In “Oh, RATS! How to Evict Them from Farm-provided Employee Housing”, we outlined strategies to keep furry intruders at bay. But now, as bug season is upon us, it’s time to address a new menace: those uninvited six-legged visitors.

Keeping insects out of farm-provided employee housing is critical for resident health and safety, ensuring comfort, maintaining productivity, preserving property, regulatory compliance, and community reputation. Drawing from the expertise and resources of the NYSIPM Program housed at Cornell College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, let’s fortify our defenses and prepare for this summer’s buggy invasion of farm-provided employee housing.

Insects don’t do clean. By eliminating potential food sources, we can make our housing less inviting to these unwelcome guests.

Here’s how:

• Communicate the importance of sanitation to residents.
• Establish a system and schedule for cleaning maintenance.
• Equip residents with the tools needed for effective cleaning.
• Encourage storage of food items in sealed containers.
• Be mindful of cultural differences that may affect cleaning expectations.
• Food spills and crumbs on the stove and other surfaces should be cleaned up after each meal.

This helpful cleaning schedule can be posted as a guide: Cleaning Schedule for Farm-provided Employee Housing

Don’t underestimate those tiny crevices – they’re pest highways! By sealing gaps and cracks, we create a barrier that prevents insects from entering living spaces and eliminates hiding spots.

Here’s what to do:

• Conduct a thorough inspection of the housing unit for openings.
• Close all potential entry points with sealant materials that will not shrink or weatherstripping.

Screens: frontline defense against flying invaders. Properly installed screens allow ventilation while keeping flying insects outside.

Here’s how to ensure their effectiveness:

• Ensure all doors and windows have screens.
• Regularly inspect screens for tears or holes.
• Confirm doors and windows close tightly.

Outdoors is where the battle begins. Yard maintenance is vital for reducing hiding areas and minimizing the likelihood of pests migrating indoors.

Here’s what to do:

• Trim vegetation, especially near foundations.
• Remove unused objects and debris from the surroundings to reduce hiding places.
• Eliminate standing water sources to eliminate breeding grounds for mosquitos.

Pesticides: ensure legal and proper use. Used properly, pesticides are a useful tool in managing insect pests. Here’s what you need to know:

IMPORTANT! With one exception, anyone—including the farm owner—who applies pesticides in farm-provided employee housing must be a certified applicator in Commercial Subcategory 7A or work under the direct supervision of someone who is. The exception is that a farm employee can apply pesticides to farm-provided housing if both of these conditions apply: (1) the person has a written lease to occupy the housing (whether or not any rent is charged) AND (2) the pesticide is classified as general use (i.e., can be purchased by anyone, such as at a hardware store).  If the farm owner only wants certified applicators to apply pesticides to the housing, they can add language to the lease that prohibits employees from applying pesticides.

If employees are allowed to use pesticides, here’s what to tell the employee to do:

• The employee must apply the pesticide only as directed on the product label.
• The employee must follow all use precautions on the label to protect themselves and their family and pets.
• The employee must store pesticides and other household chemicals out of the reach of children.

Here is a great fact sheet from the NYS IPM Program: CCE-PSEP Pesticide Education Fact Sheet: Storing Pesticides at Home

By implementing these proactive strategies, residents and farm managers can create a healthier and more comfortable living environment. Through regular maintenance, proper sanitation, and strategic pest management, we can fend off insect invaders and ensure the well-being of all inhabitants. Let the bug battle begin!

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By Jay Canzonier, Cornell University. Permission granted to repost, quote, and reprint with author attribution.
The post Invasion Alert! Safeguarding Farm-provided Employee Housing from Insect Enemies appeared in The Ag Workforce Journal.

After a strenuous day of spring work, weary bodies yearn for the restorative power of home: a hot shower, a cold drink, and perhaps the last innings of an evening game from the comfort of a recliner. Home becomes the sanctuary where exhausted muscles recover, tired minds find respite, and spirits are rejuvenated. Tomorrow brings a fresh beginning, met with renewed energy. Home is where it starts. 

Yet, the benefits of comfortable farm-provided worker housing extend beyond physical rejuvenation. A well-rested workforce is a productive one. Studies consistently demonstrate that adequate sleep enhances cognitive function, motor skills, and decision-making abilities—all critical in getting farm work done. In addition, fatigue and stress heighten the risk of accidents, jeopardizing not only workers but also the farm’s operations and reputation. Prioritizing comfortable living conditions lays the foundation for peak performance and safety in the workplace. 

At its core, providing comfortable farm worker housing isn’t just a matter of goodwill—it’s a strategic investment resulting in season-long productivity, which includes the following: 

Access to basic amenities 

• Clean and sufficient water supply
• Well-equipped kitchen facilities
• Adequate number of bathrooms for residents
• Sufficient means for laundering clothes
• Internet access and communication facilities 

Sleeping arrangements 

• Comfortable, clean mattresses and bedding
• Good ventilation and temperature control
• Ample space for movement
• Minimal light and noise disruptions

Clean and hygienic living conditions 

• Regular cleaning schedules
• Plentiful hot water for bathing and cleaning
• Access to waste disposal

Spaces for relaxation and recreation 

• Common rooms
• Outdoor seating areas
• Sports facilities

Safety and security measures  

• Proper lighting
• Door and window locks
• Emergency procedures (911 address posted in plain sight)

In addition to the physical benefits of adequate farm-provided employee housing, a comfortable home environment fosters a sense of belonging, security, and dignity—critical elements for mental well-being and employee satisfaction. A workforce that feels valued and respected is more likely to exhibit loyalty, dedication, and enthusiasm—engagement that results in workforce stability and productivity.  

Our bodies are remarkable powerhouses, capable of being revitalized time and again. Our homes are the charging stations for our body’s endurance. Take a moment to consider the revitalizing features your home provides after a long day and how they shape your mindset and productivity for the following day. Then, assess the resources your farm-provided employee housing offers your employees, and seize the opportunities to help them to reach their fullest potential. 

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By Jay Canzonier, Cornell University. Permission granted to repost, quote, and reprint with author attribution.
The post Cultivating Productivity Through Comfortable Farm-provided Employee Housing appeared in The Ag Workforce Journal.