Keeping pests at bay: Entomology leads the way

Photo By Tech. Sgt. Areca Wilson | U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Aaron Pass, 31st Civil Engineer Squadron Pest Management NCO in charge, sprays pesticides, Sept. 2, 2015, at the Mountain View Lodge on Aviano Air Base, Italy. The pest management flight aims to prevent vermin and vegetation from adversely affecting Team Aviano. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Areca T. Bell/Released)  

AVIANO AIR BASE, ITALY

09.03.2015

Story by Senior Airman Areca Wilson 

31st Fighter Wing

AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy -- Keeping Aviano Air Base, Italy, free from weeds and rodents may not be the most glamorous job, but one office is committed to getting the job done.

The 31st Civil Engineer Squadron Pest Management flight aims to prevent pests from adversely affecting Team Aviano members.

"A pest is anything that can be harmful, spread disease, or obstruct the mission from being accomplished," said U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Aaron Pass, 31st CES Pest Management NCO in charge. "Knowing the various types of pests and the environmental concerns associated with them can help us determine the best solution to address each concern."

Pass is currently the only Airman on base tasked to exterminate pests. His days generally include fulfilling customer requests, ordering materials, keeping up programs and attending various meetings.

"I monitor, control and prevent various pest-related issues," said Pass. "I inspect food facilities for cleanliness, provide weed control on the flightline and even eliminate wasps' nests so personnel can get to their equipment and work places."

Though some tasks may become "routine," Pass' daily duties are subject to whatever nature throws at him.

"Keeping in mind that I work with nature and living things, it really depends on the local environment and how things connect to one another," Pass said. "A rise in temperature may increase surrounding vegetation, which could [multiply the number of] insects and animals."

Pass also explained that cold temperatures may cause surrounding vegetation to decrease, consequently increasing the appearance of insects and animals looking for shelter in and around work areas. Foreign pests may also arrive at Aviano in or on cargo throughout the year.

While ridding the base of pests, Pass must consider the safety of Team Aviano.

"Sometimes people think I can spray for anything, anywhere," he said. "If I sprayed chemicals for every request, it could become dangerous and eventually the pest would be immune to the chemical's effects. It's my job to use other alternative materials that can limit risks and better address their concerns."

Though it may take some coordination, tasks knowledge and risk management to protect the base from pests, the pest management flight continues its work to ensure the mission is not affected by vermin or vegetation.

• Date Taken: 09.03.2015
• Date Posted: 09.04.2015 03:41
• Story ID: 175243
• Location: AVIANO AIR BASE, IT