This document discusses the importance and process of implementing Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in schools. It begins by defining IPM as a sustainable approach to pest control that uses monitoring, education, and targeted treatments to minimize risks to health, the environment and economics. The New Jersey School IPM Act requires all schools to adopt IPM policies and designate an IPM coordinator by certain deadlines. The document then outlines the key steps schools should take to implement successful IPM programs, including developing an IPM policy and plan, designating roles, evaluating pest issues, and implementing control strategies like sanitation and exclusion before considering pesticides. It emphasizes that IPM is beneficial as it can reduce costs, liability, pesticide use

1. IPM in Schools-The Why and
How of Implementation
Ann R.Waters
Outreach and Training Coordinator
NJDEP-Pesticide Control Program
609-984-5014
Ann.Waters@dep.state.nj.us
http://pcpnj.org

2. New Jersey School
Integrated Pest
Management Act
Senate, No.137

3. Upcoming Deadlines
 By 12/12/03-Model IPM policy to be
developed by DEP, NJ School
Boards, Comm. Of Ed., and Rutgers
Co-op. Extension
 By 6/12/04-adoption and
implementation by all schools

4. What do we need to know?
 What is Integrated Pest
Management?
 What pest management issues
should I be aware of?
 How do I go about implementing IPM
in my school?
 What are the costs-what are the
benefits?

5. What is IPM (Integrated Pest
Management)?
 an effective & environmentally sensitive
approach to pest management
 controls pests-
may not eradicate entire population
 relies on a combination of
commonsense practices
 may include the judicious use of
pesticides

6. DEP’s Definition
 “IPM is a sustainable approach to managing pests
by using all appropriate technology and
management practices in a way that minimizes
health, environmental, and economic risks. IPM
includes, but is not limited to, monitoring pest
populations, consumer education, and when
needed, cultivation practices, sanitation, solid
waste management, structural maintenance,
physical, mechanical, biological and chemical
controls.”

7. IPM Strategies
Treatments are not made according
to a predetermined schedule
Inspect sites thoroughly.
Identify pest(s) accurately.
Monitor pest populations.

8. IPM Strategies
Set Action Thresholds.
Decide how many pests will be tolerated.
•Initiate action when threshold is exceeded.
•Based on results of monitoring
Apply IPM Strategies
Treatments are chosen & timed to be
most effective
Evaluate Results & Keep Accurate Records.

9. IPM Controls
Physical controls
Mechanical controls
Sanitation
Cultural Controls

10. Physical Controls-Exclusion
Proper screening or other devices
should be in place around air vents,
windows, doors, etc.
Any cracks in
walls or around
plumbing and
electrical
conduit should
be well sealed.

11. Prevent pest populations
through sanitation

12. What pest management issues
should I be aware of ?
 What are the pest problems at my school?
– How are they managed? In-house vs.
outside contractor-licensed vs. non-
licensed
 Are routine applications made?
– Am I notified-are postings done
– What product is used-sprays, baits,
traps?
– Do I know the toxicity of that product?
Did I request a label/MSDS?

13. What pest management issues
should I be aware of ?
 Do I know the % of students and staff
with asthma?
 Does the school nurse have that
info?
 Does the absentee rate or illness
complaints increase following
pesticide applications?
 Do I want to make my school a
healthier environment for everyone?

14. How Do I Implement IPM In My
School?
 Step 1: Develop an Official IPM
Policy Statement.
 Must state intent by administration to
implement IPM
 Should provide guidance on what is
expected
– incorporate IPM; education &
involvement of students, staff, & pest
manager

15. Model IPM Policy
 Policy Statement
 IPM procedures
 Development of IPM plans
 IPM Coordinator
 Education/Training
 Record Keeping
 Notification/Posting
 Re-entry
 Pesticide Applicators
 Evaluation
 Legal references

16. Step 2: Designate Pest
Management Roles.
IPM Coordinator
The Occupants (students and staff)
The Parents
The Pest Manager
Decision-makers
IPM Advisory Committee

17. IPM Advisory Committee
 IPM Coordinator
 School Principal
 Teachers and student reps
 Custodial staff-facilities maintenance
 Cafeteria director
 School nurse
 PTA rep or other parent(s)

18. IPM Coordinator-as defined in
School IPM Act
• Appointed by Administration
• Maintains information about the school IPM
policy
• Maintains information on pesticide applications
• Contact for IPM policy inquiries
• Maintains MSDS sheets, when available, and
labels for pesticides used
• Certifies notification and posting completed
prior to use of a non-low impact pesticide by
Commercial Applicator

19. IPM Coordinator-Additional
responsibilities
 Oversees all pest control matters-coordinates
decisions
 Records all pest complaints
 Maintains records of applications-contact with
CA
 Given authority to recommend improvements
and repairs
 Ensures regulatory compliance
 Provides regular feedback to Administration
 Included in job description

20. Requirements of the Act
 Designation of an IPM Coordinator for
each school or school district
 Annual universal notification to all
parents and staff
– provided by school boards, board of
trustees or principal
– IPM policy and IPM Coordinator contact info
– list of any pesticide currently in use or
having been used in previous 12 months

21. Requirements of the Act
 72 hour advance notification prior to
pesticide application to all parents or
guardians and staff
– exception for use of low-impact
pesticides (baits, gels, pastes,
antimicrobials)
– non-regulated, registration exempt as
per FIFRA
72 hour advance posting of
area(s) to be treated

22. Step 3: Develop an IPM Plan
Copy of pest management policy
IPM Coordinator and Advisory Committee named
Set goals and objectives
Identification and monitoring of pests
Action thresholds established
Methods of control-sanitation, mechanical,
biological and least toxic chemical
Education of all

23. Step 4: Develop Bids for
Contractors
Step 5: Implement IPM
components
Step 6: Evaluate and Address
necessary modifications

24. Costs vs. Benefits
 Initial structural repairs
 Minimal sanitation and mechanical
supplies-caulking,shelving,etc.
 Education and training
 Reduction in structural damage
 Reduction in pesticide application
costs
 Positive feedback

25. Costs vs. Benefits
 Reduction in chemical use
 Change in use to less toxic product
 Healthier environment-less complaints
 Reduction in absentee rate
 Long term control of pests
 Reduction in exposure to pest
generated hazards
 Reduced liability-negative publicity

26.  Thoroughly inspect grounds on a routine basis
for evidence of debris which provide ideal
breeding grounds for pests.
 Limit the use of pesticides in areas accessed by
children.
School grounds

27.  Keep areas under kitchen equipment clean and
dry.
 Store dish washing racks only after they are
cleaned and dried.
Kitchen

28. Storage Room
Before
After

29.  Do not store items within cardboard boxes.
Unpack cartons and utilize shelving.
Correct
Incorrect
Dry Storage Area

30.  All garbage cans need to be covered.
 Remove garbage from the cafeteria on a daily
basis.
Cafeteria

31.  All coats and backpacks should be
placed on hooks or separate cubicles-
NOT ON THE FLOOR!
Classrooms

32. Thanks for Listening!
Ann R Waters, Outreach Coordinator
NJ DEP
Pesticide Control Program
PO Box 411, Trenton, NJ 08625-0411
(609) 984-5014
email: Ann.Waters@dep.state.nj.us
http://pcpnj.org
Acknowledgements:
Clay W. Scherer, University of Florida
Matthew B. Downey, University of Florida
School IPM World Wide Web Site http://schoolipm.ifas.ufl.edu/
Entomology and Nematology Department
Copyright University of Florida 1998