Structural and landscape pests can pose significant problems to people, property, and the environment. Pesticides can also pose risks to people, property, and the environment. It is therefore the policy of this School District or Childcare Center to incorporate Integrated Pest Management (IPM) procedures for control of structural and landscape pests.

 Pests

Pests are populations of living organisms (animals, plants, or microorganisms) that interfere with use of the school site for human purposes. Strategies for managing pest populations will be influenced by the pest species and whether that pest species poses a threat to people, property, or the environment.

 Pest Management

Approved pest management plans should be developed for the site and should include any proposed pest management measures. Pests will be managed to:

 Integrated Pest Management Procedures

IPM procedures will determine when to control pests and whether to use mechanical, physical, chemical, cultural, or biological means. IPM practitioners depend on current, comprehensive information on the pest and its environment and the best available pest control methods. Applying IPM principles prevents unacceptable levels of pest activity and damage by the most economical means and with the least possible hazard to people, property, and the environment.

The choice of using a pesticide will be based on a review of all other available options and a determination that these options are not acceptable or are not feasible. Cost or staffing considerations alone will not be adequate justification for use of chemical control agents, and selected non-chemical pest management methods will be implemented whenever possible to provide the desired control. It is the policy of this School District or Childcare Center to utilize IPM principles to manage pest populations adequately. The full range of alternatives, including no action, will be considered.

When it is determined that a pesticide must be used in order to meet important management goals, the least hazardous material will be chosen. The application of pesticides is subject to the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (7 U.S. Code 136 et seq.), School District or Childcare Center policies and procedures, EPA regulations in 40 Code of Federal Regulations, OSHA regulations, and state and local regulations.

 Education

Staff, students, pest managers, and the public will be educated about potential school pest problems and the IPM policies and procedures to be used to achieve the desired pest management objectives.

 Record Keeping

Records of pesticide use shall be maintained on site to meet the requirements of the state regulatory agency and School Board or Childcare Advisory Board. Records must be current and accurate if IPM is to work. In addition, pest surveillance data sheets that record the number of pests or other indicators of pest populations are to be maintained to verify the need for treatments.

 Notification

This School District or Childcare Center takes the responsibility to notify the staff and students/children of upcoming pesticide treatments. Notices will be posted in designated areas at school or in the center, and sent home to parents who wish to be informed in advance of pesticide applications.

 Pesticide Storage and Purchase

Pesticide purchases will be limited to the amount authorized for use during the year. Pesticides will be stored and disposed in accordance with the EPA-registered label directions and state regulations. Pesticides must be stored in an appropriate, secure site not accessible to students or unauthorized personnel.

 Pesticide Applicators

Pesticide applicators must be educated and trained in the principles and practices of IPM and the use of pesticides approved by this School District or Childcare Center, and they must follow regulations and label precautions. Applicators should be certified and comply with this IPM policy.

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