This list includes terms used in all content associated with Urban Integrated Pest Management. Click a letter below to view the words for that letter.
A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U |
V | W | X | Y | Z
A
action thresholds (action level)
The number of pests or level of pest damage requiring action to prevent damage from exceeding tolerable levels. For some pests posing an immediate health hazard, the action threshold will be one (for example, a single yellow jacket in a classroom). For others, such as houseflies in the dumpster area, a higher number may be more tolerable before action is needed.
For some pests, action may be needed before pests or pest damage appears. In those cases, an action threshold may be defined as a set of conditions, e.g., a plant is at a susceptible stage for a disease under the right weather conditions.
Including written action thresholds in an IPM plan presents a clear statement of intentions before a pest event occurs. This guidance can prevent under or over-reactions to pest problems by those called to respond to the situation.
For a great explanation of action thresholds, see Maryland Department of Agriculture, ―Action Thresholds in School IPM Programs.Pesticide Regulation Section, Annapolis, MD. 10 pp. Available at schoolipm.ifas.ufl.edu/tp.htm
acute toxicity
Acute toxicity is the ability of a substance to cause adverse effects within a short period following dosing or exposure, usually 96 hours or less.
aerosol
system of fine or solid or liquid particles (<30μm diameter) dispersed in a gas. Aerosol cans using an inert compressed propellant are a common means of dispensing insecticides for household use, and for commercial use against stinging insect nests.
aesthetic threshold
the pest density or level of damage based on appearance rather than potential for health, economic or structural harm. For example, a decision might be made to act against dandelions in a school lawn based on the number of dandelions present creating an unsightly appearance. Regulations in at least one state (Connecticut) prohibit the use of pesticides for aesthetic purposes on school grounds.
anti-microbial pesticide
a pesticide used for management of microbial pests including viruses, bacteria, algae and protozoa or the purpose of disinfecting or sanitizing. Anti-microbials do not include fungicides used on plants.
asthma trigger
allergens and irritants that can play a significant role in initiating an asthma attack.
B
beneficial organism or beneficial
a living thing that provides benefits to humans, including those that may reduce pest problems by feeding on pests. A yellow jacket can be a beneficial in gardens, for example, by capturing and removing plant-eating caterpillars to feed its young, and a pest when entering or nesting in or near structures.
biological control
management of pest populations using other living organisms such as pathogens, predators, parasites and parasitoids.
biopesticide
a compound produced from living organisms or their products which is used to suppress pest populations.
broadcast treatment
the application of pesticides over a large area, such as an entire athletic field, rather than a spot treatment to a small, localized areas where pests are concentrated, congregating or are just beginning to emerge.
C
calibration
the process of adjusting the output of pesticide application equipment so that the proper amount of pesticide can be applied to a given area.
canker
a dead, discolored, often sunken area on a plant.
carcinogen
a substance or agent that produces or incites cancerous growth.
caulk
materials used for filling small gaps (less than 1/4" or 6mm) on surfaces where little or no movement is expected. They do not return to their original size and shape after being stretched or compressed.
change agent
an individual who helps to communicate the excitement, possibilities and details of a change in behavior to others.
chronic toxicity
capacity for a substance to produce injury to a living organism in which symptoms develop slowly over a long period of time, or recur frequently following exposure (whether or not they occur immediately upon exposure or are delayed).
common name
the generally used, non–Latin name given to plants, animals, or insects.
compaction
a compression of soil that results in poor water drainage, air movement and root growth.
compartment
part of an organism or ecosystem considered as an independent system for purposes of uptake, distribution and dissipation or a pesticide.
contaminant
any physical, chemical, biological or radiological substance or matter that has an adverse effect on air, water or soil.
complete metamorphosis
in insects, development where the immature stages consist of an egg followed by a series of larvae and then a pupal stage before the adult.
cross resistance
reduced susceptibility of a pest to more than one pesticide by the same mechanism, e.g., an insect may develop a mutation that detoxifies one insecticide, and that mutation may act in the same way to detoxify one or more additional insecticides.
cultural control
management of pests by manipulation of the school environment or implementation of preventive practices including using plants that are resistant to pests, raising the cutting height of turf to shade out weeds, aerating turf to reduce compaction and plant stress, etc.
cuticle
the outer waxy protective covering of plants and arthropods that aids in preventing moisture loss.
D
dermal
pertaining to the skin; absorption through the skin is one of the main ways in which pesticides can enter the body.
desiccation
drying out, for example, of a plant or insect. Some pesticides act through desiccation by damaging the waxy coating that naturally covers insects and protects them from dehydration.
diagnostic
distinguishing characteristics serving to identify or determine the presence of a disease or other condition.
diatomaceous earth
a geologic deposit of fine, grayish material composed chiefly or wholly of the remains of diatoms; it may occur as a powder or as a porous, rigid material; used in insecticides.
dieback
progressive death of shoots, leaves or roots, beginning at the tips.
disease
an abnormal condition, caused by living organisms or environmental changes, that impairs the normal functions of a living organism.
dormant
to become inactive due to environmental changes.
drift
the movement of pesticide away from the target area.
duster
an apparatus for applying pesticides in dry form.
E
economic damage
damage caused by pests which results in loss of income or a reduction of value.
economic threshold
the point at which the value of the damage caused by a pest exceeds the cost of managing the pest.
endocrine disruption
disruption of the endocrine system of humans and wildlife caused by selected chemicals.
endocrine disruptors
chemicals found to disrupt the endocrine system of humans and wildlife.
environmental contamination
the introduction into water, air and/or soil of microorganisms, chemicals, toxic substances, wastes or wastewater in a concentration that makes the medium unfit for its next intended use. Also applies to surfaces of objects, buildings and various household and agricultural use products.
exclusion
reducing pest problems by preventing pests from entering buildings or other areas. For example, installing door sweeps can be an effective exclusion technique to keep mice from entering school buildings.
eXtension
(pronounced ‗e x ten shun‘) an Internet-based collaborative environment where Land Grant University content providers exchange objective, research-based knowledge to solve real challenges in real time. (about.extension.org/)
F
frass
fecal material produced by insects.
fumigant
a volatile substance that produces toxic or suffocating gases which is used to destroy insects, pathogens or other pests.
fungicide
a pesticide used for management of fungi.
fungus
(pl. fungi) a living microorganism characterized by a cell wall containing chitin and lacking chlorophyll. About 50 species cause disease in animals and more than 10,000 species cause plant diseases. Most of the more than 100,000 species of fungi are beneficial and feed on dead plant and animal matter which they help to decompose.
G
glue board
a small cardboard sheet or boxlike apparatus having one or more surfaces coated with a sticky paste for capturing pests.
gradual metamorphosis
in insects, development where the immature stages are the egg followed by a series of nymphs which are very similar in appearance to and habits of the adult stage, with no pupal stage.
grub
the immature (larval) life stage of certain beetles (Order: Coleoptera). For example, several grub species infest lawns and feed on grass roots. When reaching the adult or beetle stage, these species feed on plant foliage.
H
harborage
locations where pests seek shelter. For example, cockroaches use gaps between wall-mounted equipment and walls, cardboard boxes and other spaces where they can maintain upper and under-body contact with surfaces as harborage.
herbicide
a pesticide used for the management of weeds.
I
indoor air quality (IAQ)
the quality of breathable air inside a habitable structure or conveyance.
inoculum
pathogen or part of a pathogen that can cause infection.
infestation
a troublesome level of pests within a particular area or associated with a plant or group of plants.
infiltration rate
the rate at which ponded water on a soil surface enters the soil profile.
insecticide
a pesticide used for the management of insects. Some insecticides are also used for the management of ticks, mites, spiders and other arthropods.
instar
in insects, the stage between molts or shedding of the exoskeleton. For example, a grub may pass through four or five larval instars before pupating prior to becoming a beetle. The early instars of some insects are more susceptible to pesticides. For example Bacillus thuringiensis can be effective when used against early, but not later instar caterpillars.
inspection
the systematic examination of a site for pest activity or conditions that might encourage or allow pests to become a problem. Careful regular inspection of school buildings and grounds with a focus on pest vulnerable areas such as loading docks, kitchens, food storerooms, cafeterias, mechanical rooms and teachers‘ lounges can greatly reduce pest problems and the need for pesticide applications or other interventions.
Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
a decision-making process that coordinates the use of pest biology, environmental information, and available technology to prevent unacceptable levels of pest damage by the most economical means, while posing the least possible risk to people, property, resources, and the environment. IPM provides an effective strategy for managing pests in all arenas from developed residential and public areas to wild lands. IPM serves as an umbrella to provide an effective, all encompassing, low-risk approach to protect resources and people from pests (from USDA IPM Roadmap, May 17, 2004, northeastipm.org/whatis_ipmroadmap.pdf) (PDF) IPM Committee – a group designated to addresses pest management issues on an ongoing basis. The committee should include representation from all segments of the school community, including administration, staff and parents. The role of the committee is to formulate IPM policy and plans and provide oversight and ongoing decision-making, incorporating input from all interested parties.
IPM Continuum
the progression of pest management strategies from high-risk, reaction-based action towards least-risk, long-term prevention and avoidance of pest problems. The Continuum begins with a focus on monitoring and chemical suppression when pests approach unacceptable levels, and ends with balanced systems where pests remain at tolerable levels with minimal cultural and biological interventions.
IPM Coordinator
the school employee responsible for day-to-day interpretation of the IPM policy for a school or school system. The IPM Coordinator may or may not be a pest management professional, but is the decision-maker who receives specialized training in IPM, accesses the advice of professionals and chooses a course of action. For example, the IPM Coordinator may be the facilities manager or environmental manager. For schools with an in-house professional pest management program, the IPM Coordinator may also be the Pest Manager.
IPM Plan
a written document including specific information regarding the operation of the school‘s IPM program. The IPM plan may include a description of IPM roles for all school staff, parents, students and other community members; pesticide application notification and posting policies; list of key pests; action thresholds, a hazard-based hierarchy of management options and prevention/avoidance strategies to be used for key pests; inspection schedules for school facilities; policies for working with outside contractors; lists of resources for resolving technical questions; and other pertinent information. The IPM plan provides an excellent tool for training new personnel including during management transitions. The plan is a living document, updated frequently with new information as it becomes available. IPM plans are often developed in binder format so that information can be easily added and updated.
IPM Policy
a written document stating a school‘s commitment to IPM and defining overall IPM goals. This document is updated periodically and used to guide decision-making as the IPM program is implemented.
K
key pest
an insect, mite, disease, nematode or weed that frequently results in unacceptable damage and thus typically requires a management action. Key pests vary from one region to the next. Key pest status is dependent on action thresholds set for the pest. For example, cutworms may be a key pest on high-visibility athletic fields, but not on adjacent lawn areas where the typical level of cutworm damage is very tolerable.
L
larva
(pl. larvae) the typically soft-bodied and worm like immature life stage between the egg and pupal stage of an insect that undergoes complete metamorphosis, such as a moth (caterpillar), beetle (grub), wasp (larva) or fly (maggot). For nematodes, larva refers to any life stage between embryo and adult.
LC50
the concentration of a toxicant in the air or in a body of water that will kill half of a test animal population, typically expressed in parts per million (ppm) or parts per billion (ppb).
LD50
the lethal dose of a pesticide that will kill half of a test animal population. Usually represents oral or dermal toxicity and is expressed as milligrams of toxicant per kilogram of body weight (mg/kg).
leaching
the process by which some pesticides or other chemicals move down through the soil, usually as a result of movement of water through the soil profile.
lesion
a well-defined area of diseased tissue, such as a canker or leaf spot.
life cycle
succession of stages in the growth and development of a living organism. Individual life stages may be spent in different environments or feeding on different resources. Pest and beneficial life cycles can be important to understand in IPM because certain pest life stages may be more amenable to specific management approaches than others.
M
maggot
the immature or larval life stage of a true fly (Order: Diptera).
material safety data sheet (MSDS)
an information sheet provided by a pesticide manufacturer describing chemical qualities, hazards, safety precautions and emergency procedures to be followed in case of a spill, fire or other emergency.
mechanical control
management of pests by physical means such as the use of a barrier (e.g., screens or row covers), trapping, weeding or removal of the pest by hand. metamorphosis – the change in form that takes place as an insect is growing from immature to adult.
microbial
referring to a microscopic organism, commonly taken to mean a germ. The majority of microbes do not cause disease and in fact are beneficial organisms providing food sources for other organisms, decomposing waste, etc. Some microbes are used as pesticides; for example, Bacillus thuringiensis is a microbe used as an insecticide.
microbial pesticide
microorganisms that kill or inhibit pests, including insects or other microorganisms. Sometimes microorganisms get rid of pests simply by growing larger in numbers, using up the pests' food supply and invading the pests' environment.
micronutrient
a chemical element necessary in only extremely small amounts (less than 1 part per million in the plant) for the growth of plants or animals.
mildew
a grayish-white fungal disease found on the leaves, shoots and fruits.
mineral soil
a soil consisting predominantly of, and having its properties determined by, mineral matter.
mite
any of several tiny invertebrates related to spiders and belonging to the phylum Arthropoda, class Arachnida.
molds
fungi with conspicuous mycelium or spore masses.
molt
in insects and other anthropoids, the shedding of skin before entering another stage of growth.
monitoring
the regular, on-going inspection of areas where pest problems do or might occur, undertaken to provide accurate information to make appropriate decisions for managing pests.
monoculture
the production of the same plants over a large area, with no other types of plants present.
mulch
layer of material, such as organic matter or plastic, applied to the surface of the soil to retain water and inhibit weeds.
N
natural control
the suppression of pest populations by naturally occurring biological and environmental agents.
necrosis
death of tissue, usually accompanied by black or brown darkening.
nematicide
an agent such as a chemical or biological preparation used to kill nematodes.
nematode
microscopic cylindrical worms, parasitic on plants or animals or free–living in water.
nymph
the immature stage of an insect that hatches from eggs and gradually acquires the adult form through incomplete metamorphosis, or a series of molts where the nymphs look like tiny versions of the adults without wings. Nymphs develop into adults without passing through a pupal stage.
O
ootheca
an egg case containing multiple eggs. Cockroaches are among the insect groups that produce ootheca.
organic
a material whose molecules contain carbon and hydrogen atoms. Also may refer to plants or animals that are grown without the use of synthetic fertilizers or pesticides.
overwinter
to survive or persist over the winter period.
oviposition
egg laying.
P
parasites
living organisms which feed on or in other living organisms, generally without killing the host.
parasitoids
arthropods that kill their hosts and complete their development using a single host.
particle size
the size of the individual physical pieces of a substance, e.g., particle size of granular pesticide formulations range in size from 20 to 80 mesh. Mesh size refers to the number of grids per linear inch of screen through which the particles will pass.
pathogen
a living disease–causing microorganism (i.e., bacteria, fungi, virus or mycoplasma).
pathology
the study of disease.
perennial
a plant that lives longer than two years.
pedicel
a flower stem.
pest
a label applied to an organism when it causes problems for humans, including damage to structures, health threats to humans, domestic animals or livestock. For example, there are thousands of species of ants, only a few of which cause problems and thus become pests. All ants, including those that can become pests, provide valuable ecosystem services including removal and decomposition of waste matter and providing food for other species.
pest vulnerable areas
sites where pests are especially likely to occur or cause damage, often due to availability of food, water or shelter. In schools, these include loading docks, dumpster areas, kitchens, food storerooms, cafeterias, teachers‘ lounges, mechanical rooms and custodial closets.
pesticide
any substance or mixture of substances intended for preventing, destroying or repelling any insect, rodent, nematode, fungus, weed or any other form of pest.
pesticide degradation (half-life)
time required for the concentration of a pesticide in a compartment to decline by one half.
pesticide formulation
pesticide product offered for sale. Pesticides are generally comprised of active ingredient(s), adjuvant(s) and other formulants combined to render the product useful and effective for the purpose claimed.
pesticide label
all printed material attached to or part of the pesticide container including directions for use, and storage and disposal instructions. Users are legally required to follow directions on pesticide labels.
pesticide resistance
natural or genetic qualities of a pest population that enable pests to tolerate the poisonous effects of certain types of pesticides that are toxic to other members of that species.
Pest Management Professional (PMP)
a contractual worker or employed staff engaged in the process of managing pest(s) to tolerable levels by methods that are effective, economically sound and protect human and environmental health.
pest management roles
the responsibilities assumed by individuals in the school system to maintain an environment free of interference from pest and pesticide risks.
pest manager
the individual who conducts actions and/or directs others to maintain effective pest management at a site. The pest manager receives specialized pest management and IPM training and is licensed and certified to apply pesticides in schools. The pest manager may be a school employee or a professional pest manager contracting with the school. For schools with an in-house professional pest management program, the IPM Coordinator may also be the pest manager.
petiole
the stalk connecting the leaf to a stem.
pH
a measure of how acidic or basic a material is. For example, a pH of seven is neutral; pH values less than seven are acidic; values greater than seven are basic. Highly acid (pH of 0-3) or highly basic (pH of 10-14) liquids can be very caustic and dangerous to handle.
phenology
the seasonal life history of a plant, insect or animal.
pheromone
a substance secreted by an animal or insect to attract another animal or insect of the same species.
physical control
management of pests by means such as the use of a barrier (e.g., screens or row covers), trapping, weeding or removal of the pest by hand.
phytotoxic
damaging action of a chemical or abiotic (non-living) substance to plants.
predators
living organisms which feed on other organisms and require several prey organisms to complete their development.
prey
an organism used by a predator for food; for example, aphids on plants can be prey for ladybeetles.
primary infection
first infection of a plant by stage of the pathogen that survives the winter (or summer) in a dormant state.
pruning
any removal or cutting of wood from a tree or vine.
psi
pounds per square inch (a measure of pressure), such as output of a pesticide sprayer.
pupa
pre-adult life stage of an insect that undergoes a complete metamorphosis, for example larva, pupa and adult life stages. The pupal stage may take place in a cocoon or shell from which the adult emerges.
R
residue
traces of a pesticide or its metabolites (e.g., breakdown products) that remain on treated surfaces after a period of time.
resistance
the ability of an organism to withstand exposure to a formerly toxic pathogen or pesticide.
runoff
the liquid spray material that drips from the foliage of treated plants or from other treated surfaces, also the rainwater or irrigation water that leaves a managed area such as a lawn or sidewalk that may have been treated with a pesticide, carrying it to the stormwater drain and into streams.
russet
scorched or burned appearance of plant surfaces, especially leaves or pods; roughened surface of fruit or vegetables.
rust
type of fungus that causes a disease. Some rusts cause a reddish lesion on the infected plant.
S
sampling
removing and/or examining a portion of an entire set (i.e., examining three leaves per plant on 20 plants in a 10–acre field).
secondary pest
a pest that resurges following disruption of control by a natural enemy.
sealant
an elastomeric material used to seal gaps where movement of the treated substrate is expected because it returns to its original size and shape after being stretched (typically by 25 to 50%).
sealer
liquid coating applied to surfaces for filling pores and hairline cracks.
shelf life
the maximum period of time a pesticide can remain in storage before losing some of its effectiveness. Pesticides vary in their stability and response to storage conditions.
signal words
the words used on a pesticide label, i.e., Danger, Warning, Caution, to indicate level of acute toxicity with Danger representing the most toxic.
simple metamorphosis
in insects, development in which there is no pupal stage.
soil map
a map showing the distribution of soil types or other soil mapping units in a relation to the prominent and cultural features of the earth‘s surface.
soil profile
a vertical section of the soil through its horizontal layers.
spore
the reproductive "seed" of fungi and some bacteria which can be spread, and when arriving at a suitable host, can germinate and cause disease in the host.
spot treatment
the application of pesticides in small, localized areas where pests are concentrated, congregating or are just beginning to emerge rather than applying a broadcast application over a larger, general area.
sterilization
to treat with a chemical or other agent for the purpose of eliminating living organisms from soil, tools, surfaces, etc.; eliminating the ability of an organism to reproduce.
structural pest
a pest found in or on structures such as a termite or wood rot fungus that destroys wood in buildings, sometimes referred to indoor pests vs. outdoor or landscape pests.
surface tension
forces on the surface of liquid droplets that keep them from spreading out over treated surfaces.
susceptibility
inability of an organism to resist toxic affects of pathogens or pesticides.
suppress
to lower the level of a pest population.
swath
the area covered by one pass of the pesticide application equipment.
symptoms
the apparent changes in an organism as a result of attack, such as by a pathogen or pesticide.
T
thorax
the second of three main body divisions of an insect. The thorax bears the legs and wings.
tolerance
ability of an organism to withstand attack by pathogens or pesticides without suffering serious injury; the legal amount of pesticide residue permitted on a product.
top dressing
lime, fertilizer or manure applied after the seedbed is ready or after the plants are up.
toxicity
the inherent ability of a chemical substance or organism to produce injury. toxin – a poison.
transpiration
loss of water in the form of water vapor from above–ground parts of plants.
V
volatile
any substance which evaporates quickly. volatility – ability of a substance to evaporate rapidly.
volatilization
evaporation of a pesticide into the atmosphere from a solid or liquid form.
W
weed
a plant growing where it is not desired.
wetting agent
a compound that, when added to a spray solution, causes it to contact plant surfaces more thoroughly.
wilt
drooping of plants due to insufficient water supply, may be caused by insect or disease injury or simply lack of water.
