Record of Pesticide Applications
Why is accurate record keeping such as important part of IPM? One reason is that good records can actually help with the pest control effort. Monthly inspection and monitoring records can identify chronic pest problems, locate areas that are conducive to pest infestation, and document sanitation issues. These problems can then be addressed more effectively. But the most important benefit of good record keeping is that school facilities managers would be able to tell a concerned parent immediately when and where all pesticides have been applied on school grounds.
This pesticide application information has already proved useful to an IPM school district in Southwest Virginia. This particular district had a "sick" building. Parents were concerned that pesticides may have been contributing to poor air quality in the classrooms. However, the on-site records clearly documented that the only pesticides applied in the facility for the last year had been cockroach baits in the cafeteria. The parents were satisfied.
What kind of records should be kept?
A log book containing the following information should be maintained at a specific location in each school:
- A copy of the IPM policy statement (word document).
- A pest sighting log where school employees can record pest problems and pest control technicians can record the action taken (including pesticide applications) against listed pests. See Pest Sighting Log (PDF).
- Monthly monitoring floor plans documenting all pest incidents and pesticide applications. See How to Establish a Pest Monitoring Program, Monitoring Floor Plan (PDF), and Monitoring Record (PDF). Pesticide application information should include the brand name, formulation, specific location, and date applied. These floor plans are part of the IPM permanent record. Pesticide applications should be identified as being in response to a documented pest problem.
- New monitoring floor plans for technicians to use at each service visit.
- List of IPM pesticide products that are allowed to be used on school grounds. See List of Suggested IPM Products (PDF). The use of any other product must be discussed in advance with the school personnel in charge of the IPM program.
- Copies of pesticide labels for all products allowed in the IPM program. Pesticide law requires that applicators be familiar with label requirements and that use must follow label requirements.
- Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for all IPM pesticide products.
- Contact information for the school district's pest management company, including copies of business licenses and state pesticide applicator certification.
- A copy of the pest management contract, if applicable.
There are a number of advantages to keeping good records for both schools and the pest management professionals.
Advantages of record keeping for pest management:
- Allows the pest control technician to detect developing infestations before they become a problem.
- Allows the technician to monitor an infestation from month to month.
- Allows the technician to determine if control methods have been effective in decreasing the population.
- Allows a new technician who has never visited the site to locate the monitors and address any pest problems immediately.
Advantages of record keeping for school administrators:
- Reduces exposure risk by limiting pesticide applications to only documented pest problems.
- Allows facilities managers to know what is being applied in their buildings at all times.
- Provides an on-site record of all pesticide applications, including why, where, and when they were applied.
- Reduces potential liability.
