IPM Policy
The first step in any IPM program is communication. Everyone in your school district needs to be aware that you are adopting an IPM policy. Let administrators, faculty, staff, and students know that you will be using a new method of pest control that allows you to reduce pesticide use and still keep pests in check.
Circulate your IPM policy statement so everyone understands that your district recognizes the problems associated with both pests and pesticide use in the school environment. The IPM policy will explain that pest prevention is now the primary method of pest control in your school district. Maintenance and sanitation are now the first line of defense against pests, not pesticides. The policy will also explain that if additional control measures are needed only the least toxic, most effective pest control products will be used.
A copy of the IPM Policy Statement should be kept in the pesticide application logbook at all times. Our sample IPM Policy Statement is a MS Word document. It may be opened, saved, and edited to fit the requirements of your school district.
Also be sure everyone understands that according to Virginia state law, no one but a certified operator is allowed to apply ANY pesticide on school grounds. This means that is is illegal for teachers or staff to spray Raid® or Round-Up® on school grounds unless they are certified by the state of Virginia. See Virginia Pesticide Law (PDF).
