Manage the following information:
- Date / Time
- Place pest seen
- Pest seen
- Number of pests seen
- Person observing pests
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interior
Pest Sighting Log Sheet
Pests and Pesticides in Schools
Our children spend six hours a day for twelve years in school. Parents have a responsibility to work with educators to provide the safest environment in which children can attain an education. Numerous species of insects are present in and around schools. A number of these insects are pests that are harmful to children and disrupt the learning environment in classrooms. As a result, most schools apply pesticides to control pest infestations.
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Material Safety Data Sheets
The Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for each hazardous chemical describes how to use, handle and safely store the chemical safely. Each MSDS may appear different from another, but all provide basic information in 15 areas.
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Pesticide Use Protocol for Pest Management Technicians
In accepting the benefits of pesticides, there is a responsibility to use them with care and respect, and in accordance with label specifications. By incorporating safe use practices into daily work habits, much of the risk is removed. Ensure that appropriate school personnel are informed of all activities pertaining to pests and pesticide use. The following pesticide use protocol will minimize pesticide exposure, ensure the well being of students and school staff, and relieve fears or concerns about the proposed pesticide applications.
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Pesticide Information Resources
Contact information for several organizations related to school IPM work as it pertains to pesticide safety.
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Pesticide Harmful Effects and Emergency Response
Most pesticides are designed to harm or kill pests. Because some pests have systems similar to the human system, some pesticides also can harm or kill humans. Fortunately, humans usually can avoid harmful effects by avoiding being exposed to pesticides. Humans may be harmed by pesticides in two ways: they may be poisoned or injured. Pesticide poisoning is caused by pesticides that harm internal organs or other systems inside the body. Pesticide-related injuries usually are caused by pesticides that are external irritants.
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Qualities to look for in a Professional Pest Control Contractor
Iowa rules require professional pest control businesses to have a business license. This rule is true for companies that target structural pests as well as turfgrass and ornamental pests. In addition, all employees of that business that apply pesticides must be certified by the state as a commercial pesticide applicator. Schools should check to make sure that each business conducting pest control activities for them has met this legal requirement.
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Nonchemical Pest Management Methods
If you dislike the idea of using pesticides in your school or just want to try something else first, you may wish to explore nonchemical pest management. There are three keys to successfully implementing nonchemical pest management. You must determine the pest's (1) entry method, or how it gets into the building; (2) food, or what it eats; and (3) preferred climate, or what kind of environmental conditions it prefers. Once you know these three things, you can set about to reduce, eliminate, or change them, and your work toward controlling the pest will be much easier.
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March 2003 Newsletter
Articles in this issue:
- Exterior Pests: Hawthorn Rust
- Evolution of School IPM in Minnesota
- Interior Pests: Mice
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June 2002 Newsletter
Articles in this issue:
- Horticultural Tips: Basic Tree Care
- Exterior Pests: Why Weeds?
- Interior Pests: Fly Management
- Will IPM Be Required in Schools?
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