Author: Zachary DeVries
Planning Unit: Entomology
Major Program: Integrated Pest Management
Outcome: Intermediate Outcome
Pests such as cockroaches, bed bugs, and rodents, continue to plague disadvantaged communities. Their presences is not only unsightly, but it can also negatively affect human health through asthma exacerbation and disease transmission. Therefore, I provided a two-day training program for the maintenance staff of Washington D.C. Housing Authority (DCHA), such that they could become more involved in pest control and protect themselves and others from indoor pests. Our collaboration has sparked a discussion with DCHA to try and redesign pest control in these communities so that it is effective, affordable, and sustainable.