Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is the practice of preventing and managing pests by employing methods that minimize pesticide use. Commercial pest control services that use IPM in schools do so by modifying pest habitats, sealing entryways, using sanitation practices, performing or recommending structural repairs, and using organic and natural techniques to manage landscapes and playing fields. If an Olympia pest control company must use a pesticide, the product containing the least amount of toxins possible is chosen.
Schools are as vulnerable to infestations as homes. Despite the fact that the use of low-impact pest strategies is becoming more popular, many schools still choose to hire commercial pest control services that use blanket pesticide applications to manage and control unwanted invaders. However, the overuse of chemicals in pesticides can negatively affect the health and development of children and youths.
Many other schools, on the other hand, have found IPM to be not only successful at reducing pest complaints but cost-effective, as well. Here’s a look at the main components of a successful Integrated Pest Management program for schools:
1. Education and training. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the use of pesticides can affect the long-term health of students as well as their ability to learn. By training and educating school stakeholders and technicians about the dangers of pesticides and the benefits of an Integrated Pest Management program, educational institutions can effectively eliminate the use of substances that contain known and probable carcinogens, endocrine disruptors, nervous system disruptors and reproductive toxicants. The USDA recommends that schools use non-chemical strategies as much as possible to control pests.
2. Monitoring. Integrated Pest Management includes the practice of regularly inspecting school grounds and trapping pests in order to learn more about species and infestation levels. Unlike IPM, pest control based on the use of chemicals relies on routine applications of pesticides, which may be unnecessary. Pesticides provide a quick fix but are not a viable long-term solution. Monitoring and IPM strategies include habitat modifications, building repairs and the organic management of landscapes in order to find and fix problem areas and make school grounds less attractive to pests.
3. Pest prevention. Prevention is the best way for Olympia pest control services to manage infestations in schools. Prevention techniques come in the form of adopting structural changes, mechanical and biological techniques and a change in cultural practices at schools. When schools perform Integrated Pest Management techniques correctly, the results are economical and effective. Pest prevention techniques can include mulching for weed prevention, using screens over windows, improving sanitation and filling in cracks on buildings.
4. Determining action levels. Knowing the population size required for remedial action can help preserve a school’s aesthetics, budget and student health. Conventional wisdom dictates that weeds and pests will overcome school grounds without the use of harmful pesticides, but this is not true. When a school must use a pesticide as a last resort, it should ensure that students and staff will be off the campus for at least 24 hours after the application.
5. Use of Least Toxic Pesticides. When the use of pesticides on school grounds is inevitable, commercial pest control services should make sure the chemicals are not linked to short- or long-term health problems. Pesticides can persist in dust and air particles for several months.