Pest Defense Interview with Emily Pochubay

Emily Pochubay is the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD)’s IPM and Public Health Pest Specialist. Pest Defense asked Emily a few questions about her work with MDARD and how their IPM and Public Health Pest Program helps Michigan schools achieve state IPM requirements and educates staff about IPM principles and practices through IPM assessments with individual schools. 

Register to attend Emily’s presentation on July 26th, Helping Michigan Schools Implement Integrated Pest Management, at bit.ly/MIIPM. 

How does your role engage schools in IPM and sustainable pest control? 

I promote the use of IPM in schools by 1) providing consultations and technical assistance to schools and pest management professionals and 2) delivering education and outreach via presentations and trainings, event exhibitions and content development. 

Can you share information regarding the IPM assessments?

IPM Assessments are voluntary opportunities for schools to learn about pest-conducive conditions in and around the school. 

How are these assessments used to educate staff about IPM principles and practices? 

MDARD staff will visit a school to guide staff in identifying pest-conducive conditions and develop short and long-term IPM solutions to help the school prevent and/or mitigate pests. An assessment report and additional topic-specific information is provided to the school to assist their future IPM efforts. 

If you would like to learn more from Emily, register to attend her presentation, Helping Michigan Schools Implement Integrated Pest Management, here.