IPM in Schools-The Why and IPM in Schools-The Why and How of ImplementationHow 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

New Jersey School New Jersey School Integrated Pest Integrated Pest Management ActManagement Act

Senate, No.137

Upcoming DeadlinesUpcoming 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

What do we need to know?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?

What is IPM (Integrated Pest What is IPM (Integrated Pest Management)?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

DEP’s DefinitionDEP’s Definition

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

IPM Strategies

Treatments are not made according to a predetermined schedule

Inspect sites thoroughly.

Identify pest(s) accurately.

Monitor pest populations.

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.

IPM Controls

Physical controls

Mechanical controls

Sanitation

Cultural Controls

Physical Controls-ExclusionPhysical 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.

PreventPrevent pest populations pest populations through sanitationthrough sanitation

What pest management issues What pest management issues should I be aware of ?should I be aware of ?

What are the pest problems at my school?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?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?

What pest management issues What pest management issues should I be aware of ?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?

How Do I Implement IPM In My How Do I Implement IPM In My School?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

Model IPM PolicyModel 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

Step 2: Designate Pest Step 2: Designate Pest Management RolesManagement Roles..

IPM Coordinator

The Occupants (students and staff)The Parents

The Pest ManagerDecision-makers

IPM Advisory Committee

IPM Advisory CommitteeIPM Advisory Committee

IPM CoordinatorSchool PrincipalTeachers and student repsCustodial staff-facilities maintenanceCafeteria directorSchool nursePTA rep or other parent(s)

IPM Coordinator-IPM Coordinator-as defined in as defined in School IPM ActSchool 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

IPM Coordinator-IPM Coordinator-Additional Additional responsibilitiesresponsibilities

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

Requirements of the ActRequirements 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

Requirements of the ActRequirements 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

Step 3: Develop an IPM PlanStep 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

Step 4: Develop Bids for Step 4: Develop Bids for Contractors Contractors

Step 5: Implement IPM Step 5: Implement IPM components components

Step 6: Evaluate and Address Step 6: Evaluate and Address necessary modificationsnecessary modifications

Costs vs. BenefitsCosts vs. Benefits

Initial structural repairsMinimal sanitation and mechanical

supplies-caulking,shelving,etc.Education and trainingReduction in structural damageReduction in pesticide application

costsPositive feedback

Costs vs. BenefitsCosts vs. Benefits

Reduction in chemical useChange in use to less toxic productHealthier environment-less complaintsReduction in absentee rate Long term control of pestsReduction in exposure to pest generated

hazardsReduced liability-negative publicity

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

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

and dried.

Kitchen

Storage Room

Before

After

Do not store items within cardboard boxes. Unpack cartons and utilize shelving.

Correct

IncorrectDry Storage Area

All garbage cans need to be covered.

Remove garbage from the cafeteria on a daily basis.

Cafeteria

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

Classrooms

Thanks for Listening!

Ann R Waters, Outreach Coordinator

NJ DEPPesticide Control Program

PO Box 411, Trenton, NJ 08625-0411

(609) 984-5014email: Ann.Waters@dep.state.nj.us

http://pcpnj.orgAcknowledgements:

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 DepartmentCopyright University of Florida 1998