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Environmental Health and Safety

Pest Management

Illinois State University utilizes Integrated Pest Control (IPM) to ensure that pests are controlled in a safe and sanitary manner in accordance with local, state, and federal laws and regulations. IPM is an effective and environmentally sensitive approach to pest management that relies on a combination of common-sense practices. IPM uses a common sense approach that:

  • identifies pests and their natural enemies;
  • establishes an ongoing monitoring and record keeping system for regular sampling and assessment of pest and natural enemy populations;
  • determines the pest population levels that can be tolerated based on aesthetic, economic and health concerns, and sets action thresholds where pest populations or environmental conditions warrant remedial action;
  • prevents pest problems through improved sanitation, management of waste, addition of physical barriers, and the modification of habitats that attract or harbor pests;
  • relies, to the greatest extent possible, on non-toxic, biological, cultural or mechanical pest management methods, or on the use of natural control agents;
  • when necessary, uses chemical pesticides, with preference for products that are the least harmful to human health and the environment such as baits; and
  • records and reports pest populations, surveillance techniques and remedial actions taken.

All pest sightings on campus should be reported to Facilities Management at (309) 438-5656 or iServiceDesk. ISU's current pest control provider, American Pest Control, assists Facilities Management and University Housing with developing and implementing appropriate courses of action for the elimination and prevention of pests.

Mosquito-Borne Illness

The risk of contracting a Mosquito-borne illness in Central Illinois is extremely low. However, West Nile Virus is still considered a public health threat throughout Illinois. Here are some common tips to avoid possible mosquito-borne illness:

  • Alert health authorities to potential mosquito breeding sites in your area.
  • Avoid outdoor activities in the early morning and at dusk. Whenever outdoors between dusk and dawn, wear shoes and socks, long pants and a long-sleeved shirt. Loose fitting, light-colored clothing is best.
  • Apply insect repellent to exposed skin. An effective repellent will contain 25 to 35 percent of the active ingredient DEET or picaridin or lemon of eucalyptus. Spray the repellent not only on exposed skin but also on clothing. Consult a physician before using repellents on very young children.
  • Drain standing water in your yard at least once a week. Pour water from mosquito breeding sites, such as flower pots, pet bowls, clogged rain gutters, swimming pool covers, boats, discarded tires, buckets, barrels, cans, or similar items in which mosquitoes can lay eggs. For permanent standing pools of water, mosquito larvicide can be used. The larvicide can be purchased from many retail stores selling garden supplies. Please follow the manufacturer's recommendations for use.
  • Check screens on porches and patios for tears and other openings.

To learn more about mosquito-borne illness, please visit McLean County Health Department's website.