When developing an IPM program, schools
should consider methods that:
• Minimize health risks to people and the
environment
• Minimize disruption of the natural,
outdoor environment
• Are least toxic to species that are not pests
• Prevent a recurrence of the pest
infestation
• Are easy to implement
Implementing an IPM Program
Schools may choose to create their own IPM
programs independent of school districts. In
most cases, however, a district-wide policy
statement from the school board is useful in
promoting a common set of guidelines and
policies. Each school district designs its own
parameters for pest management, and the
individual schools design management plans
tailored to their own needs and specifications.
To develop an effective IPM program, your
school should consider creating a committee of
administrators, teachers, and parents to:
• Coordinate pest management procedures
• Facilitate communication between the
school, parents, and pest management
provider
• Evaluate the program's progress and
success
Implementing a school IPM program
takes dedication and commitment. School
administrators, teachers, parents, and students
can find information to assist in this process at
the EPAs IPM in Schools Web site:
www.epa.gov/pestwise/ipminschools
IPM Program Certification and
Recognition
Your school or district may choose to have its
IPM programs certified or recognized. When
seeking IPM certification, look for a widely
recognized program that provides:
• Assistance in developing, maintaining,
and sustaining your IPM program
• Evaluation of your program
• A list of certified IPM service providers
If seeking recognition for your IPM efforts, your
school or district may be interested in joining
the EPAs Pesticide Environmental Stewardship
Program (www.epa.gov/pestwise/pesp), a
partnership program for reducing pest and
pesticide risk.
For more information on the EPA's IPM in Schools
Program, please visit:
v.epa.gov/pestwise/ipminschools
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IPM in Schools for Healthier Students
Protecting childrens' health is a top priority for
the EPA. Our Nation's children, teachers, and
educational support staff spend a considerable
amount of time at school. Over 53 million
students are taught by 6.5 million adults in more
than 120,000 K-12 schools.
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a
powerful strategy to protect the health of
students and adults alike. IPM is an effective
and environmentally sensitive comprehensive
approach to pest management. IPM programs
reduce exposure to pests and pesticides, are
cost effective, and reduce pesticide use and pest
complaints.
With this in mind, EPA is working with an
extensive network of partners to bolster IPM
adoption in schools. IPM in schools is a
national effort to make safe, effective pest
management standard practice in all of the
Nation's schools.
IPM for Every School!
Only a small percentage of U.S. K-12 schools
have verifiable IPM programs. Improperly
managed pest problems and unnecessary
pesticide use impact our children's health
and our ability to educate them effectively.
Some pests are known to spread disease, bite,
cause allergic reactions, and cause asthma
attacks. Such pests commonly found in and
around schools include flies, cockroaches,
mosquitoes, spiders, and rodents. Because
protecting children's health is a top priority, EPA
encourages schools to adopt IPM practices.
What is IPM?
Integrated Pest Managment (IPM) programs
use comprehensive information about pest life
cycles and the influence of the environment to
choose the best methods for controlling pest
populations. This information is used to manage
pests economically, with the least possible
hazard to health, property, and the environment.
A successful IPM program takes advantage
of all pest management strategies, including
prevention, inspection, communication,
biopesticide use, and judicious and careful use
of pesticides when necessary.
Benefits of IPM:
Reduces Exposure to Pests
Reduces Exposure to Pesticides
Reduces Pest Management
Costs
The IPM Approach
IPM controls pests by determining where, when,
and what kind of management strategies are
needed. Pests are attracted to areas that provide
shelter, food, and water to them. Schools can
reduce pests by identifying and removing
conditions that will attract them.
IPM's multipronged pest control approach can
make your school safer for children, teachers,
and staff.
IPM Can Save Money
• Fixing leaky faucets to save on water and
reduce pests
• Sealing cracks and openings to reduce
energy costs and limit entryways for pests
• Using IPM approach to reduce pesticide
application costs
School districts around the nation report saving
thousands of dollars by implementing IPM.
Easy IPM Techniques
Preventive measures are easy to implement and
often improve the overall maintenance of the
school. These measures can include:
• Maintaining good sanitation practices
• Installing high-density door sweeps
• Restricting where food is eaten
• Moving dumpsters and food disposal
containers away from the school
• Pressure-cleaning food service areas
• Sealing cracks and crevices
• Cleaning gutters and directing water flow
away from building to prevent saturation
Program Evaluation
In addition to adopting preventive measures, an
IPM approach includes evaluating a school's
pest management practices and choosing lower-
risk methods of pest removal and prevention.
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