ECB - Pest Management

PEST MANAGEMENT IN SCHOOL FACILITIES AND ON SCHOOL GROUNDS

 

Pests can pose significant problems to people, property, and the environment.  Pesticides pose similar risks.  Children spend a great deal of time in schools and face greater potential for health effects resulting from pest and pesticide exposure.  By reducing reliance on pesticides and incorporating low-risk control options, Integrated Pest Management (IPM) reduces both pests and pesticide risks.  It is therefore the policy of the Acton School Department to apply IPM techniques for controlling pests in the school building and on school grounds. 

Integrated Pest Management Techniques

 IPM relies on pest monitoring and the most economical and least hazardous combination of cultural, physical, biological, and/or chemical controls to prevent unacceptable levels of pest activity and damage.  These plans will incorporate IPM and outline specific management tactics. 

 The full range of management options, including no action at all, will be considered.  The choice of using a pesticide is based on a review of all other available options and a determination that these options are not acceptable or are not feasible.  Non-pesticide pest management methods are used whenever possible.  Direct action will be used only when specific pest thresholds are reached.  When it is determined that a pesticide must be used, the least hazardous material and method of application will be chosen.  Pesticide applications will be timed to minimize their impact on school grounds.  All pesticides, including disinfectants, fungicides, herbicides, insecticides, rodenticides, repellants and wood preservatives will be handled according to state and federal law.  

Pest management objectives

  • Maintain a safe and sustainable school environment.

  • Protect human health by suppressing pests that threaten public health and safety.

  • Reduce exposure of humans, particularly children, to pesticides.

  • Reduce or prevent pest damage to school property.

  • Reduce environmental pollution.

  • Reduce the costs of pest management.

  • Prevent pests from spreading beyond school property.

  • Enhance the quality of life for students, staff, and others using school property.

IPM Coordinator

 The school will appoint an IPM Coordinator responsible for overseeing implementation of the IPM Policy and site plans.  The Coordinator’s responsibilities will include:

  • Recording all pest sightings by school staff and students.

  • Recording all pesticide use.

  • Coordinating management activities with pest control contractors.

  • Approving appropriate pesticide applications-methods, materials, timing, and location.

  • Assuring that all of the pest control contractor’s recommendations on maintenance and sanitation are carried out where feasible.

  • Posting and notification of pesticide application.

  • Evaluating the school’s progress in implementing the IPM plan.

Education

 The Acton School Community will be educated about potential pest problems and IPM methods used to achieve the pest management objectives.  From the very beginning, IPM should involve people from all segments of the school community.

Record keeping

 Pest sighting data sheets and pest control records will be kept current and accessible to verify the need for treatments and track the effectiveness of management activities.  Pesticide records shall be maintained on site and meet the requirements of the Maine Board of Pesticide Control.

Notification/Posting

 Within the first two weeks of every school year a notice will be provided to school staff, students, and parents of legal guardians briefly explaining the schools’ pesticide use policy.  The notice will indicate that pesticides may be used both indoors and outdoors, as needed and that applications will be noticed in accordance with the Board of Pesticides Control’s Chapter 27: Standards for Pesticide Application and Public Notification in Schools.  Notification will be given at least two days before planned pesticide applications.  Pesticide application notices will also be posted in school and on school grounds.  Notification need not be given for pesticide applications recognized by law to pose little or no risk of exposure to children or staff.   

Pesticide storage and purchase

 Pesticide purchases will be limited to the amount authorized for use during the year.  Pesticides will be stored in an appropriate, secure site that is not accessible to students or unauthorized personnel and disposed of in accordance with the label directions and state regulations. 

Pesticide applicators

 Any person applying pesticides in school buildings or on school grounds will be trained in the principles and practices of IPM and licensed by the state to apply pesticides.  Applicators must follow state regulations and label precautions and must comply with the School’s IPM Policy and pest management site plans. 

Legal Reference: Pesticides Control’s Chapter 27: Standards for Pesticide Application and Public Notification in Schools

Adopted:  September 11, 2007

Reviewed:            November 12, 2019