School Integrated Pest Management: Hiring a Professional

Many schools hire pest management professionals for insects, rodents, and weeds because they do not have the in-house expertise or staffing. Whether you hire a contractor for one job, on an as-needed basis, or to provide a complete integrated pest management (IPM) program, there are certain things to consider.

Do Your Homework

Do some research before choosing a pest control company. Many companies provide pest management services. Ask other schools for recommendations. Several companies in Washington state specialize in IPM for schools.

Obtain at least two or three bids and interview each company. Before submitting bids, companies should tour the facilities so they can provide a realistic estimate of the services needed.

If your school or district signed a contract usage agreement to use statewide or cooperative contracts in Washington state, your facilities may be able to use an existing contract. See Statewide Contract for IPM Services, Department of Enterprise Services.

Choose a Point of Contact

Choose one person to act as the primary contact. They can communicate school expectations and what the professional pest manager recommends to reduce pest conducive conditions.

Consider their Qualifications

When interviewing and selecting a pest management professional, there are several points to consider. Ask questions about employee training, licensing, and other topics that affect student safety and school liability.

IPM Training

When considering a pest control company, you may want to ask these questions:

  • Are personnel trained in IPM?
  • Can they accurately identify pests?
  • Can they identify the cause of an infestation and offer prevention methods?
  • How will personnel communicate conditions conducive to pest issues?
  • How will they work with the school to address these conditions?
  • Do the company or personnel belong to professional organizations such as the National Pest Management Association or the Washington State Pest Management Association? These organizations offer training opportunities and usually include a code of ethics for members.

Licensure and Insurance

Use the License Search tool, Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) to make sure the pest control company is licensed with WSDA Pesticide Licensing. Verify the pest control employee has a valid pesticide applicator license and the right license categories for managing the pests at your school. More information about licenses and categories can be found at WSDA Pesticide Licensing. You may also contact the WSDA Pesticide Licensing at (877) 301-4555 or license@agr.wa.gov and provide them with the pesticide license number, person’s name, or company name. If greenhouses or other agricultural uses will be included in the work, consult with WSDA about whether specific licenses or categories are needed.

Additional information on licensing requirements can be obtained from the WSDA Licensing Fact Sheet (PDF) or Decision Tree (PDF). If the company is correctly licensed with WSDA, they will have the WSDA required insurance. Schools can also require a Certificate of Insurance from the contractor with the school or district listed as Certificate Holder.

References

Ask for references and inquire about the company’s reputation. Contact the WSDA Pesticide Licensing at (877) 301-4555 or license@agr.wa.gov for information on previous complaints. Ask if the company has previous or ongoing complaints and the nature of the complaints.

Compliance

Make sure the company can comply with school pesticide use regulations, including RCW 17.21.415. The company must schedule necessary pesticide applications to minimize exposure of students and staff. They should communicate well with the school so the school may notify parents and staff before a pesticide application. Ask the company to provide labels and safety data sheets (SDSs) for all pesticides before they are used at school facilities.

Professionalism

The company and employees should:

  • Present a professional demeanor
  • Be on time for appointments
  • Be neat in appearance
  • Provide current photo identification for school security purposes
  • Use company vehicles and equipment that are clean and in good working order
  • Answer questions from school staff promptly and satisfactorily

Contracts

A contract with a pest management company can allow them to develop an effective IPM strategy for your facilities. You don’t have to accept a contract as offered. You can amend or help draft the contract. A company should provide pest management consistent with a school’s pest management policies.

Items to Include in Your Contract

  • A statement defining the IPM philosophy and process.
  • A list of pests and the facilities to be covered. The school should determine where pesticides are used. For example, some school districts include school greenhouses.
  • A request that the company provide a written plan, including regular site inspections, monitoring, and control methods.
  • A statement that pesticide applications may only occur after alternate options are tried or discussed and that only pre-approved pesticides may be used. Pesticide use should be targeted and applied on an as-needed basis only. Lowest toxicity formulations and methods are preferred over aerosol, broadcast, and baseboard treatments.
  • A requirement to provide a pesticide application record to the school promptly after treatment.
  • Length of term: If you are confident the company is a good fit, consider a multi-year contract to allow the company to get to know your staff and facilities. This will allow for the most effective methods for your site. 

Contract Details

Be aware of the fine print on the front and back of the contract. Look for:

  • An outline of responsibility for structural damage if a termite treatment fails. Is there a “damage replacement” clause? Are there exclusion clauses? If so, what is excluded?
  • A guarantee with the contract.
  • A right-to-cancel clause. Is there a penalty for cancellation?

Avoid contracts that include routine application of pesticides when there is no evidence a pest problem exists.

More Hiring Information and Examples

School IPM Information and Resources