10.20 INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT
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The District's Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program includes the following components:
A. Identification
A knowledgeable person or company competent to carry out pest management duties find the origin of a pest problem or potential problem.
B. Prevention and Monitoring
Pest problems are prevented by routine monitoring, identification of potential pest problems and through education of the school community. When necessary, habitat modification is used to discourage pests from an area.
The individual/company responsible for the District's IPM program routinely inspects the building, including entrances, food/water storage sites and restrooms for pest activity and conditions that could attract pests. The individual/company responds to complaints reported by students, staff, parents or other school community members.
C. Education and Training
Everyone in a school community plays a role in pest management. Students, staff and other stakeholders are provided with the information necessary to implement the IPM program successfully. The IPM policy is distributed to students and staff in District handbooks and to any individual/company hired to carry out pest management duties.
Education and training programs address common human habits and other cultural practices that may be pest conducive.
D. Approved Least Toxic Chemical Use
Nontoxic methods of pest control are preferred. When applicable, the District uses environmental, cultural, mechanical and sanitation controls as the primary sources of pest control.
If nontoxic methods of pest control fail or are impractical, the least toxic chemical pesticide that is effective is used. Application techniques that minimize exposure are approved prior to being used. Only trained and qualified workers handle and apply the pesticides.
A record of all chemical pest control treatments is kept for at least three years. All records are made available upon request to the general public, the Ohio Department of Agriculture-Section of Pesticide Regulations and the board of health upon request.
E. Prenotification
Whenever possible, pesticides are administered during noninstructional periods and/or during school breaks.
If it becomes necessary to administer pesticides during times school is in session, the administration provides notice to affected persons, prior to the date and time of the pesticide application. The notice includes the date, time and location of the application, the name of the product being used and the telephone number to contact the school/company for more information.
Updated 9/1/2009 |
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