Integrated Pest Management
Inside Schools and Out
What is Integrated Pest Management?
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is the safest and most effective
pest management approach that relies on a combination of common-sense
practices. IPM programs use current, comprehensive information on the
habits of pests and their interaction with the environment. Pests are managed
by the most economical means, and with the least possible risk to people,
property, and the environment.
IPM in Schools
Pests
in schools often include various kinds of insect pests, vertebrate pests, and
weeds. IPM uses a combination of techniques including proactive pest
avoidance strategies such as pest-proofing
buildings and habitat
manipulation, and the direct application of pest control practices when
an infestation is identified.
IPM programs usually have
a strong educational base, and the entire school community is educated about
pests and the hazards they pose and the reasons for their infestation. As
community awareness increases, individuals understand how they can reduce pest
problems and report pest sightings to the facility management team.
The
school community will see for themselves how improving hygiene standards and
excluding pests from buildings can dramatically improve conditions in the
learning environment. IPM uses simple and effective principles that
everyone can understand and use in the school as well as in the home.
Pest
control practices begin when inspection or monitoring results indicate a need
for control according to established thresholds. Management programs focus on remediation
of the pest conducive conditions, and control of the target pest, while
preserving beneficial organisms and safeguarding our environment. Appropriate pest
control tools are selected and applied in a manner that minimizes risks to
humans, non-target organisms and the environment.
What this means to you, your student(s) and
your environment!
1) IPM reduces pest problems.
2) IPM commonly reduces
pesticide use in schools by 71% - 93%.
3) IPM maximizes the benefits of
the campus landscape and reduces plant and tree losses.
4) IPM generates a healthier
campus life for students, faculty, and staff.
There is a link to improved academic achievement and reduced absenteeism.
Schools using IPM report fewer athletic field injuries and “pest-related” asthma
symptoms.
5)
IPM is cost effective!
Healthy trees and green spaces are supportive of
healthy communities and are positively correlated with psychological, physical,
cognitive and improved attention capacity in our
children.
Pest complaints and pesticide use in schools and other
public buildings have been reduced by 71 to 93% through IPM, with no long-term
increase in costs in multiple well-documented studies
More in-depth information can
be found at: cals.arizona.edu/pubs/insects/az1234.pdf
There are no seven wonders of the world in the eyes of a
child. There are seven million. ~Walt Streightiff
