School IPM Pest Management Strategic Plan

Improvements are needed!
More than 50 published studies since 1994 have documented deficiencies including unmanaged pest infestations, unsafe pesticide use and unnecessary pesticide exposures in schools.

Improvement is feasible and affordable.
Pest complaints and pesticide use have been reduced by 71 to 93% through Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in schools and public buildings nationwide, with no long-term increase in cost.

A Strategic Plan for Integrated Pest Management in Schools in the United States
Our challenge is to replicate our well-documented IPM successes in all of our schools. This new national strategic plan assesses the current status, compiles best practices and sets out a plan of action to achieve full implementation of IPM in all of our public schools by 2015.

Your help is needed to:

Increase awareness of the problems and availability of ready solutions to reduce pest problems and pesticide exposure;
Generate a commitment from agencies, organizations and individuals already working in and influencing schools to actively participate;
Provide financial, material and human resources to implement proven approaches including education, regulation and management tactics to prevent and avoid pest problems;
Improve regulations and compliance with existing laws;
Address research questions that may lead to less hazardous approaches to managing common and occasional pests in schools;
Educate staff and students about the benefits of IPM and how they can apply this approach to their homes and workplaces; and
Increase financial resources available to meet these objectives.

Many thanks to our contributors:
USDA CSREES IPM Program
North Central Region IPM Center
Northeastern Region IPM Center
Southern Region IPM Center
Western Region IPM Center
US EPA Office of Pesticide Programs

Full Strategic Plan in [PDF] (2.3 MB, Release date 01/07/2009)

Overview and Quick Reference Fact Sheet [PDF]

Cover
Acknowledgements
Table of Contents
1. Executive Summary
Why we need full implementation of high-level IPM in all of our schools.
2. Introduction
The case for advocacy and action.
3. Stakeholder Priorities
Key needs identified by a broad group of diverse stakeholders.

4. Strategic Plan
Objectives, roles and timeline for implementation.
5. IPM Adoption Process
Understanding how communities can be motivated to change behavior.
6. Overview of Pest Management in US Schools
Current status.
7. Management Zones: Preventing and Avoiding Pest-Conducive Conditions, Pests, and Pesticide Hazards
Comprehensive reference for preventing pest problems in schools.
8. Pest-specific Information, Tactics, Emerging Issues and Priorities
Compendium of management strategies for common pests.
Appendices

Appendix A. Pest Management Options Used in and Around Schools
Inspection, exclusion, sanitation, biological and chemical options.
Appendix B. School Pest Management-related Legislation by State
Issues addressed by existing legislation in each state.
Appendix C. Annual School IPM Report Card
Evaluation tool for measuring progress in each state.
Appendix D. Glossary
Appendix E. Workgroup Participant Contact Information and Biographies
Appendix F. References
School pest management and related publications
Appendix G. Bibliography of Surveys on Pest Management in Schools
Appendix H. School IPM Planning and Evaluation Tool
Appendix I. Directory of Organizations with Roles in School IPM
Appendix J. IPM Curriculum Support Tools
Resources for educators to engage students in practical science and environmental stewardship.
Appendix K. State and Regional IPM Contacts
Appendix L. Directory of School IPM Expertise
Appendix M. School IPM Tool Box
Tools to facilitate progress
Related Documents: School IPM Matrix [.doc] [PDF]