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.......IPM Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Defined
Pest control products are used routinely, safely and in accordance with the label in IPM programs throughout our schools. These products eliminate pests and pose no threat whatsoever to students. Pesticide usage is a local issue, to be decided by responsible officials such as principals and administrators, district by district and case by case. Integrated
pest management can improve the efficiency and effectiveness of
a school's pest control program and can reduce pesticide costs.
While IPM includes the judicious use of appropriate pesticides,
it also implies that pesticides will be used only if necessary. Each situation is carefully monitored, allowing the use of the most appropriate approach to effectively control the pest, including the use of a pesticide when needed. This specific, targeted approach results in an effective pest control program, one that assures the correct amount of pesticide is applied and enhances the safety and well-being of students, faculty and staff. In
addition to effective communications, an IPM program must include
a written policy and a knowledgeable coordinator. A
written policy is essential. IPM is doomed to fail without broad
understanding and commitment by all stakeholders including faculty,
staff, board members and parents. A written policy helps to gain
consensus and provides continuity. Once
a policy is in place, a staff person should coordinate the overall
program. Whether the entire program is implemented internally or
the majority of services are contracted out to a pest control professional,
it is critical to have a knowledgeable person on staff. Success of IPM in schools is also dependent upon full cooperation of administrators, faculty, maintenance/custodial staff, parents and students. For more information about pests and IPM, consider these resources: Pest
Facts Information Center
( www.pestfacts.org
) - visit this web site sponsored by RISE (Responsible Industry
for a Sound Environment) for information about children's health
in schools, IPM and the risks posed by pests. School IPM website ( www.ifas.ufl.edu/~schoolipm/ ) - The University of Florida, Gainesville, has created an IPM website that provides tools for schools to begin an IPM program. The site responds to parental concerns regarding pesticide use and contains links to additional state IPM programs. |
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