Posted: October 4, 2024
Ray Delaney, left wearing glasses, is the new PA IPM Community program specialist
By John Tooker, Ph.D. and Ray Delaney
The Pennsylvania Integrated Pest Management (PAIPM) program has announced the appointment of Raymond R. Delaney as the new PA IPM Community program specialist.
The PAIPM program provides educational and logistical resources to help develop and implement effective, sustainable, and environmentally conscious pest management practices throughout Pennsylvania’s diverse regions and sector-specific needs.
Program leaders pointed out that to protect human and environmental health, Pennsylvanian residents should implement an integrated pest management (IPM) approach to reduce the risk of pesticide use and exposure while mitigating pests in and around properties. However, many residents do not have the expertise to develop effective IPM programs. Further, people with some familiarity with IPM often know its connection and usefulness in agricultural, but IPM can be just as useful and effective for controlling pests while reducing risks from pesticides in urban and suburban setting around homes, schools, business, and other facilities.
Based in Philadelphia, Delaney will offer services to residents and organizations seeking expertise and advice on implementing Integrated Pest Management in urban and suburban communities. With a wealth of knowledge in environmental public health, vector control, and pest management, and experience working with pest control service providers, Delaney will help identify areas prone to pest infestations and develop IPM plans targeted to these areas and the overall needs and available resources.
As part of his role as the community program specialist, Delaney will work with residents and organizations to establish and sustain integrated pest management programs in homes and facilities, as well as provide training and educational resources for teaching IPM concepts.
Specifically, Ray will provide guidance and develop resources for the community in the following areas:
- Diagnosing causes of pest challenges
- Advice on developing IPM in homes and buildings
- Guidance on implementing IPM
- In-person IPM assistance and training
- IPM presentations and educational booths
A life-long Philadelphia resident, Delaney said this role will allow him to bring his experience in public health and integrated pest management to the residents of the Philadelphia area. PA IPM leaders noted that his appointment signifies the program’s continual commitment to supporting safe and effective pest management strategies throughout the commonwealth.
For inquiries or to schedule consultations, contact Delaney by telephone at 814-863-8411, or by email at rmd5595@psu.edu.
About the Pennsylvania Integrated Pest Management Program
The PA IPM Program is a collaboration between the Pennsylvania State University and the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture designed to promote integrated pest management in both agricultural and nonagricultural situations. Its mission is to promote effective pest management that results in the efficient protection of food, fiber, health, home and industrial resources in a manner that is profitable, safe and environmentally compatible. For more information, visit https://ento.psu.edu/outreach/extension/ipm.
