Skip Navigation

University at Buffalo - The State University of New York
  1. Home
  2. About
    1. FAQ Facilities Operations
    2. Staff Facilities Operations
    3. Contact Us
  3. Units
    1. Customer Service
    2. Operations Services
    3. Utility Operations
  4. Policies
    1. Damage Control and Recovery
    2. Exterior Signage Policy
    3. Lock and Key Policy
    4. Padlock Policy
    5. Recycling Policy
    6. Snow Removal Policy
  5. Forms
    1. ADA Interior Signage Request Form
    2. After Hours Heating/Ventilation Request Form
    3. Disposal Form*
    4. Interior Signage Request Form
    5. Lock Change and Key Request Form*
    6. Notification E-mail Subscription Form
    7. Quote Request Form
    8. RF & UBF Material Authorization Form*
    9. Special Event Form
    10. Special Events Signage Form*
    11. Surplus Form*
    12. Vehicle Reservation Fax Form*
    13. Work Order Request Form

Home > Departments > Facilities Operations > Units > Customer Service > Pest Control Guidelines and Information

Pest Control Guidelines and Information

The University at Buffalo employs a professional pest control company to deal with pest infestations on the North and South campuses. Services typically include controlling insects; and trapping birds, bats, snakes and rodents. The vendor of contract is responsible for providing timely response treatments and often does so soon after receiving a service request. Urgent calls are expected to be addressed as soon as possible. Pest control service is, in most cases, not charged to the customer.

Pest control services can be arranged by calling Customer Service at 645-2025. The customer service representative will take your information and arrange to have a pest control representative address your concerns. 

For your personal safety and that of others, please do not self treat areas.

Routine service requests from customers may occur in any part of the campus buildings and on campus grounds, and typically includes such problems as:
  • Insects and rodents inside buildings
  • Rodents outside near buildings and waste collection sites
  • Removal of birds and other small animals unable to exit buildings
  • Odor complaints where removal of dead animal is required
  • Bee/hornet/wasp/yellow jacket nests inside or outside buildings 
The contractor uses pesticides and procedures that have been pre-approved by the University’s Department of Environment, Health and Safety Services (EHS.) All pesticide applications and pest control procedures are performed in accordance with federal, state, and local codes, rules and regulations. The contractor controls vermin in the safest possible manner to humans and non-target species. If chemicals are used the contractor uses the least toxic yet effective chemicals labeled for each particular use and applied in compliance with label instructions, federal, state, and local regulations and university direction. Chemicals that perform well and have positive environmental attributes such as biodegradability and low toxicity are mandated. Spraying or fogging techniques must have prior approval on a case by case basis. Treatment must be made in ways that laboratory animals and insects are protected. 

Things You Can Do To Minimize Insect and Rodent Infestation 

The key to effective control is to make the environment as inhospitable to pests as possible e.g. minimize food, water and shelter. Some primary control strategies include:
  • Storing all food in sealed containers such as Tupperware. 
  • Minimizing the number of areas where food is kept and eaten. 
  • Keeping your work area, especially your desk, “food free” discourages unwelcome guests.
  • Immediately cleaning up all food and liquid spills.
  • Reporting plumbing leaks to Customer Service for repair.
  • Minimizing any standing water such as water around house plants reservoirs.
  • Placing damp sponges/cloths in sealed zip lock bags.
  • Minimizing shelter availability. Limiting clutter including: paper, bags/sacks, cardboard boxes or soft layered materials (clothes).
  • Reporting cracks, seams and crevices that might provide an entry way or hiding place for pests. 
  • Discarding all food waste in the centrally located covered garbage receptacles located in your area. Insects such as roaches are nocturnal as are mice and rats.