Integrated Pest Management Intervention in Child Care Centers Improves Knowledge, Pest Control, and Practices

Abstract

IntroductionTo reduce young children's exposure to pests and pesticides, an integrated pest management (IPM) intervention was provided for child care center staff. MethodsThe 7-month IPM education and consultation intervention was conducted by trained nurse child care health consultants in 44 child care centers in California. IPM knowledge surveys were completed by child care staff, objective IPM assessments were completed by research assistants pre- and postintervention, and activity logs were completed by the nurses. ResultsThere were significant increases in IPM knowledge for the child care staff who attended workshops. There were reductions in the prevalence of pests and increases in IPM practices at the postintervention compared with the preintervention time point. The nurses consulted an average of 5.4 hours per center. DiscussionA nurse-led IPM intervention in child care centers can reduce exposure to harmful substances for young children attending child care centers.