What is school IPM?

IPM is simply a process for achieving long term, low risk pest suppression through the use of a wide variety of practices. A good school IPM program uses routine scouting for pests, building or procedural modifications that prevent pest build up, and selecting the least hazardous and most effective pesticide for a targeted pest after all other strategies have been implemented. Several states have already passed laws requiring schools to practice IPM.

For more information on school IPM issues, visit these sites:

• EPA School IPM website

• National School IPM website

• IPM Institute of North America, Inc.

Why Practice School IPM?

IPM programs can provide health and economic benefits to schools. The impacts of pests and pesticides on human health are well documented. IPM can protect human health by:

• Suppressing pests that may carry allergens or disease pathogens
• Reducing human exposure to pesticides
• Reducing environmental pollution

Costs associated with pest control can be reduced using an IPM approach. Implementing IPM provides economic benefits by:

• Decreasing pest damage
• Reducing unnecessary pesticide applications
• Improving maintenance and sanitation
• Reducing waste caused by infested food products

A well-planned and documented IPM program may offer protection from liabilities concerning exposure to pests and pesticides while enhancing public confidence and trust.

School IPM in Vermont

Vermont law does not mandate that schools practice IPM. However, in July 2000, the Vermont legislature passed ACT 125. This Act relates to toxic materials and indoor air quality in Vermont public schools and is aimed at reducing pesticide exposure and other air quality risks to school children. The goal of ACT 125 is to improve school indoor air quality, reduce hazardous exposures, and help schools earn the Certificate of Achievement for Environmental Health in Schools. In addition, this Vermont Act is setting standards that address the issues of air quality and other environmental factors that may affect health of children, staff and teachers in our schools. Act 125 also recognizes the importance of sustaining a healthy school environment through adoption of a model environmental health management plan & policy.

• Pesticide Protocol: South Burlington School District (Word document)
  Pesticide Protocol: South Burlington School District (Adobe Acrobat document)
  
  

Pesticides in Vermont Schools

• Over 70% of Vermont public schools use pesticides according to a recent survey and report done by Vermont Public Interest Research Group (VPIRG).
  
  To view the report: http://www.vpirg.org/downloads/chemicals.pdf
  
  
• By law, ANYONE applying Class A or B pesticides (this includes weed n' feed products) in Vermont schools or on Vermont school grounds MUST have a Vermont pesticide license. Commercial pest control companies would have a Commercial Pesticide License. Custodians or school staff applying pesticides should have a Non-Commercial Pesticide License.
  
  To find out how to get a Vermont Pesticide Applicator's License:
  http://pss.uvm.edu/pesp#PvsC
  
  
• Although Vermont does not have a law mandating School IPM to be practiced, ACT 125, an act relating to toxic materials and indoor air quality in Vermont Public Schools aimed at reducing pesticide exposure and other air quality risks to school children, passed in the July 2000, legislative session
  
  For further information: http://healthvermont.gov/enviro/Act125.aspx

Tools for Implementing IPM in Your School

• Steps for Establishing an IPM Program in Schools
  
  
• Sample School Integrated Pest Management Plan (Word document)
  Sample School Integrated Pest Management Plan (Adobe Acrobat document)
  
  
• Draft School IPM Policy Statement for Vermont Schools (Word document)
  Draft School IPM Policy Statement for Vermont Schools (Adobe Acrobat document)
  This Policy Statement can be used to educate school boards, parents, school staff and faculty about the intent of the school to use IPM.
  
  
• Draft Notification & Registry Letter for parents, staff and faculty (Word document)
  Draft Notification & Registry Letter for parents, staff and faculty (Adobe Acrobat document)
  This letter can be used to notify parents and legal guardians of students that you may be using a pesticide in the school and asking them if they would like to be informed when one is used. The parent would then send back the Pesticide Notification Registry letter.
  
  
• Draft Notification Letter for parents, staff and faculty (Word document)
  Draft Notification Letter for parents, staff and faculty (Adobe Acrobat document)
  This letter can be used to notify parents and legal guardians of students that you may be using a pesticide in the school and informing them that they will be notified when this is done.
  
  
• Pest Reporting Forms (Adobe Acrobat document)
  
  
• Pest Sighting Log (Adobe Acrobat document)
  
  
• Pesticide Use Log (Adobe Acrobat document)

Technical Information for School IPM

• Integrated Pest Management for Schools: A How-to Manual
• School IPM factsheets-links

• Integrated Pest Management for Northeast Schools

• Outdoor Integrated Pest Management for Maine Schools

• Pesticide Emergency Information-call 911 for pesticide emergencies or the appropriate contact:

  • Vermont Poison Center- (800) 222-1222

  • Recognition and Management of Pesticide Poisonings, 5th edition

  • Vermont Department of Agriculture, Food and Markets

  • For any small pesticide spills-call the Department of Agriculture 828-2431 or Department of Public Safety 1-800-641-5005

• Pesticide Information

  • National Pesticide Information Center

  • Pesticide Labels-Searchable Database

Contacts

• Ann Hazelrigg
  UVM Extension
  802-656-0493
  ann.hazelrigg@uvm.edu

• Wendy Anderson
  Vermont Department of Ag, Food and Markets
  802-828-3475
  wha@agr.state.vt.us

Questions or comments about site content should be directed to ann.hazelrigg@uvm.edu

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