IPMP_update_07_20_16 contains interservice agreement.docx

INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT PLAN

FOR

JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, WASHINGTON

April 2016 - March 2021

INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT PLAN

FOR JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, WASHINGTON

Contents

Integrated Pest Management Plan

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The military mission is to operate a state-of-the-art power projection and sustainment platform for soldiers by providing them with superior training, support, and infrastructure. Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM) military reservation is approximately 90,000 acres in size. It is located in Pierce and Thurston counties, Washington, approximately seven miles northeast of Olympia and about six miles east of Puget Sound. JBLM is crossed by Interstate 5, the main transportation corridor in the Puget Sound region. It is bordered on the north by suburban and commercial development; on the east and south by rural areas, forested land, and several small communities; and on the west by Puget Sound, the Nisqually Indian Reservation, the City of Lacey and rural areas in Thurston County.

Joint Base Lewis-McChord is a major facility for combat airlifts, weapons qualification, and field training. Training activities include: on/off road vehicle movement, gunnery practice, digging activities, unit assembly, 62d Airlift Wing (AW) (whose primary mission is to build, maintain and protect a combat-ready force to rapidly deploy and employ combat airlift for America), and unit deployment exercises. The principal maneuver units are the three Stryker Brigade Combat Teams. Nonmilitary activities include: recreation, commercial timber harvest, nature walks, fish hatchery operations, and Native American traditional way-of-life activities. Madigan Healthcare System (MHS) is a major tenant and provides medical care for the command.

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is the selection, integration, and implementation of treatment methods based on predicted ecological, sociological, and economic effects. IPM allows the usage of manual, mechanical, biological, chemical and prescribed burn treatments. Non-chemical control efforts are used to the maximum extent possible before pesticides are used. The contents of this plan apply to all activities and individuals working, residing, or otherwise doing business on this installation, and will be implemented to the maximum extent possible. At no time will pest management operations be done in a manner that will cause harm to personnel or other individuals. Pest management responsibility begins with those individuals that occupy or maintain buildings or open space on the installation. This plan is a working document and will be continually updated to reflect actual pest management practices.

The Integrated Pest Management Plan (IPMP) describes the installation's pest management requirements, outlines the resources necessary for surveillance and management, and describes the administrative, safety and environmental requirements of the program. The program uses Department of Defense (DoD) certified and Washington State certified pest controllers to manage pests and noxious weeds on the installation. Pests included in the plan are weeds or other unwanted vegetation, mosquitoes, crawling insects (ants, crickets, cockroaches, etc.), spiders, mice, moles, birds, and other vertebrate pests. Without control, these pests could interfere with the military mission, damage real property, increase maintenance costs, and expose installation occupants to diseases. Actual pest management strategies are found in the Integrated Pest Management Outlines in Appendix A and B.

1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Purpose

This IPMP provides guidance for operating and maintaining an effective pest management program. Principles of IPM are stressed in the plan. IPM consists of the judicious use of both chemical and non-chemical control techniques to achieve effective pest management with minimal environmental impact. It uses up-to-date industry standard technological and management techniques to produce an effective degree of pest prevention and suppression in a safe, cost-effective, and environmentally sound manner. The use of this plan is designed to control or prevent pests and disease vectors that may adversely impact readiness or military operations by affecting the health of personnel, by damaging structures, materiel, or property in accordance with and in compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

The plan identifies elements of the program to include health and environmental safety, pest identification, pest management, as well as pesticide storage, transportation, use, and disposal. This plan is to be used as a tool to reduce reliance on pesticides, to enhance environmental protection, and to maximize the use of IPM techniques. In the Comprehensive Pollution Prevention Strategy Memorandum (11 August 1994), the DoD is directed to take immediate action to implement the objectives. Pest management is addressed in Object 3, sub-objective 10, which tasks the DoD to fully implement IPM throughout the DoD to reduce pesticide risk. The goal is to reduce the amount of pesticide applied annually, as measured in pounds of active ingredient, by 50 percent from the FY 1993 baseline. Integrated pest management outlines found in Appendix A and B are provided in order to comply with pesticide reduction. This IPMP is consistent with the Fort Lewis Integrated Natural Resource Management Plan (2007) and the final draft of the Joint Base Lewis McChord Integrated Natural Resource Management Plan (2012) which includes, but not limited to, compliance with the Clean Water Act and the Endangered Species Act. It incorporates sustainable IPM philosophy, strategies, and techniques in all aspects of DoD vector control and pest management planning, training, and operations including: installation pest management plans and other written guidance to reduce pesticide risk and prevent pollution.

1.2 Authority

The Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) was enacted by Congress in response to a growing need to protect applicators, consumers, and the environment. FIRFA was amended in 1972 to require stricter human health and environmental protection resulting in the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) being charged with reviewing all pesticides to ensure that they met the new safety requirements. EPA is charged with the responsibility of protecting public health and the environment from the risks associated with exposure to pesticides. It further requires that all pesticides be registered through EPA prior to their distribution and sale.

The IPMP is a framework through which pest management is defined and accomplished on the installation. It is written in accordance with the DoD Instruction Number 4150.07 “DoD Pest Management Program”, 29 May 2008. In addition, MAJCOM Environmental Safety Occupational Health Compliance Assessment and Management Program (ESOHCAMP) Pesticide Management Checklist and applicable sections of Armed Forces Pest Management Board (AFPMB) Technical Guide No. 18 “Installation Pest Management Program Guide”.

It is DoD policy to use IPM techniques in carrying out pest management activities through procurement and regulatory policies and other activities. FIFRA (Public Law 92-516) provides that “the Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency, prescribe standards for certification of applicators of pesticides” (DoD 1997). However, EPA changed the Federal employee certification to individual agency plans. DoD directive 4150.7-P, “DoD Plan for the Certification of Pesticide Applicators”, is the DoD plan for certifying pest applicators. The directive applies to all employees applying a restricted use pesticide on DoD property. While DoD will not certify contractor personnel, the policies contained in this directive also apply to contractors for commercial pest control services.

In addition, the IPMP supports numerous federal and Department of the Army hazardous material requirements. Executive Order 13514, Federal Leadership in Environmental, Energy, and Economic Performance (8 October 2009), requires agencies to promote pollution prevention and eliminate waste by implementing integrated pest management and other appropriate landscape management practices; minimizing the generation of waste and pollutants through source reduction; and reducing and minimizing the quantity of toxic and hazardous chemicals and materials acquired, used, or disposed. Similarly, Part 23.7 of the Federal Acquisition Regulation requires government preference for environmentally preferable products, including products with reduced or nonexistent toxicity and hazards. DA Pamphlet 710-7, Hazardous Material Management Program, requires the establishment of authorized hazardous material use lists and close monitoring of hazardous materials such as pesticides. The IPMP supports these requirements with its oversight and approval processes as well as its preference for mechanical, physical, cultural, biological, and less toxic chemical pest controls.

1.3 Plan Maintenance

The IPMP is maintained by the Installation Pest Management Coordinator (IPMC). The plan is reviewed and updated annually to reflect all changes made in the pest management program. Pen and ink changes are made to the plan throughout the fiscal year. The entire plan will be revised and republished on the fifth anniversary date of this document. Annual updates of this plan will be sent to the U.S. Army Environmental Command (AEC) Pest Management Consultant (PMC) for their review and approval.

2.0 RESPONSIBILITIES

2.1 Commander

The Installation Commander is responsible for designating a pest management coordinator for all installation pest management activities and approving the IPMP. In addition, the Garrison Commander shall provide oversight and support of all installation pest management programs in accordance with all applicable DoD, Federal, state, and local pesticide and pest management regulations.

· Approve and support this IPMP.

· Ensure that adequate funds and staffing are provided and committed to support installation pest management program requirements.

· Provide facilities, equipment, and pesticides in accordance with DoD Instruction 4150.07.

· Support the DoD directive to reduce the amount of pesticides used on the installation.

· Designate an IPMC for all pest management activities.

· Ensure that installation pest management operations are performed by personnel who meet DoD standards for training and certification.

· Provide pest management support for installation facilities, ground, airfield Integrated Bird/Wildlife Air Strike Hazard (IBASH) mitigation measures, range operations, golf course maintenance, recreation areas, etc.

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

2.2 Director of Public Works (PW)

The Director of PW is responsible to supervise and direct pest management operations.

· Determine the pest management requirements for the installation.

· Use IPM strategies.

· Initiate requests for aerial application of pesticides if necessary IAW Army Regulation (AR) 200-1.

· Obtain and maintain adequate supplies of pesticides and pesticide dispersal equipment, and ensure that equipment is properly maintained.

· Perform all record keeping and reporting requirements IAW AR 200-1.

· Provide on-the-job training of new pest applicators.

· Ensure that pest applicators receive adequate training to achieve and maintain the required DoD or Washington State certification.

· Assures that pest management operations are conducted so as to minimize environmental risks from hazardous chemicals.

2.3 Commander, Madigan Healthcare System (MHS)

The commander for MHS is responsible for the pest management requirements for MHS.

· Use IPM strategies.

· Request and monitor pest management operations under this purview.

· Obtain and maintain adequate supplies of pesticides and pesticide dispersal equipment, and ensure that equipment is properly maintained

· Perform all record keeping and reporting requirements.

· Provide on-the-job training of new pest applicators.

· Ensure that pest applicators receive adequate training to achieve and maintain the required DoD certification

· Minimize environmental risks from hazardous chemicals.

Within MHS, there are three sections that have separate but coordinated pest management actions:

1. Preventive Medicine Service

· Conduct surveillance for medically important pests which could adversely affect the health and welfare of the installation.

· Coordinate with local health officials to determine the prevalence of disease vectors and other public health pests in the area surrounding the installation.

· Establish and evaluate the health and personnel safety criteria for pesticide applicators.

2. Veterinary Service

· Conduct surveillance for pests that destroy food stored in installation facilities.

3. Facilities Management Division

· Request and monitor pest management operations.

· Obtain and maintain adequate supplies of pesticides and pesticide dispersal equipment, and ensure that equipment is properly maintained.

· Perform all record keeping and reporting requirements.

· Provide on-the-job training of new pest applicators.

2.4 Director of Family and Moral, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) The Director MWR is responsible for the IPM strategies for golf courses.

· Use IPM strategies.

· Request and monitor contract pest management operations.

· Obtain and maintain adequate supplies of pesticides and pesticide dispersal equipment, and ensure that equipment is properly maintained.

· Perform all record keeping and reporting requirements.

· Provide on-the-job training of new pest applicators.

· Ensure that pest applicators receive adequate training to achieve and maintain the required DoD certification.

2.5 Installation Pest Management Coordinator (IPMC)

The IPMC will be the pest management supervisor who is responsible for the development and monitoring of the installation pest management annual work plan and will coordinate with all activities conducting pest surveillance or applying pesticides. The pest management program will use all aspects of IPM to minimize the impact on the environment and to ensure effective preventive and corrective measures.

· Determine the pest management requirements for the installation and manage that program.

· Prepare, monitor, and annually update the integrated pest management plan.

· Coordinate pest management activities between the installation, IMCOM-W, and AEC.

· Report to AEC, on an annual basis, the amount of active ingredient of chemicals applied.

· Provide answers to questions concerning pest management from IMCOM-W and AEC.

· Coordinate with local, state, and Federal agencies, to conduct the installation's IPMP.

· Ensure that installation personnel performing pest management are certified.

· Maintain records of pest applicator certifications.

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

· Authorize pesticides for use on JBLM in coordination with the Pollution Prevention Program.

· Initiate requests for aerial application of pesticides if necessary IAW AR 200-1.

· Assure the use of preventive or scheduled periodic pesticide treatments is prohibited except in special circumstances.

2.6 Building Occupants

Occupants of installation buildings are responsible for the initial pest control prevention.

· Apply good sanitary practices to prevent pest infestations.

· Use all non-chemical pest control techniques available to the fullest extent before requesting further assistance from pest control applicators.

· Cooperate fully with DPW in scheduling pest management operations, including preparing the areas to be treated.

2.7 Pest Management Personnel/Contractors

All personnel applying chemicals on the installation must be DoD certified except for those contractors under RCI direction and contractors conducting pest management activities in Training Areas who must be State certified.

· Use IPM strategies.

· Control pests according to the provisions of this plan.

· Operate in a manner that minimizes risk of contamination to the environment and personnel.

· Provide written records of amount of active ingredient applied to the IPMC on an annual basis.

· Maintain certification and renew as required.

2.8 62d Airlift Wing (Pest Management Office)

· Take measures to prevent the movement of pests and disease vectors requiring quarantine. This would include having Washington Department of Agriculture conduct cargo inspections.

· Work with customs inspectors and loadmasters to ensure cargo is pest-free.

· Disinfect aircraft using guidance in DoD Foreign Clearance Guides when directed by the aircraft commander.

· Coordinate with local, state, and Federal agencies on cooperative agreements for managing invasive and noxious species on the Installation.

2.9 Joint Base Lewis-McChord Pollution Prevention Program

· Review and authorize hazardous materials for use on JBLM, including the maintenance and revision of authorized use lists and the installation Restricted Use List (RUL). Pesticide review and authorization are coordinated with the IPMC.

· Assist the IPMC with identifying environmentally preferable alternatives, when necessary.

3.0 INSTALLATION DESCRIPTION

3.1 General Information

Joint Base Lewis-McChord military reservation is approximately 90,000 acres in size. It is located in western Washington in Pierce and Thurston counties, and is crossed by Interstate 5, which is the main transportation corridor in the Puget Sound region. JBLM is bordered on the north by suburban and commercial development; on the east and south by rural areas, forested land, and several small communities; and on the west by Puget Sound, the Nisqually Indian Reservation, the City of Lacey, and rural areas in Thurston County. Land uses and their approximate acreages are as follows: semi-improved 23,074 acres, unimproved/multiple use (training, forest, and other natural areas) 56,332 acres improved and facilities 11,409 acres.

The host unit at JBLM McChord Field is the 62d AW, whose primary mission is to build, maintain and protect a combat-ready force to rapidly deploy and employ combat airlift for America. The 62d AW operates C-17 Globemaster III cargo aircraft to accomplish its mission. JBLM’s location is a major facility for weapons qualification and field training. Training activities include: on/off road vehicle movement, gunnery practice, digging activities, unit assembly, and unit deployment exercises. The principal maneuver units are the three Stryker Brigade Combat Teams. Nonmilitary activities include: recreation, commercial timber harvest, fish hatchery operations, and Native American traditional ways-of-life.

There are approximately 56,332 acres of forestland, 20,000 grassland acres, 4,356 acres Oregon white oak woodlands, and 5,638 acres of wetlands and lakes on JBLM. Major land use categories are: the cantonment or built up area, which includes residential, administrative, commercial, industrial, training, and open space areas; training areas, which include maneuver, impact, range, and special use areas; and two airfields, which are used by fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft.

Open areas of the installation are primarily grass-covered, with the invasive Scot’s broom present on the eastern and southern segments of the installation and McChord Field airfield. Much of the stream banks along Muck Creek, Clover Creek, Murray Creek, and Morey Creek contain invasive vegetation. Plants in and along the creeks include: common cattail, bur-reed, yellow-flag iris, reed canarygrass, bittersweet nightshade, Japanese knotweed, Scot’s broom, and Himalayan blackberry. Native trees found in riparian areas include: Oregon ash, black cottonwood, Douglas fir, Pacific willow, and big leaf maple.

3.2 Geology/Topography

Joint Base Lewis-McChord is located on an upland glacial plain at the southern end of the Puget Sound lowland in the western hemlock vegetation zone with Douglas-fir as the dominate forest species, with scattered stands of ponderosa pine and Oregon white oak. Most forests on JBLM are managed to create late-successional forest habitat. From the mid-1800s until early 1900s, the Rainier Training Area and Training Areas 4 and 5 were clear cut of forests and converted to pastureland for cattle and sheep or plowed to grow grain and other crops prior to its acquisition by the Army in 1941.

The topography is typically flat to gently rolling, with localized areas of moderately sloping land. The portion where field maneuvers occur is a nearly level plain, with isolated hills rising about 100 feet above the surrounding terrain. The slopes are generally less than 15 percent, except along the steep escarpments along the Nisqually River and along the northwest border with Puget Sound. The elevation throughout most of the installation ranges between 250 and 400 feet above sea level, but varies from sea level at Puget Sound to 567 feet in the extreme southwestern portion of the Rainier Training Area.

The geology is dominated by continental glacial deposits from the Vashon stage of the Fraser glaciation about 13,500 years ago. The Vashon glacier reached its terminus just a few miles south of the Rainier Training Area (RTA) boundary near the current site of Tenino, Washington. Overall, the geologic material is comprised of outwash gravels and till, with localized areas of peat and alluvium surrounding the Nisqually River and Muck Creek. The majority of the areas are composed of a series of glacial outwash terraces, channels, and glacial ponds. Soil fertility on the installation is low to moderate, and the agricultural potential is very limited. Due to permeable, coarse-textured soil and relatively level topography, very little natural erosion occurs, and erosion potential is confined to the steeper slopes. Historically, the relatively low moisture content of the soils combined with natural fires maintained much of the installation area as a prairie ecosystem.

The hills of the RTA, which are located in the Southwest portion of the installation, are predominantly Vashon moraine and some till, with a small area of older (pre-Fraser) glacial drift near the southwestern boundary. One major area of outwash gravels (Weir Prairie) occurs on the terraced plains northwest of the town of Rainier. The typical ground surface on the northern portion of the base consists of Spanaway gravelly sandy loam, which is very permeable. Steilacoom outwash gravel is generally found beneath the surface alluvium and this gravel commonly contains "kettles" or depressions left where large blocks of glacial ice melted. The soils that have developed on the glacial deposits primarily consist of well-and excessively-drained soils approximately two feet deep. Most have poor water-holding capacity during the dry summer months, and have relatively low fertility. Highly pervious soils are limiting factors for natural vegetation and landscape plantings. Upper soil levels become very dry during the summer months, which are low in rainfall, and require irrigation of planted areas.

3.3 Climate

The Puget Sound region has a relatively mild climate. The Olympic Mountains buffer the area from the weather that arrives from the Pacific Ocean. The summer months are characterized by moderate temperatures and light and variable winds, which tend to blow from the north. Summer weather is often dominated by persistent high-pressure areas, resulting in some stagnant air conditions. This weather pattern can contribute to the formation of photochemical smog, as indicated by high ozone concentrations downwind from urban centers. Calm or light and variable wind conditions occur over 14 percent of the time. Numerous storm fronts pass through the area, mostly during the spring and fall. Winter weather can produce stable or stagnant conditions that coincide with temperature inversions. The annual precipitation generally ranges from 30 to 40 inches per year.

4.0 INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT PLAN

4.1 Legal Mandate

This IPMP is written in accordance with DoD Instruction 4150.07 “DoD Pest Management Program”, 29 May 2008, AR 200-1 “Environmental Protection and Enhancement”, 13 December 2007. IPM is a method of choice for DoD pest management and disease vector control. It is a sustainable approach to managing pests and controlling disease vectors by combining applicable pest management tools in a way that minimizes economic, health, and environmental risks. DoD policy requires the use of IPM techniques in carrying out pest activities and promote IPM through procurement and regulatory policies and other activities. IPM will be used to prevent or control pests and disease vectors that may adversely impact readiness or military operations by affecting the health of personnel, or by damaging structures, materiel, or property. These regulations mandate the protection of real property and the health of soldiers, civilians, and family members from pests through use of IPM strategies, reduce the use of chemical pesticides, and reduce environmental risks from pesticides through proper storage, handling, application, and disposal of pesticides. The legal mandate is that all federal facilities will incorporate IPM strategies into their IPMP.

AR 200-1 further states that: maintain current IPMPs at all installations, minimize the use of pesticides through appropriate surveillance methods and programs, ensure that all pesticide applicators are appropriately trained and certified, develop and enforce measures to properly store and safeguard pesticides and pesticide application equipment for installation pesticide security, ensure all pesticide waste is properly disposed, prepare an IPMP that defines pest management requirements, responsibilities, and resources needed to correct pest problems at each installation, and coordinate the IPMP with all affected parties.

Monitoring and controlling pests that pose a threat to the health and safety of the installation population is a critical component of AR 200-1. Regular or scheduled monitoring is used to determine if and when treatments are needed and employs physical, mechanical, educational, biological, genetic, regulatory, and chemical tactics to keep pest numbers low enough to prevent unacceptable damage or impacts. Treatments are not made according to a predetermined schedule and are made when and where monitoring has indicated that the pest will cause unacceptable economic, medical, or aesthetic damage. Treatments are chosen and timed to be most effective and least disruptive to natural control of pests. Least hazardous, but effective, pesticides are used as a last resort.

A comprehensive approach to pest management or prevention considers various chemical, physical, and biological suppression techniques; the habitat of the pest; and the interrelationship between pest populations and the ecosystem. Although IPM emphasizes the use of non-chemical strategies, chemical control may be an option used in conjunction with other methods. Integrated pest management strategies depend on surveillance to establish the need for control and to monitor the effectiveness of management efforts. Various types of non-chemical control strategies are used in conjunction with pesticide application to manage pests. The goal to achieve effective pest management without relying on chemical applications will probably not be realized due to the sheer number of invasive plant species present on JBLM. However, the goal of reducing pesticide use to the greatest extent possible includes the current target of reduction from the average of the Fiscal Year (FY) 02 and FY 03 usage.

The pest management program was developed in accordance with Executive Order 13423, supplemented by 13514, Federal Leadership in Environmental, Energy, and Economic Performance (8 October 2009), which requires agencies to promote pollution prevention and eliminate waste by implementing integrated pest management and other appropriate landscape management practices; minimizing the generation of waste and pollutants through source reduction; and reducing and minimizing the quantity of toxic and hazardous chemicals and materials acquired, used, or disposed. The management of pests with pesticides is considered only after non-chemical control methods have been exhausted. Integrated pest management strategies that stress non-chemical control form the basic framework of the pest management program.

4.2 IPM Operations

Integrated pest management is based on seven steps that are routine procedures for addressing each pest problem. The steps are: 1) identification and assessment of pest or disease vector problems, 2) development of a written management plan or strategy that emphasizes natural controls and non-chemical tactics to deal with pest problems, 3) establishment of an action threshold for each problem to define when corrective action must be implemented, 4) use of a monitoring procedure, such as inspection, trapping, or surveillance, for each pest, 5) application of a corrective action when a threshold is reached, 6) use of a documentation system to catalogue monitoring information and document management problems, and 7) verification and evaluation procedures to ensure that the IPM program is meeting stated risk reduction measures.

There are six types of management strategies that are the heart of IPM and are descriptive of the philosophy used at JBLM to manage pests. While any one of these methods may solve a pest problem, often several methods are used concurrently, particularly if long-term management is needed. Of these six types, chemical control is almost always a temporary measure and, in the long run, more expensive because of the reoccurring need for repeat applications. Non-chemical control, which may initially be more expensive than chemicals, will usually be more cost effective in the long run. Non-chemical controls have the added advantage of being nontoxic, thereby reducing the risk to human health and the environment. Chemical control should not be considered as the first choice for control without a thorough examination of the problem and non-chemical control strategies.

1. Mechanical Control: This is a direct control measure. Pest are removed or killed by the use of mechanical devices and traps. Examples of this type of control include: insect harborage elimination through caulking or filling voids, screening to exclude flying insects, mechanical traps or glue boards used to catch mice, and elimination of holes or openings that provide entry into buildings for insects and rodents. This type of control includes construction of structures to exclude pests and the maintenance and repair of existing structures to eliminate pest harborage. Mowing is used as a tool to temporarily help control Scot’s broom.

2. Physical Control: This type of control uses energy factors in the environment such as heat, cold, light, sound, x-rays, infrared rays, etc. to kill pests or attract them to a killing mechanism. Bug lamps and cold storage are some examples of a physical control action. Prescribed burning is used extensively as a tool to control Scot’s broom.

3. Cultural Control: This type of control uses the careful non-chemical changes of the pest environment to make it less favorable and thereby managing its population. Strategies involve educating people to manipulating environmental conditions to suppress or eliminate pests. Cultural control includes the removal or destruction of breeding, harborage, and overwintering habitats of pests. For example, elimination of food and water for pests through good sanitary practices prevents pest populations from becoming established or from increasing beyond a certain size. Good sanitation will help control insects and rodents in and around buildings. Another example is to discourage the feeding of feral animals or other wild animals such as coyotes. Mowing, cutting, and grading to remove weeds, brush and other unwanted vegetation are examples of cultural control methods used.

4. Biological Control: In this control strategy, predators, parasites, or disease organisms are used to control pest populations. Genetic engineering and introduction of predators are examples of biological controls. Pest populations are reduced by using living organisms encouraged by man. Biological control of noxious weeds may provide long-term control and reduce pesticide applications. Noxious weeds found on JBLM that are targeted for biological management include: grass carp to control algae at selected closed systems, and insects to control purple loosestrife, knapweed, and Scot’s broom.

5. Regulatory Control: This control strategy uses regulations and laws in areas to eradicate, prevent, or control infestations or reduce the damage created by pests. For example, some products cannot be shipped from certain areas due to a pest infestation (e.g. firewood, apples, grains, etc.). This type of control has been used against coyotes, brown tree snakes, gypsy moths, and others.

6. Chemical Control: Chemical control is the reduction of pest populations or prevention of insect injury by using chemicals to poison them, attract them to other devices, or repel them from specific areas. Pesticides kill living organisms, whether plants or animals. Chemicals were once considered the most effective control available, but pesticide resistance rendered many pesticides ineffective. In recent years, the trend has been to use pesticides that have limited residual action. Chemical control includes the use of pheromones, insect growth regulators, repellents, etc. Vegetation control using herbicides probably accounts for the greatest pesticide usage on the installation. Selective herbicides are used when targeting specific plant types (broadleaf vs. grass) instead of being broadcast over large areas. Calibration of spray equipment is stressed to ensure that pesticides are not over applied. Within the chemical arena, JBLM is committed to reducing the amount of pesticides applied through improved technologies that require less pesticide to get the same end result. Similarly, JBLM is committed to using less toxic and hazardous chemicals whenever possible. However, with ever increasing infestations of new non-native plant species it is necessary to start control measures early in the detection process with herbicide applications until other methods are such as biological are approved.

5.0 PRIORITY OF PEST MANAGEMENT WORK

5.1. Public Health Pests

5.1.1 Mice

House and deer mice occasionally invade buildings and cause damage to equipment, wiring, or other materials through gnawing or nest construction. The primary management techniques for controlling mice are exclusion and sanitation. Sticky traps are used in offices and are the main method used for controlling mouse infestations indoors, with secondary control achieved through the occasional use of poison mouse bait. House mice are not implicated as reservoirs of human disease, but deer mice (and other field rodents), in addition to the damage mentioned above, present a potential human health threat of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome. This disease results from the inhalation of the aerosolized virus found in the feces and urine of rodents, particularly deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus). Although this disease is relatively rare, the high fatality rate (50%) makes it important. Personnel who handle mice and other small mammals should refer to the U.S. Army Medical Command Memorandum dated 25 January 1995, SUBJECT: Policy on Protective Measures for Workers to Reduce the Risk of Hantavirus Exposure. Additional information can be obtained by calling U.S. Army Public Health Command, Public Health Region-West.

5.1.2 Ticks

Ticks are rarely encountered on the installation but are known to transmit Tularemia, Lyme disease, and Rocky Mountain spotted fever within the state. Tularemia also can be transmitted by contact with blood from infected animals such as rabbits. Chemical control of tick populations is not performed. Emphasis is placed on the use of personal protective measures and avoidance of tick habitat and habitat modification. Ticks found on personnel, pets, or during tick drags (devices used for tick surveillance) can be sent to the U.S. Army Public Health Command, Public Health Region-West for identification and disease testing.

5.1.3 Mosquitoes

They are minor pests on the installation although some species are potential vectors of encephalitis, zika virus control measures (see appendix E) and West Nile virus (when the disease is present in the local area). Mosquito populations rarely reach nuisance levels that would negatively impact normal work and recreational activities. Most mosquitoes found on JBLM feed at night when employees generally are not on the job. However, mosquitoes may constitute a nuisance to family housing residents and soldiers. Mosquitoes breed mostly in wetlands, artificial containers, and small temporary pools of water. Non-chemical control efforts include elimination of mosquito breeding areas such as removing and changing water in bird baths daily. Biological control (bats), larvacide (Bt), and fogging are some mechanisms for mosquito management. DEET arthropod repellent is available at most troop unit supply activities and at the Post Exchange and the Commissary for individual relief from biting mosquitoes. Permethrin clothing repellent is available through troop unit supply and is carried by the Hazardous Material Control Center (HMCC).

5.1.4 Hobo Spiders

They are often found in undisturbed places in warehouses, storage areas, and in and around other buildings. The hobo spider may produce a bite that develops into a necrotizing lesion which generally clears up with the application of antibiotics. Chemical control of indoor or outdoor hobo spiders should be considered only in situations where large infestations are present and other measures have failed. The single most effective deterrent against the hobo spider is the presence of competing spider species; if such competing species are eliminated by indiscriminate spraying, the reinfestation of the hobo spider is virtually guaranteed.

5.2 Pests Found in and Around Buildings

5.2.1 German Cockroach

The German cockroach is a primary problem in and around buildings. An integrated approach of inspection, sanitation, exclusion, and education is the preferred mean in dealing with this problem. Chemical control is used only as a last measure in controlling the infestation. Inspection and sticky traps are used once a month in all food facilities to monitor pest activities. Education of customers is a must for a successful preventive control. Mechanical methods to seal off crack and crevices and enhanced sanitation practices where cockroaches may harbor are effective controls.

5.2.2 Bees and wasps

Bees and wasps are commonly found in and around buildings and other structures. The stings are painful, and envenomization from bee, hornet, yellow jacket, and wasp stings may produce allergic reactions in some individuals. Wasps are controlled with an aerosol spray. Bees rarely require management, but occasional swarms may interfere with the mission. The Fish and Wildlife Program will be consulted if honey bees are located in undesirable areas and removal is required or desired. The Fish and Wildlife Program may remove the hive or swarm and move them off-post for care with local beekeepers. In some cases, parts of structures, buildings, etc may be moved in this process to facilitate the protection of the bees. Materials moved with the bees will be discarded after the bees have vacated their hive.

5.2.3 Insects

Crawling insects (e.g., ants, earwigs, fleas) and spiders require control in offices, break areas, warehouses, and other buildings. Proper sanitation and good housekeeping are the best methods used to discourage these pests. These types of pests require very little control. Screens on windows and doors, and elimination of openings to the outside of buildings, keep these pests at the minor nuisance level. Pesticides are used to augment non-chemical controls. Sanitation and on-site inspections are used for other nuisance pests.

5.3 Structural Pests

5.3.1 Subterranean termites

Termites are occasionally found on JBLM and will cause damage to wooden structures. They typically are controlled with a borate insecticide product.

5.3.2 Carpenter ants

Carpenter ants are the most common structural pest in this area. They damage buildings by tunneling into wood and causing considerable damage to the structure. On-site inspections of wood buildings are conducted to detect and eliminate termites and carpenter ants.

5.4 Noxious or Invasive Plants

Joint Base Lewis-McChord supports the three goals of the National Strategy for Invasive Plant Management: prevention, control, and restoration. Noxious and invasive weeds are found throughout the installation. Weeds are found along fence lines, buildings, roads, and throughout the training areas and firing ranges. Most of the management effort is focused on controlling Scot’s broom and other highly invasive non-native plant species. Contractors are responsible for brush and weed control in housing areas and the pest management shop is responsible for weed and brush control in the remainder of the Cantonment area. JBLM Fish and Wildlife is responsible for all weed control in training areas. Noxious and invasive vegetation control efforts include: mechanical (mowing, grading), chemical (residual and non-residual herbicides), cultural (establishment of desirable native vegetative cover), and biological (beetles, weevils, gall mites). In general, the installation appears to be barely containing, rather than controlling or eradicating, noxious/invasive vegetation. Noxious weeds are classified into three groups: Class A, B and C. Eradication of Class A weeds is required by law. Class B weeds are required by law to be controlled, while Class C weeds are optional for control as they are usually already ubiquitous. The table below lists all the Class A and B noxious weeds that occur on JBLM and selective Class C weeds that are targeted for control when possible.

Integrated Pest Management Plan

TABLE 1. NOXIOUS AND INVASIVE WEED SPECIES FOUND ON JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD IN 2012

Source: Washington State Noxious Weed Board, 2016 http://www.nwcb.wa.gov/pdf/noxious%20weed%20list%202016_scientific%20name.pdf

5.5 Upland Weeds

5.5.1 Scot’s broom (Cytisus scoparius)

The management of Scot’s broom on the installation is conducted by several programs. The pest management staff is responsible for management in the cantonment area and along major roads. The focus of their efforts is to control Scot’s broom on areas most heavily used by the military. The JBLM Forestry, JBLM Fish and Wildlife, and Integrated Training Area Management (ITAM) staff conducts control in training areas, firing ranges, native grasslands, and oak woodlands. Due to a lack of weed control personnel, there is less effort to control Scot’s broom in areas near the cantonment area that are rarely used for military training. Mowing is the primary means for controlling Scot’s broom within the cantonment area. Populations in these areas are expanding and additional personnel will be necessary to manage Scot’s broom over most areas of the installation.

Mechanical removal by hand pulling and digging, mowing, and burning are commonly used management methods. Hand pulling and digging are appropriate for individual plants or small groups of plants. Mowing is most effective with large, stressed plants, since mowing cuts the Scot’s broom three to six inches from the soil surface. Young plants that are cut can resprout, although cutting will reduce the aerial coverage of the plant for several years. Mechanical control is most effective when done during the summer drought season.

Fire is the most effective tool in controlling Scot’s broom. Direct mortality occurs when the cambium tissues are destroyed, but fire also stimulates seed germination. Scot’s broom is typically burned in the spring and fall, although fall burns tend to be about three times more effective than spring burns.

Scot’s broom can be controlled by chemical, biological, and natural means. Post-emergence herbicides are used to control Scot’s broom, but concern for their environmental impacts, and a mandate by the Army to reduce herbicide use on federal installations tends to discourage the wide spread use of herbicides on DoD lands.

Several moths and weevils have been shown to reduce the health of Scot’s broom plants. Although these agents have been ineffective in controlling Scot’s broom, they still have sub-lethal effects that stress individuals and limit seed production. Biological control is currently not implemented to manage Scot’s broom, although several biological control agents have currently expanded their range to the southern border of JBLM after being released by the Thurston County Noxious Weed Control Agency.

5.5.2 Knapweed (Centaurea spp.)

Several knapweed species occur on…