Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a comprehensive approach to pest problems in which non-toxic and least-toxic solutions are employed first before any chemical pesticides are used. The stated goal of IPM is to prevent the routine or unnecessary use of pesticides unless or until all other methods of control have been exhausted.

In many cases, pest problems in schools can be greatly reduced through simple steps such as blocking pest access routes, keeping surfaces clean and controlling food sources.

School officials should bear in mind that IPM programs do permit and support the use of toxic chemical pesticides. Regular evaluations of IPM programs by independent school personnel to ensure compliance with stated IPM goals are essential.

IPM is an appropriate policy for indoor pest control at schools, but is not necessary for exterior landscapes, where pesticide-free, natural landscaping techniques can be successfully employed.


Resources:

Beyond Pesticides, based in Washington, D.C. has been an active leader in reducing pesticides in schools for many years. They have produced an excellent fact sheet on IPM in schools called "Alternatives to Using Pesticides in Schools: What is Integrated Pest Management?"

For general information about school IPM programs, including many useful links to help you get started, the EPA has a great site called Integrated Pest Management in Schools.

The IPM Institute has developed an extensive 165-page document called IPM Standards for Schools which can be downloaded from their website. A simple two-page explanation of the standards is available here.

In response to a mandate from the State of New Jersey, Rutgers University’s Cooperative Extension Pest Management Office has developed a good, basic IPM policy for schools. 

North Carolina State University has produced some outstanding brochures about IPM for school administrators, custodians, food service workers and students. Many are available in Spanish.