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ES+H Multifamily Building Upgrades_508c_02 09 2016

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Energy Savings Plus Health | INDOOR AIR QUALITY GUIDELINES FOR MULTIFAMILY BUILDING UPGRADES 31 PRIORITY ISSUE 8.0 PESTS ASSESSMENT PROTOCOLS (AP) MINIMUM ACTIONS (MA) EXPANDED ACTIONS (EA) AP 8.1 Identify Potential Pests and Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Resources Identify pests likely to colonize the building based on project location. Identify and acquire resources to assist with implementing IPM (e.g., state/county extension, publications and online resources, nongovernmental organizations, pest management professionals with expertise in IPM), including the proper identification of pests. AP 8.2 Identify Evidence of Pests Identify evidence of pests (e.g., rodents, squirrels, termites, birds, bats, cockroaches) in common areas and dwelling units. Note the location and identify pest-contaminated materials. Determine whether pesticides (rodenticides, insecticides, fungicides) presently are being used. See Minimum Action 8.1 for minimum actions to address pest infestations. Notes: (1) Areas that have a significant potential for pest infestations include attics, basements, crawlspaces, and around chimneys, mechanical stacks and plumbing cleanouts. (2) Termites and some other types of pest infestations often are an indication of moisture problems. See Priority Issue 1.0 Moisture Control and Mold for diagnosing moisture problems. AP 8.3 Assess Whether the Building Has an IPM Plan Consult with building management to determine whether the building has an IPM plan or other pest management plan and the degree to which the plan is being followed. MA 8.1 Mitigate Pest Infestations If there is indication of current or past infestations within the building, seek assistance from a professional who ensures IPM practices with their pest management services (some examples may include GreenPro, Green Shield, or equivalently trained IPM professionals). Do not begin work in pest-infested zones until infested materials are properly removed. In some cases, professional assistance may be needed to remove infested materials. Note: Many states require pest management professionals to be licensed. MA 8.2 Reduce Potential for Pest Entry Block, seal and eliminate pest entry points around the building envelope. Examples include gaps around doors and windows, between the foundation and the upper portion of the building, and around utility pipes, conduits or wires. MA 8.3 Patch Openings to Eliminate Rodent Pathways In areas with evidence of rodent infestation, patch and seal exterior holes that are larger than ¼" by ⅜" with pest-resistant materials (e.g., copper mesh, hardware cloth, sheet metal, concrete) before applying weatherization materials that may be susceptible to gnawing by rodents (e.g., caulk or foam). MA 8.4 Block Pest Movement Through Building Reduce risk of pest dispersal throughout the building by sealing and blocking passageways that pests can use to move freely to obtain food, water and harborage. This includes gaps around floor and ceiling joists; penetrations in walls, floors and ceilings; and openings around shafts and chutes. MA 8.5 Protect Outdoor Air Intakes and Exhausts Protect air intakes from bird and pest entry (e.g., cover openings with corrosion-resistant ½"-screen or galvanized mesh). Similarly, protect exhaust vents from rodent, bird and pest entry (e.g., cover openings with louvers). Avoid creating conditions that can clog exhaust vents. Advise the property manager to regularly inspect, clean and repair screens or louvers over air intakes and exhausts (e.g., at least semi- annually or when replacing HVAC filters). Make sure that rooftop air handlers, including exhaust fans, are air sealed to their roof curbs to prevent pest entry. MA 8.6 Do Not Disturb Existing Pest Protections Do not disturb or eliminate any building-related materials that are in place to exclude pests. If temporary disruption is necessary for a project, provide appropriate protection from pest entry while the pest barriers are removed. MA 8.7 Keep Vegetation and Clutter Away From Building and Mechanical Systems Components Remove clutter, eliminate woodpiles and waste near the building, and remove any bushes, trees or other vegetation within 2 feet of the structure. Keep vegetation away from outdoor air intakes and outdoor mechanical equipment. Do not pile soil or mulch against the building's exterior walls. EA 8.1 Create an IPM Plan If there is no IPM plan for the building, work with the building owner and/or property manager to develop and implement one. Use the HUD, National Center for Healthy Housing (NCHH) and Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) resources listed below when developing the plan. Use pamphlets and active engagement (e.g., information sessions, peer-to-peer education) to teach property managers and occupants about IPM. Refer to Appendix B for more information about property management and occupant education on IPM. EA 8.2 Use Sealable Garbage Containers Outside Ensure exterior garbage cans and dumpsters are sealable and sanitized regularly. Appendix B: Property Management and Occupant Education

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