The purpose of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is to reduce exposure to toxic pesticides through information and application of an integrated pest management system at County Office school sites as outlined in the Healthy Schools Act of 2000 (Assembly Bill 2260).
Definition
AB 2260 defines IPM as a:
“Pest management strategy that focuses on long-term prevention or suppression of pest problems through a combination of techniques such as monitoring for pest presence and establishing treatment threshold levels, using non-chemical practices to make the habitat less conducive to pest development, improving sanitation, and using mechanical and physical controls. Pesticides that pose the least possible hazard and are effective in a manner that minimizes risks to people, property, and the environment are used only after careful monitoring indicates they are needed according to pre-established guidelines and treatment thresholds. Note that this definition applies only to IPM in schools.”
Notification
If pesticides are to be used, the County Office of Education must give a written notice to parents and staff identifying the pesticides expected to be used in the coming year. This may be done along with other one time notifications at the beginning of each school year. Then signs stating: “Warning- pesticide treated area” must be posted 24 hours before a pesticide application, stating what chemical was used and where, along with the manufactures name and EPA registration number, and remain posted for 72 hours after the pesticide was applied.
All County Office school sites must keep records of these pesticide applications for four years.
For information on SCOE’s IPM contact the IPM manager:
Tanner Mendoza at 238-1920 or email tmendoza@stancoe.org
SCOE Integrated Pest Management Plan
Click on these links for more information and resources on IPM: