Children in the United States face risks from exposure to pests and pesticides in schools. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) encourages the use of Integrated Pest Management (IPM), a smart, sensible and sustainable approach to pest control that focuses on addressing the underlying issues that make schools attractive to pests.
EPA reports that half of all schools have problems with indoor pollution, a complex problem attributable to various sources, such as poor engineering, leaky roofs, deferred maintenance and repairs, and the use of toxic products indoors and out. IPM reduces the risks from pests and pesticides for students and staff by reducing sources of food, water and shelter for pests in school buildings and grounds. An IPM program takes advantage of all pest management tactics, including the judicious and careful use of pesticides when necessary.
See what EPA and California are doing to reduce pesticide use in schools and child care centers and to promote healthy schools at the California Department of Pesticide Regulation's School IPM web site and check out their IPM video series to learn more and IPM in Schools and IPM in Child Care centers.
You can also read about UC IPM's new, free online course about to help child care centers and schools use IPM and follow the Healthy Schools Act.
Author - Associate Director for Urban & Community IPM/ Area Urban IPM Advisor