Tips to prevent barn swallow nests this spring

AgriLife Logo

Federal law prohibits disturbing barn swallows once they nest, so take preventative action now.

Whether you love watching barn swallows up close or dread the mess they leave behind, a Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service expert encourages you to take preventative action before the birds begin nesting.

With the migratory spring season for swallows underway, a Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service expert provides property owners with information to limit nest building on structures while adhering to federal law protecting the species. (Michael Miller/Texas A&M AgriLife)

The migratory spring season for swallows is underway, and barn swallows will typically enter the southern U.S. until mid-April.

Of the eight species of swallows in North America, barn and cliff swallows are considered the most problematic for property owners because they build mud nests attached to houses, barns and other structures. Barn swallows tend to nest as single pairs, while cliff swallows can nest in colonies of up to several hundred pairs.

These birds prefer nesting on overhangs, covered ledges or other suitable surfaces, using mud to build their nests. If your property meets these conditions, you may find swallows returning every year unless you take preventative action.

Intervene before nests are built and occupied

If you don’t want barn swallows on your property, you must immediately take action before any nests are built and occupied, said AgriLife Extension’s Liz Tidwell, a small acreage wildlife program specialist in the Texas A&M College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Department of Rangeland, Wildlife and Fisheries Management, Uvalde.

The Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 makes it a federal crime to hunt, kill, capture, sell or otherwise hurt migratory birds, which includes destroying nests in use. In other words, once a bird begins spending time in a nest, even if the nest is not yet complete, it is illegal to remove it.

“The main reason people want to remove barn swallow nests is aesthetic,” Tidwell said. “Mud nests on the side of your house or structure, along with the bird droppings underneath, can be unsightly and even pose health concerns due to the droppings.”

Additionally, nests by entryways may also be a nuisance if swallows act territorial and “divebomb” homeowners to protect their nest and young.

“Luckily, swallows are not as aggressive as blue jays or mockingbirds,” she said. “Often, once swallows get used to your presence and know you aren’t going to harm the nest, they will stop swooping down on you.”

How to prevent barn swallow nests

Tidwell shared advice for preventing unwanted swallows.

  • Cover nesting areas: Use netting or wire mesh to cover areas where swallows could build nests — typically areas like an eave or where a roof and wall meet.
  • Hang vinyl strips: Vinyl plastic hung in overlapping vertical strips may be used for places with an open entryway.
  • Add bird spikes and barriers: Bird spike sticks and barriers can be purchased and installed to prevent birds from building nests.
  • Remove old nests: Knock down old, empty nests. Birds will reuse nests from previous years if available.
  • Interrupt construction: When you see signs of new nest construction, knock down the mud daily until the birds give up on their build. Once a bird starts spending time in the nest — even if it is not yet complete — it is illegal to remove the nest until it is empty again.

Tidwell said trapping or shooting the birds is illegal, and attempting to scare the birds away is usually ineffective.

How to remove a barn swallow nest

Old, empty nests and the mud placed at the beginning of construction can be removed several ways.

  • Use a pressure washer or hose.
  • Use a pole or scraper but use protective gear like gloves and a respirator mask.
  • Use caution if handling an empty nest. Parasites and mites can persist in nests as long as three years after a bird leaves.

Reasons to welcome swallows

Before taking preventative measures, Tidwell also encourages you to learn about the benefits of having barn swallows around:

  • Pest control: Swallows eat insects many people consider pests — essentially providing a free ecological service.
  • Birdwatching opportunity: The proximity of nests to doorways and windows makes for easy bird watching.
  • Educational value: Nests allow viewers to experience a bird’s life cycle.

Ultimately, Tidwell said it’s important to remember that these birds are part of the seasonal changes of our dynamic natural world.

“They’re just temporary guests passing through and will leave when the weather cools,” she said.

March 18, 2025 – by  

Last Call for School IPM Coordinator Spring Classes

AgriLife Logo
kitchen inspection

You never know what you will find when you go for a walk around your campus

This post is to remind you that our two AgriLife Extension School IPM Coordinator workshops are rapidly approaching.  The Dallas Area class will be next week, March 26 & 27 (Wednesday and Thursday) located at the Dallas ISD Food Support Facility.  For those of you in central TX we will be in Round Rock on April 9 & 10, at Reeves Athletic complex.

School IPM Coordinators are required by law to receive 6 continuing education credits for school IPM every three years.  For a new IPM Coordinator you are required by law to receive the 6-hour school IPM coordinator training within 6 months of being appointed by the Superintendent.  If you took the 6-hour school IPM on demand course through AgriLife Learn, then you need to attend an in-person class for your three-year refresher.  That course only counts once and cannot be repeated, since our in-person classes do change, those can be repeated every three years.  If you have a structural license and receive 5 SPCS CEUs each year, you can take the School IPM Refresher course online.  There will be a chance in the fall to take the 1-hour refresher virtually via Zoom, stay tuned for that announcement.

The School IPM Coordinator training, which we call Day 1, is the required 6-hour training that every new IPM Coordinator needs to take to stay in compliance with the school IPM rules.  In addition to the coordinator, pest management professionals who service schools should also consider sending their technicians or service managers so they can have a better understanding of the school IPM rules.

If you hold a SPCS license you can receive 6 hours credit or AG license holders can receive 5 hours credit.

SPCS CATEGORY CREDIT PRESENTATION TITLE SPEAKER(S)
IPM Understanding your IPM program Janet Hurley
Gen L&R TX Pesticide Applicator Rules Janet Hurley or Don Renchie
Gen L&R TX School IPM Rules Janet Hurley or Don Renchie
Gen Safety Pesticide Safety Janet Hurley or Don Renchie
Gen Safety Using Pesticides in and around schools Janet Hurley
Gen Other Campus IPM Tour Janet Hurley and Jake Wightman
TDA/AG

CREDIT

CATEGORY COURSE NAME/ COURSE NUMBER
3 GENERAL

PEST FEATURES

EQUIP CHARTERISTIC

TX School IPM Rules

Pesticide Safety

Using Pesticides in and around schools

1 LAWS AND REGULATIONS TX Pesticide Applicator Rules
1 INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT Understanding your IPM program

 

Our Day 2 of school IPM training is for IPM Coordinators, pesticide applicators, health inspectors and anyone else wanting to learn more about specific pests and how to manage them.

Attendees will earn 5 hours of classroom instruction, 5 hours of SPCS credits and/or 5 hours of TDA AG CEU credit for the day.  The topics covered are those areas in which we receive a lot of questions, comments or concerns from schools, pest management professionals and TDA Inspectors.  We will also be introducing Mr. Jake Wightman, an Extension Program Specialist in Ag & Environmental Safety.  Jake was hired by Dr. Don Renchie last year to assist with the pesticide safety program focusing on structural pests, termites and IPM.

SPCS CATEGORY

Credit

PRESENTATION TITLE SPEAKER(S)
General L&R Managing the AG Science program to ensure IPM is part of the program. Janet Hurley
Pest Ants that bother you inside and outside Jake Wightman
Pest Blood-Feeding Arthropod Pests Jake Wightman
General IPM IPM Inspections because they are important to your program Janet Hurley and Jake Wightman
General Other Tools of the trade Janet Hurley and Jake Wightman
TDA AG

CREDIT

CATEGORY COURSE NAME/ COURSE NUMBER
3 GENERAL

PEST FEATURES

Ants that bother you inside and outside

Blood-Feeding Arthropod Pests

Tools of the trade

1 LAWS AND REGULATIONS Managing the AG Science program to ensure IPM is part of the program.
1 INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT IIPM Inspections because they are important to your program

Check out our agendas for more information about actual content.  All class participants receive a training manual, power point handouts and additional information as needed.  Lunch will be provided to all paying participants with one of our lunch sponsors.

2025 Day 1 Agenda 2025 Day 2 Agenda

To register for the Dallas Area location on March 26 & 27, 2025 use this link https://agriliferegister.tamu.edu/ereg/newreg.php?eventid=830094&language=eng

 

To register for the Round Rock location on April 9 & 10, 2025 use this link https://agriliferegister.tamu.edu/ereg/newreg.php?eventid=830015&language=eng

Last Chance Virtual School IPM Coordinator training

IPM sign

IPM sign Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service is announcing a one-time only virtual state required school IPM coordinator training on Dec. 12, 2024, from 8:00 AM until 5:00 PM.  This class will cover integrated pest management basics, what are the current licensing and posting requirements for all personnel on school property including AG Science programs.  Participants will learn about the TX school IPM rules along with requirements for using pesticides on school property.  We will also cover the rules regarding the use of green, yellow, and red category pesticides and what you need to document at the time of application and before.

This is a one time only event, it will not be recorded for viewing after the event.  Participants must be logged into Zoom for the entire event to receive full credit.

The cost is $50 per person. You can register here, AgriLife Register accepts Purchase Orders, select the “invoice” option for payment.  If you are registering more than one person, please be sure to give us their email address as we will need this information for the Zoom link and other class information.

This class is open to school IPM Coordinators and pest management professionals who work in and around schools.  For more information visit AgriLife Register for a copy of the agenda.  https://agriliferegister.tamu.edu/ereg/newreg.php?eventid=819233&language=eng

Statewide pest management trainings for school coordinators start in March

Janet Hurley

New laws in effect for school districts, coordinators to be aware of

The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service has announced the schedule of integrated pest management, IPM, trainings for school district coordinators for 2024.

Janet HurleyIn order to help school districts adhere to new rules passed by the Texas Department of Agriculture, TDA, that went into effect in January, AgriLife Extension will offer in-depth two-day regional trainings and at least one  six-hour training.

Janet Hurley, AgriLife Extension integrated pest management specialist at the Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center at Dallas and school IPM training instructor, will lead each training.

2024 trainings schedule

In-person trainings will be held across the state beginning with the one-day training March 7 for East Texas at the Region 8 Educational Service Center, Pittsburg. This event will be from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and the cost is $100. Registration is required by Feb. 23. Register at http://tx.ag/EastTexasISDIPM.

Registration cost is $240 for two-day trainings. The cost includes lunch, a spiral-bound book with training materials and continuing education units for those with a TDA, applicator license.

Class time is 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily with a one-hour break for lunch.

The dates of the two-day trainings, region and meeting addresses are as follows:

  • March 27-28 | North Texas Area — Crowley ISD Multi-Purpose Stadium | 9900 Hemphill St., Fort Worth.
  • April 10-11 | Central Texas Area — Marble Falls ISD Administration | 1800 Colt Circle, Marble Falls.
  • 18-19 | Houston Area — Conroe ISD Operations Facility | 1900 Farm-to-Market Road 2854, Conroe.
  • 1-2 | Concho Valley Area — San Angelo ISD Administration Building1621 University Ave., San Angelo.

Visit the AgriLife Register website to sign up for one of these classes.

“In addition to our in-person classes, we also offer a six-hour school IPM course or the one-hour school IPM refresher course online,” Hurley said.

Participants may register for online trainings at https://agrilifelearn.tamu.edu/s/ and use the key word school IPM. The cost is $25 for the refresher course and $45 for the six-hour course. There is also a free course available for those wanting to learn about integrated pest management in school gardens.

Changes in rules, regulations

On Jan. 16, the one-year grace period expired after TDA adopted rule changes related to the Structural Pest Control Service, SPCS, last January, and these rules will now be enforced when inspectors are out making their annual inspections.

“This year it is more important than ever that IPM coordinators for schools are aware of new rules and law changes they must adhere to,” Hurley said.

All public schools in Texas are required under the Texas Administrative Code to adopt, implement and maintain a school IPM program, but she said many school districts are still not implementing their IPM programs to the letter of the law.

The Texas law requires each school board adopt an IPM policy that follows all legal requirements for pesticide use. The schools must make their policy available for the public to review. Importantly, each district must designate an IPM coordinator who ensures compliance with the IPM policy.

The state rules require that each district IPM coordinator attend a six-hour training class within six months of appointment. After the initial training, the school IPM rules require coordinators to receive an additional six hours of training in school IPM every three years.

Hurley said one of the new rules has to do with the position of IPM coordinator and school districts are now required to notify the SPCS when an IPM coordinator leaves within 10 days of their leaving. This must be done in writing, and a new IPM coordinator must be appointed within 30 days of losing the current coordinator.

IPM coordinator responsibilities
These trainings are designed to give the IPM coordinator, who often wears more than one “hat” at the school district, a foundation to oversee their role in the IPM program.

“It’s important to understand that the school IPM coordinator for a school district has a lot to oversee,” Hurley said.

School IPM rules require the district IPM coordinator oversee and be responsible for:

  • Work with pest management personnel.
  • Ensure all who perform pest control are licensed and trained.
  • Maintain all IPM records.
  • Ensure district administrators adhere to IPM guidelines with pest contracts.
  • All pesticides used in the school district follow school district’s IPM program and current pesticide labels and safety data sheets are maintained.
  • Educate school administrators and relevant school district personnel about their roles in the IPM program, reporting and notification procedures.
  • Maintain a current copy of the school district’s IPM policy.

 

Written By: Kay Ledbetter, communications coordinator for Texas A&M AgriLife

From pests to pollutants, keeping schools healthy and clean is no simple task

Schools have more to manage than just their educational strategies

Parents send their children to school to learn, and they don’t want to worry about whether the air is clean, whether there are insect problems or whether the school’s cleaning supplies could cause an asthma attack.

But a research collaborative, of which I’m a member, has found that schools might not be ready to protect students from environmental contaminants.

I’m an extension specialist focused on pest management. I’m working with a cross-disciplinary team to improve compliance with environmental health standards, and we’ve found that schools across the nation need updates in order to meet minimum code requirements.

Everything from a school’s air and water quality to the safety of the pesticides and cleaning chemicals used there determine the safety of the learning environment. Environmental health standards can help a school community ensure each potential hazard is accounted for.

Air, water and food quality

So, what aspects of the school environment and student health need attention? For one, the air students and teachers breathe every day.

Understanding and controlling common pollutants indoors can improve the indoor air quality and reduce the risk of health concerns. Even small things like dust and dander, dead insects and artificial scents used to cover up smells like mold and mildew can trigger asthma and allergies.

Improving ventilation, as well as a school’s air flow and filtration, can help protect building occupants from respiratory infections and maintain a healthy indoor environment. Ventilation systems bring fresh, outdoor air into rooms, filter or disinfect the air in the room and improve how often air flows in and out of a room.

Proper ventilation in schools can reduce pathogen spread and common allergy triggers

Upgrading ventilation in school buildings can improve air quality and reduce potential contaminants, including viral particles, in indoor spaces.

It may seem like maintaining proper food safety and drinking-water quality would be common practices. But many schools do have some level of lead contamination in their food and water.

In 1991, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency published a regulation, known as the lead and copper rule, to minimize lead and copper in drinking water. The EPA’s 2021 revised lead and copper rule aims to reduce the risks of childhood lead exposure by focusing on schools and child care facilities and conducting outreach.

But in December 2022, a team of scientists published a report on lead and copper levels in drinking water, and they found evidence that lead is still showing up in drinking water in Massachusetts schools. No amount of lead is safe to have in the water.

To combat contamination and ensure safe food and water, the Food and Drug Administration overhauled the Food Safety Modernization Act in 2016. This act has transformed the nation’s food safety system by shifting the focus from responding to foodborne illnesses to preventing them. It gives local health officials more authority to oversee and enforce supply chain safety.

Per these new regulations, every school cafeteria must be inspected by the local registered sanitarian at least twice a year to meet the minimum standards for their state and federal guidelines.

These inspections now include looking for entry points that might allow mice or rats to come in, finding areas with moisture buildup where flies, roaches or other insects can breed, and determining whether storage rooms are properly sanitized.

Integrated pest management

Even if a school has clean air, water and food, it still may not meet all the required health standards. Many schools have insect infestations, and many combat these pest problems with harsh chemicals when there’s a simpler solution.

Integrated pest management is an environmentally sensitive approach to pest management. Known as IPM, it combines commonsense practices like keeping doors and windows closed and making sure no food is left in classrooms overnight with other ways to help prevent pests from coming in.

american cockroach

Cockroaches can lurk in custodial closets and near drains at schools.

IPM programs consider the pests’ life cycles and their larger environment, as well as all the available pest control methods, to manage pest infestations economically and scientifically.

Common pests in schools include ants, cockroaches and bedbugs. Ants enter looking for food, and cockroaches can travel in with backpacks or enter through small openings under doors or cracks in the seals around a window. Mice, cockroaches and ants can come into a kitchen or bathroom from plumbing pipes that aren’t properly sealed.

In the fall, cockroaches reside in custodial closets, kitchens and other areas where floor drains might be. These bugs use the sewer drains to move about, so an IPM approach might include making sure the drains have plenty of water flooding through them and clearing out organic matter that the cockroaches might feed on.

Green cleaning

School administrators also determine what products to use for pest control and cleaning. With the intent to prioritize the safety of both the people inside the building and the environment, some schools have adopted a “green cleaning” approach.

Green cleaning uses safer – or less harsh – chemical and pesticide products, since studies have found that the repeated use of harsh chemicals indoors can lead to chronic health effects later in life for anyone directly exposed.

Products that contain ingredients like hydrogen peroxidecitric acid and isopropyl alcohol are generally safer than products that contain chlorine or ammonia.

man cleaning a surface with glovesBut the school’s job isn’t done, even after the infestation has been dealt with. Schools need a plan to manage their pollutants long term – these pollutants might be cleaning chemicals and pesticides or chemicals used in science classes. Preserving the school’s air quality requires a plan for storage and disposal of these materials. But finding the funds to correctly dispose of legacy chemicals can challenge already thin budgets.

Over the past decade, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has worked with a variety of groups to develop the Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child initiative. This approach pulls together professionals, community leaders, parents and others to support evidence-based policies and practices.

The initiative has also led some states to develop school health advisory councils that work with state departments of education and health to assist their local school districts with managing the indoor environment and student health.

When the school building is safe, students and educators are more able to get down to the business of learning, undistracted.

Originally published on September 28, 2023  https://theconversation.com/from-pests-to-pollutants-keeping-schools-healthy-and-clean-is-no-simple-task-211018

SPN: Warm-Season Turfgrass Fall/Winter Preparation

chart of warm season trufgrass growing chart

For many Texans, September typically means cooler temperatures, rain showers, and the end of the long hot summer. This change of seasons has an effect on the growth of warm-season grasses like St. Augustinegrass, zoysiagrass, and bermudagrass. Three management practices to focus on this fall and winter are watering, mowing, and fertilizing. Adjusting these to match the seasonal change can create a strong healthy lawn throughout the fall and into winter dormancy.

Watering

As the days get shorter and temperatures become cooler, the growth rate of grass slows down, therefore less water is necessary to maintain plant health. This drop in water need can be ½ or ¾ of what is required in summer. Overwatering during this time of year can have a devastating effect on turfgrass. Common warm-season turfgrass diseases are large patch (caused by Rhizoctonia solani) and take-all root rot (caused by Gaeumannomyces graminis). Both are fungal diseases brought on by cool, moist conditions. When temperatures drop below 70°F, automatic irrigation should be stopped and done only as necessary under dry weather conditions. Follow local watering recommendations to prevent overwatering. Websites like Water My Yard,  Texas ET Network; and Water Is Awesome provide weekly watering advice based on local weather information so you know whether to water or not. Some of these services are app-based as well. Check for availability in your local area.

chart of warm season trufgrass growing chart

Mowing

The slowdown in turfgrass growth naturally comes with a slowdown in mowing frequency. However, the mowing done during this period can have an impact on the turfgrass leading up to winter dormancy. Consider raising the mower height a bit, but don’t exceed the recommended height of cut for your turfgrass. Raising the cut height will encourage deeper root growth below ground, aiding in overwintering. The taller grass also shades to soil, helping with moisture retention and preventing the germination of winter weeds. Finally, a sharp cut is best for your lawn any time of year, so take advantage of the season and sharpen your mower blades.

Fertilizing

Fall lawn fertilization can be tricky due to the varied weather we see in Texas. It is highly recommended that a soil test be done in late summer or early fall to confirm the existing nutrient status before adding fertilizer. Low plant nitrogen levels can have adverse effects on turfgrass emergence from winter dormancy. However, applying additional nitrogen when current levels are elevated can result in increased disease pressure (especially in St. Augustinegrass and zoysiagrass), winter weed growth, and potential localized water pollution. Our recommendation is to apply your final nitrogen fertilization no later than 6 weeks prior to the historical first frost date for your region. If a soil test is not possible, simple observations of the growth of your lawn in the weeks prior to the recommended fertilizer application date can be used as an indicator. If growth levels are still high, additional nitrogen may not be needed at all.

Summary

Remember, observing your local weather conditions and adjusting the lawn care management practices above to match can provide a beautiful lawn that’s ready for a nice winter rest without all the guesswork. For additional information on turfgrass care and maintenance visit https://aggieturf.tamu.edu or contact your County Extension Agent for local advice.

Check out the fact sheet you can print and share. Water, fall 2023

Written By: Dean Minchillo: Extension Program Specialist – Urban Water;  Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, Dallas, TX 

Uninvited vultures draw community ire: AgriLife provides solutions to human-vulture conflict

Two recent AgriLife Extension publications provide citizens with knowledge and tools to address potential conflicts between humans and vultures. (Texas A&M AgriLife photo by Michael Miller)

What can Texans do when their neighbors are unsightly, smelly and have the habit of relieving themselves wherever they like?

If those neighbors happen to be one of the state’s two vulture species, they can call on the expertise of wildlife specialists with the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and Texas Wildlife Services.

“The range and population of turkey vultures and black vultures has expanded over the past decade, leading to increased interactions with humans in both urban and rural settings,” said Mikayla Killam, AgriLife Extension wildlife program specialist with the Department of Rangeland, Wildlife and Fisheries Management in Texas A&M’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.

While vultures don’t pose a direct threat to humans, some circumstances require intervention.

Killam said this increase in potential conflict was the driving force behind the development of two recent AgriLife Extension publications available at https://tx.ag/VultureConflict. The resources educate Texans on how to address and resolve potential clashes with vultures while also adhering to federal law protecting vultures and other migratory bird species.

Conflicts unique to urban and rural environments

Killam said one way to address encroachment by vultures is to reduce attractants.

“As with other wildlife species, vultures are seeking resources,” Killam said. “In many cases, this is food.”

While vultures rely on carrion as a primary food source, urban environments can provide abundant sustenance in the form of food waste.

“Take, for example, dumpsters located outside of restaurants or school cafeterias,” Killam said. “If these aren’t properly secured, they can become a huge attractant for vultures.”

Killam said refuse is such an attractant that there are regulations in place limiting the proximity of garbage dumps to airports in an effort to prevent airplane and avian collisions.

Buildings and transmission towers also provide valuable roosting spaces that can support large gatherings of vultures—oftentimes numbering in the hundreds. The sheer amount of excrement that can collect at these roosting sites is a health concern when located in areas of human activity.

In addition to their roosting habits, preferences for nesting sites during spring months can lead to conflict.  

“I’ve seen vultures lay eggs right outside the doors of an urban office building or in a child’s playhouse in a suburban backyard,” said Linda Tschirhart-Hejl, district supervisor with Texas Wildlife Services.

Housed within AgriLife Extension, Texas Wildlife Services is a state- and federally-funded agency dedicated to resolving wildlife conflict to protect agriculture, property and natural resources while also safeguarding human health and safety.

“Like any parent, vultures are protective of their young—they may not fly in your face, but they can show aggression,” Tschirhart-Hejl said.

Vultures are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, which prohibits the killing, possession, import, export, sale or purchase of any migratory bird or its parts. This also includes the nests, eggs or chicks of protected birds.

In rural areas, vultures have been known to predate young or vulnerable livestock, which is of great concern during calving, lambing and kidding season.

“Black vultures are typically the main culprit in this,” Tschirhart-Hejl said. “This behavior can even result in indirect livestock death as a result of a cow accidentally trampling its calf while trying to protect it.”

Implementing solutions

Although they are protected by the Migratory Bird Act, there are numerous non-damaging actions residents and landowners can take to prevent conflict from escalating.

“The first action is just taking steps to make an area less desirable,” Killam said.

This includes removing or securing potential food sources, such as dumpsters. Or, in the case of roadkill or livestock mortality, proper disposal of carcasses.

“Ranchers can be proactive prior to calving, lambing or kidding season by making sure the area does not have any vulture attractants,” Tschirhart-Hejl said. “Remove any dead trees or brush piles that can act as roosting or loafing sites, and if there is any type of food attractant in the birthing area, make sure it is also removed.”

In the event a vulture conflict involves roosting on a structure, exclusion devices such as bird spikes, electric perch deterrents or other obstructions can be effective. 

If the conflict continues once attractants are removed, Killam said aversive conditioning can be implemented. This can include the placement of artificial dead vulture effigies, laser lights or pyrotechnics.  

“The point of harassment is that you can take action to deter the vulture, but you’re not harming the animal,” Killam said.

Only in special circumstances is lethal removal an option, and this may only be done after receiving a Migratory Bird Depredation Permit granted by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

“If someone is encountering an issue, we encourage them to contact Wildlife Services,” Tschirhart-Hejl said. “We’re the agency that deals with nuisance wildlife and can assist landowners in developing a damage management plan.”

Although vulture conflicts can arise, Killam said it’s important to not forget the beneficial role vultures and other native wildlife play in the ecosystem.

“One thing we try to emphasize is that this is a wildlife damage management plan—not a pest management plan,” she said. “While they may be annoying at times, they’re a part of our ecosystem and are doing valuable work. Our goal is to manage conflict, which ultimately is managing coexistence.”

Written By: Sarah Fuller  sarah.fuller@ag.tamu.edu 

Statewide pest management trainings for school coordinators start in March New laws went in effect that school districts, coordinators need to be aware of

2 people looking at chairs

The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service has announced the schedule of integrated pest management, IPM, trainings for school coordinators for 2023.

2 people looking at chairs

AgriLife Extension school IPM specialist Janet Hurley and Wylie Independent School District IPM coordinator Tony Jacinto inspect a storage space of stacked chairs for pest issues at Wylie High School.

AgriLife Extension offers two-day in-depth regional trainings and one-day six-hour required trainings at many regional educational service centers to assist individuals who cannot travel but want to learn about the rules from the experts.

The in-person trainings will be held across the state. March 2 will be the first one-day training and March 29 will be the first two-day. Registration cost is $240 for two-day trainings or $155 for one day.

The cost includes lunch, a spiral-bound book with training materials and continuing education units for those with a Texas Department of Agriculture applicator license.

Class time is 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily with an hour break for lunch.

Changes in rules, regulations

On Jan. 16, the adoption of the rule changes related to the Structural Pest Control Service, SPCS, proposed on Sept. 30 took effect.

“This year it is more important than ever that IPM coordinators for their schools are aware of new rules and law changes they must adhere to,” said Janet Hurley, AgriLife Extension integrated pest management specialist, Dallas, and school IPM training instructor.

All public schools in Texas are required under Texas Administrative Code to adopt, implement and maintain a school IPM program, but Hurley said many school districts are still not implementing their IPM programs to the letter of the law.

The Texas law requires each school board adopt an IPM policy that follows all legal requirements for pesticide use. The schools must make their policy available for the public to review. Importantly, each district must designate an IPM coordinator who ensures compliance with the IPM policy.

The state rules require that each district IPM coordinator attend a six-hour training class within six months of appointment. After initial training, the school IPM rules require that coordinators receive an additional six hours of training in school IPM every three years.

Hurley said one of the new rules has to do with the position of IPM coordinator and school districts are now required to notify the SPCS when an IPM coordinator leaves within 10 days of their leaving. This must be done in writing, and a new IPM coordinator must be appointed within 30 days of losing the current coordinator.

2023 trainings schedule

The dates of the two-day trainings, region and meeting addresses are as follows:

  • April 12-13, DFW area, Lewisville ISD facilities management office – multipurpose room, 1597 S. Edmunds Lane, Lewisville. Register at: https://tx.ag/April12SchoolIPM.

The one-day trainings are as follows:

  • March 2, East Texas, Region 8 Educational Service Center, Pittsburg. This event is from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and the cost is $100. Registration is required by Feb. 23. Register at: https://tx.ag/March2SchoolIPM.

Vendors and those interested in event sponsorship can learn more on the School IPM website.

Online trainings also available

“In addition to our in-person classes, we also offer a six-hour school IPM course or the one-hour school IPM refresher course online,” Hurley said.

Participants may register for online trainings at https://tx.ag/OnlineSchoolIPM. The cost is $25 for the refresher course and $45 for the six-hour course. There is also a free course available for those wanting to learn about integrated pest management in school gardens.

IPM coordinator responsibilities

These trainings are designed to give the IPM coordinator, who often wears more than one “hat” at the school district, a foundation to oversee their role in the IPM program.

“It’s important to understand that the school IPM coordinator for a school district has a lot to oversee; it’s more than just teachers complaining about ants in their classrooms,” Hurley said.

School IPM rules require that the district IPM coordinator oversee and be responsible for:

  • Work with pest management personnel.
  • Ensure all who perform pest control are licensed and trained.
  • Maintain all IPM records.
  • Ensure district administrators adhere to IPM guidelines with pest contracts.
  • All pesticides used on school district follow school district’s IPM program and current pesticide labels and safety data sheets are maintained.
  • Educate school administrators and relevant school district personnel about their roles in the IPM program, reporting and notification procedures.
  • Maintain a current copy of the school district’s IPM policy.

Written By Susan Himes, Communication Specialist, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension 

Open House November 4, 2022 to Welcome our new Entomologist

AgriLife Logo
Howdy IPM Experience House and School IPM readers!

bryant mcdowell Janet hurley

Bryant McDowell ’19 and Janet Hurley, ACE

It is with much please to announce that we have hired a new entomologist for the Dallas Center.  Mr. Bryant McDowell graduated with his Master of Science in Entomology in 2019 from Texas A&M University.  His thesis: Population genetics and the colony breeding structure of the invasive tawny crazy ant, Nylanderia fulva, in Texas will allow him to help Texans with identifying ants.

McDowell’s role as the Extension Program Specialist for Urban IPM will be to support the IPM Experience House by providing training classes for pest management professionals.  In addition to the IPM House, Bryant will also be supporting Texas A&M AgriLife Extension’s County Agents with insect identification, master volunteer training and supporting county programs.

McDowell will also support the school IPM program by helping with the educational events that are conducted with Dr. Don Renchie at the four regional events.

Join us on Friday, November 4th from 3:00 – 6:00 PM at the Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center Water and Land Resources Building for light refreshments and a chance to talk to the entomologist.  Tours of the IPM Experience House will also be available.  Follow this link to register

There is no charge to attend; however, we are asking that everyone register so that we can have an accurate head count for the food and beverages.  Even this planner knows it’s a Friday afternoon during football season, so we do suggest wearing your favorite sports team gear as well.

To our past and present donors, our registration website has a place for you to sign up to donate to the IPM Experience House.  Bryant and I are hoping to use this event, our fall IPM seminar Nov. 15th and rodent academy to ‘pick’ your brains on what classes you would like to see us hold in 2023.

SPN: Licensing, monitoring, and deep cleaning- tips for you.

Howdy Readers,

Before I embark on a much-needed vacation I wanted to share a few items with you so you will have some answers while I’m away.

The most common question I get is “how do I get a license”. This newsletter article has all the information you need plus a YouTube video with detailed steps.

But here is the basic information: Step 1 – Contact TDA to register online – don’t send information to Austin, as it might get lost, but if you apply online they will get that information within 24 hours.  Step 2) sign up and take the 8-hour technician training course – this is good information to help you pass the general exam for the AG or SPCS, purchase the category manuals you need and study, study, and study.  Step 3) Once you receive your letter from TDA informing you are now eligible to take your exam from PSI. PSI is a testing site that is open long hours, weekends and are found across the state. You must have the letter from TDA before you can take an exam.

Next question I receive is on how do I keep my IPM program up to date and do I have all the right information? This link will take you to an article on how to keep your program organized. 

Using these small sticky cards in classrooms, kitchens and other areas helps alert the coordinator and PMP what insect pests are in the area.

What confuses many IPM coordinators is what does TDA mean by monitoring and thresholds? Monitoring and thresholds are commonly associated with indoor insect pests but can also be used outdoors to decide specific grounds maintenance routines like fire ant baiting and the use of pre-emergent versus post emergent herbicide treatments. For any integrated pest management program to be effective you must know what you and where it lives. Once that has been determined then it’s the use of the scientific knowledge of the pest’s behavior that will lend itself to an action plan that uses metrics to control or prevent this pest. Thresholds are not meant to be rigid they are designed to be guides to help the coordinator, pest management professional and district administrators understand the steps needed to control pests. Check out this article from 2016 on using glue boards to monitor in your IPM program for more details on this topic. 

Finally, as your campuses close for the summer check out this article from December 2020 for things to look for as you schedule your deep cleaning program.  Remember exclusion is the best way to keep insects, rodents, bats, and birds out of your buildings.