Draft checklist for IPM-friendly construction featuresBased on proceedings from the 6th International IPM Symposium and

“IPM—Design Considerations for Schools” by Gouge, Snyder, Lame, and Glick

Building Envelope

All external doors are equipped with well-fitted brush or rubber-type seals— bottom gaps no greater than ¼ inch.

Weather stripping around doorframes and windows. Screens in place on doors and windows—screens are taught, without tears, and sealed around

the frame with a gasket. Use 10 mesh or smaller, aluminum if possible. All exterior plumbing and electrical penetrations sealed tightly with pest-resistant concrete,

caulk, or UV-stable foam materials. Roof flashing installed to prohibit entry of rodents, bats, birds, or other wildlife. Tolerance for

maximum allowable gaps ¼ inch (0.6 cm). Ledges where birds would perch kept to a minimum. All ledges, canopies, and rooftops that

prove attractive to birds are bird proofed (post-construction) with permanent weather-resistant netting, wire, or other permanent exclusion devices.

"Dark-skies" compliant outdoor lighting used. Lights shouldn’t shine directly on doorways or windows. Sodium vapor lamps used around doorways and windows.

Roof water handling systems eliminate runoff from contacting sides of structure and direct runoff away from building.

Outside air intakes/vents screened with 10 mesh or smaller, fabricated, and installed to be easily removed for cleaning.

Foundations

Where termites exist:o Plumbing penetrations sealed with permanent termite-proof barrier to prevent termite

entry around plumbing and other service penetrations.o Construction site sanitation done to prevent termites:

All cellulose trash and debris carried offsite for appropriate disposal. Use of non-cellulose grade stakes Removal of all major stumps and cellulose debris prior to construction.

o Termite barriers installed on top of cinderblock or other hollow building foundations, between foundation and outside stone or brick veneer, or in other locations to prevent termite entry.

o No soft or termite permeable material, including insulation, shall be in direct contact with soil unless a termite barrier is installed.

o Termite barriers installed over or under expansion joints. Minimum 4 to 6 inch clearance between soil line and the top of slab. Appropriate grading to ensure adequate site drainage.

The template for this document was developed by The Northeastern IPM Center. Any nonobjective or partial use of this plan is not recommended. Products, vendors or commercial services mentioned are not meant to be endorsements. Updated 1/18/11

Kitchens and bathrooms

Caulk and/or seal using an elastomeric silicone sealant:o Along baseboardso Window and door moldingso Around pipes or wires coming into a unito Where sink edges where cabinets and countertops

meet walls and between cupboards and countertops. Waterproof flooring materials should e extend at least six

inches up walls of all kitchen areas. Epoxy, crack-resistant flooring replaces standard tile. Larger (6 inch+) tiles, solid stainless steel or solid ceramic

materials should be used on walls to increase life of wall materials and reduce probability of leaks or cracking.

Wall plumbing penetrations should be sealed with concrete, caulk, or long lasting foam materials at final installation to reduce risk of pest entry.

Floor drains should be easily accessible for cleaning and inspection. No floor drains located under immovable furniture.

Adequate storage space in food storage areas shelves—bottom shelf is at least 6 inches from the floor.

All major appliances with long enough cords and lines so that they can be moved for cleaning. Crack-free design used for sinks, mirrors, vanities, etc. Accessible wall voids in high water-use areas (around dish washers, sinks, washers, etc.).

Other indoor considerations

Adequate storage space. Chases and other voids have access at least every 20 feet. Elevator pits are clean with working drainage systems.

Trash handling

Dumpsters on pavement or cement pad and located at least 50 feet from doors to food handling or storage areas (or as far as possible).

Dumpsters and recycling containers have covers and are sealed tightly to prevent rodent entry and to prevent leakage.

Landscaping

Trees and shrubs located at least 6 feet from any foundation or an adequate distance to ensure that mature plants are unlikely to come in direct contact with walls or roof without pruning.

Prune plants to be at least 1 foot away from the building. Ground around the building perimeter has an 18 inch pest-resistant barrier consisting or crushed

stone, pebbles, or other weed-resistant, water-porous materials. Ground cover limited to grasses or other short-growing plants that do not provide shelter for

rodents or make the foundation hard to inspect. Landscaping plant materials shall consist of appropriate native plants or other species chosen for

their natural pest-resistance and natural ability to grow in the climate without special care.

The template for this document was developed by The Northeastern IPM Center. Any nonobjective or partial use of this plan is not recommended. Products, vendors or commercial services mentioned are not meant to be endorsements. Updated 1/18/11

Locations for caulking in a kitchen