A Need to Modernize
In Virginia, our school pest control practices are antiquated (VDACS Survey 1999). The most common practice, applying pesticides on a monthly basis regardless of need, is particularly problematic. If there are no pests present, these applications may only be an unnecessary exposure risk.
While there are no data to support that "preventative" applications have caused any ill health effects in Virginia, it can be argued that more pesticide is being applied than is absolutely necessary. This practice needs to be changed.
IPM is a more modern method of pest control based on reduced toxicity techniques. IPM dictates that pesticides are only applied to correct documented pest problems. In addition, only the least toxic, most effective methods must be used. Finally, IPM requires that all pesticide products are applied using "precision targeting", which means the pesticide is placed only where it is accessible to pests but not people or pets.
