What is IPM?

IPM is a process for achieving long term, environmentally sound pest suppression through the use of a wide variety of technological and management practices. Control strategies in an IPM program extend beyond the application of pesticides to include structural and procedural modifications that reduce the food, water, living space and access used by pests. By eliminating potential food, water, and living space for pests, and sealing up their entry routes into buildings, the need for pesticides is greatly reduced. Pesticides are used only when a confirmed pest problem is present (no preventive treatments). Then, the least hazardous pesticide effective for control of a specific pest is applied using precision targeted treatments in areas not contacted or accessible to the children, faculty or staff. More and more schools and childcare facilities are looking for pest management professionals that can provide IPM services. Administrative and technical information for school personnel and pest control professionals is available in the Pest Management Practices section of the website. This section outlines all of the key practices and provides forms and fact sheets that can be used for client communication in an IPM Program.

A New Pest Management Policy is Recommended for Indiana Child Care Facilities:

A policy passed on Feb 17, 2003 by the Indiana Pesticide Review Board provides recommended standards for pesticide use and pest management in child care facilities, including daycare centers, ministries, and in-home child care. The policy, although not a legal requirement, provides guidelines to help providers protect children from pests and pesticides and to notify parents about pesticide use.

Indiana Child Care Pest Management Policy

Letter from Office of the Indiana State Chemist Explaining The Policy

PowerPoint Presentation about Indiana Policy

IPM in Schools: Challenges and Opportunities for Pest Control Professionals

Most Pest Control Professionals are familiar with Integrated Pest Management. IPM has become the industry standard, and many pest managers have been practicing it for years. But recent surveys of pest management practices at schools across the country indicate that most schools still are not practicing IPM. For example, many schools are still using preventive insecticide spray treatments indoors, and relatively few have active pest monitoring programs. Most school personnel nationally are just starting to become aware of the ways that sanitation and building and grounds maintenance practices can affect pest populations and contribute to pest outbreaksóand some have yet to learn. Pest managers know that, to be successful, IPM requires effective partnership and communication with the client. Across the country, more and more states are requiring IPM programs in schools. Many school administrators and personnel are just beginning to learn what this means. Although some schools may train their own personnel to manage IPM programs, many are turning to the pest control industry for guidance. Now is the time when industry leaders can really make a difference by educating school clients on the value of IPM and by providing monitoring and record keeping services, along with sanitation and maintenance recommendations. These are some of the challenges and opportunities that await pest management providers when it comes to selling and implementing IPM programs in schools or in childcarefacilities. Some of these issues are discussed in recent articles in Pest Control Technology Magazine (see links below). Links to Recent Articles in Pest Control Technology Magazine: - "Don't Miss the Bus" by Lisa McKenna. School IPM Presents Opportunities for PCOs - "IPM for Childcare Facilities" by Bobby Corrigan.

Selling IPM Programs to Schools

Tips and Ideas for marketing IPM Programs to schools:

                 - "7 Steps to Selling School IPM" by Jordon Fox, based on a presentation by David Harris John (from PCT Magazine)

                - "7 Steps to Selling School IPM" The Powerpoint presentation by David Harris John

Technical Information

                -"Important Considerations for Cockroach Monitoring in Schools and Commercial Accounts" by Bobby Corrigan

                - "Rodent IPM in Schools" by Bobby Corrigan (from PCT Magazine)

 

 

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