Introduction
On December 12, 2002, Governor James McGreevey
signed into law the 2002
NJ School Integrated Pest Management Act, which becomes
effective for schools on June 12, 2004. This website was designed
to assist public, private and charter schools with the implementation
of their individual IPM programs, enabling compliance with this
new law. The School IPM Act requires schools to establish an
IPM program, which includes adopting a Model
IPM Policy and implementing a Model IPM Plan, which is a
comprehensive site-specific document, which guides a school's
day-to-day activities for controlling pests. The Policy and
Plan cover both the management of indoor pests such as rodents
and cockroaches, as well as outdoor pests such as weeds or stinging
insects. This website also includes various samples or model
documents to help schools successfully implement their IPM Policies
and Plans. Model documents for such things as IPM Plans, a 72
hour notification form for parental and staff notification of
pesticide use, Model Contract bid specifications for pest control
contractors and other model documents are included to help schools
comply.
What is IPM?
IPM is a thoughtful, holistic approach to controlling
pests that uses a wide variety of tools such as sanitation,
structural modifications and other management techniques rather
than automatically turning to chemical control as a first option.
Pesticide use is an important tool in the pest control "toolbox"
but often an effective IPM program can reduce the reliance on
chemical control. In a typical program, pertinent information
about a pest is combined with careful selection of suitable
management techniques to eliminate the causes of pest outbreaks
or to otherwise manage the pest in an economical manner that
also represents the lowest possible hazard to people, property,
and the environment. The legal definition for IPM from the state
regulations at N.J.A.C. Title 7:30-1 is the following:
"'Integrated pest management' or 'IPM'
means a sustainable approach to managing pests by using all
appropriate technology and management practices in a way that
minimizes health, environmental and economic risks. IPM includes,
but is not limited to, monitoring pest populations, consumer
education, and when needed cultivation practices, sanitation,
solid waste management, structural maintenance, physical,
mechanical, biological and chemical controls."
The School IPM Act adds another aspect
to the decision-making process for controlling pests as described
above. When a school decides after considering all available
pest control options, that pesticide use is needed, the law
indicates that preference should be given to using a low
impact pesticide.
Why Practice IPM in Schools?
Besides the fact that state law is mandating
IPM in New Jersey schools, there are a number of potential health
and economic benefits to schools. Reducing the potential for
pesticide exposure to children is the driving force behind the
School IPM Act. Children are more vulnerable to the effects
of pesticides than adults; the school environment is therefore
an ideal place to reduce the potential for pesticide exposure
through an IPM program. In addition, pests have their own set
of acknowledged risks to personal health, property, and the
food supply. An effective IPM program can manage the risks from
both pesticide and pest, and protect human health by:
- Reducing student and staff exposure to pesticides
- Suppressing pests that may carry allergens
or disease pathogens
- Reducing environmental pollution
Implementing IPM may provide cost savings and
other economic benefits by:
- Reducing pest damage
- Reducing unnecessary pesticide applications
- Minimizing emergency repairs
- Improving maintenance and sanitation
- Reducing waste caused by infested food products
How to Get Started
IPM begins with learning how to prevent both
indoor and outdoor pests from becoming established. Regular
communication with the pest control professional hired by the
school who must be knowledgeable in IPM is essential to success.
With an understanding of how pests live, problems can often
be prevented simply by denying them food, shelter, or water
- the resources they need to survive and reproduce. Good facilities
management is essential to IPM. Preventing an indoor pest may
be as simple as blocking the pest's access into buildings or
paying extra attention to sanitation and maintenance. Promoting
healthy turf on athletic fields may prevent the need for chemical
weed or insect control. Buildings must be kept clean, uncluttered,
and in good repair to ensure healthy indoor air, maintain structural
integrity, and conserve costs and energy. This will also help
keep pests below harmful levels. IPM can be a cost-effective
way to provide a safe and healthy environment in which students
and staff can learn and work. For specifics about the plan your
school must follow, see the Model IPM Plan on this website.