrier using termiticide according to North Carolina law: 02 NCAC 34.0505 (residential buildings) and 02 NCAC 34.0506 (commercial buildings).

Termite applicators conducting pre-construction termite treatments are commercial pest control companies hired by building contractors. Pest control companies submit to the IPMC the name and a copy of the license/certification of their applicators and the termiticide to be used. The termiticide should be on the Pesticide Use List (PUL) approved for use on Fort Bragg. Pest control companies or the

Project Superintendent will inform the IPMC at least 48 hours before treatment. During treatment, the initial mixing will be done at the DPW water point (behind Bldg. 3-1335) with the presence of the IPMC.

Additional mixing may be done at the work site if they have a water source with backflow preventer;

otherwise, mixing must be conducted at the DPW Water Point. The IPMC and the pest control contractor inspect the area to be treated and determine the amount of termiticide needed. After completion of the treatment, the applicator submits the Termiticide and Herbicide Application Report

Form (Appendix D) signed by the IPMC, the applicator, and the superintendent of construction site or its representative. The warranty of the treatment is five years, and the pest control company should treat any termite infestation within the warranty period.

Carpenter ants (Camponotus spp.) and carpenter bees (Xylocopa spp.) may also invade wooden structures, particularly where wet conditions exist.

Mice. Mice and rats commonly damage buildings or structures as a result of their attempts to gain entry, reach stored foods, or create a nest or den. Their efforts often result in widened openings where pipes or wires pass through exterior walls. Within buildings, rats and mice will enlarge existing openings or create new ones in walls, doors, cabinetry, and furniture. Mice frequently nest around stationary electrical appliances, damaging wires and affecting appliance performance. Odors from feces and urine are generally offensive to most people, as is any destruction of personal property. Rodent management is periodically required in and around the various buildings located on site.

5.4 HOUSEHOLD AND NUISANCE PESTS

Crawling insects (e.g., ants, cockroaches, crickets, ground beetles, earwigs, centipedes, millipedes, and silverfish) and spiders may require management in billets, family housing, food service facilities, warehouses, offices, and break rooms in administrative buildings. The pests in this category constitute minor pest problems on the installation. Proper sanitation and housekeeping will do much to discourage these pests.

Cockroaches represent the most common household sanitation and nuisance pest on Fort Bragg.

Barracks are inspected on a routine basis and treated if necessary. Environmental Health Section, Department of Public Health on a monthly basis, inspects dining facilities and food service locations. Dining facilities correct deficiencies as required. Flies are nuisance pests, but under certain circumstances may be a medical concern through mechanical transmission of diseases.

Large flies (i.e. houseflies, bottle flies, etc.) typically breed outdoors and find their way into buildings during summer months. Use of air curtains and keeping doors/windows shut is the primary method for management of these pests. Small flies (i.e. fruit flies, drain flies, and phorid flies) are typically a sign of sanitation or moisture problems. Sanitation and proper plumbing conditions are the primary methods for management of small flies.

5.5 STORED PRODUCT PESTS

Food items stored in the commissary, the post exchanges, and food service facilities may become infested by stored product pests. Occasional complaints are received from family housing residents, but insect infestations usually originate in the home. Instituted “First in, first out” rotation procedures for infestable commodities have substantially reduced the probability that goods become infested while in storage at Fort Bragg. However, some pests infest goods at the production source. These include saw-toothed grain beetles, red flour beetles, carpet beetles and other dermestids.