School IPM Planning
Schools can use the common-sense, well-established method of integrated pest management to control pests by adopting IPM policies and developing plans for implementation. See model plans, pest action thresholds, pest observation logs, and other resources.
Getting Started
- Pest Control in the School Environment, U.S. EPA – six steps to establish school IPM
- School Integrated Pest Management: Basic Principles – fundamental information about how IPM is used in practice in schools
Model School IPM Plans
- Model Pesticide Safety and IPM Guidance Policy for School Districts, U.S. EPA
- School IPM Program, Oregon State University – models for small and large schools and districts
- Arizona Pest Management Center – how to prepare a plan, models for schools and tribal schools
Monitoring Tools
- School IPM Program, Oregon State University – school inspection forms, pest logs
- Setting Action Thresholds, Texas A&M Extension – how to set pest action thresholds
Benefits of School IPM
Pesticide Notifications and Records
- Compliance Guide for the Use of Pesticides at Public Schools (K-12) And Licensed Day-Care Centers, Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) (PDF) – example posters and records
- School Integrated Pest Management: Hiring a Professional – information and advice to consider when a pest management professional or contract is needed
Information about Pests and Pesticides
- Pests – Washington DOH webpages on various pests
- Pest Press Handouts – printable and shareable tips to help teachers and staff keep pests out of schools using IPM
- Infectious Disease Control Guide for School Staff (PDF) – see information about handling bed bugs, head lice, and other topics in schools
- National Pesticide Information Center (NPIC) – science-based information about pesticides and related topics
- Pesticide Information Center OnLine (PICOL) – free, searchable database of pesticides labels operated by WSU (advanced)
- Compliance: Schools and Child Care Centers, WSDA – posting and notification requirements in Washington state
- Turf and Landscape, OSU School IPM Program - information and videos on turf management
Toolkits
Bats and Rabies
- Rabies Prevention Poster-I Found A Bat What Do I Do (PDF)
- Rabies Prevention Presentation - Educators (PDF)
- Rabies Prevention Presentation - K12 (PDF)
- Suspected Rabies Exposure School - Letter Template (DOCX)
- Rabies Prevention Script K-12 (DOCX)
- Bats Pest Press (PDF)
Training Opportunities for School Staff
- Webinars about Integrated Pest Management, U.S. EPA – on-demand webinars by topic or pest
- The Pest Defense for Healthy Schools, The IPM Institute of North America – videos for specific school staff
- Arizona Pest Management Center – slides for specific school staff
Advanced Trainings and Professional Certifications
Professionals and school personnel can consider obtaining certifications to support school IPM work. Schools may consider looking for credentialed professionals.
- Pesticide License and Recertification, WSDA
- Washington State Pest Management Association – live courses with fresh topics each year
- Pesticide Resources and Education Program, Washington State University – pesticide license credits, including for recertification
- QualityPro Schools – certification equipping technicians to provide services in schools
- Associate Certified Entomologist Certification, Entomological Society of America
Landscaping and Gardening
- Washington State Nursery & Landscape Association – professional landscape certifications, including the ecoPRO Certified Sustainable Landscape Professional
- Washington Green School, Washington State University – Master Gardeners’ online course tracks for enhancing and mastering gardening skills