Integrated Pest Management For Schools and Childcare Facilities
Pest Expert Matthew S. Hess
10/18/2025
NOTE: Always follow federal, state, and local regulations. Always read and follow label directions before using a pesticide in ANY facility.
What is Integrated Pest Management?
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a sustainable and science-based approach to managing pests that emphasizes prevention and monitoring. It employs a combination of strategies such as exclusion, habitat modification, biological control, mechanical methods, and careful use of pesticides. By focusing on long-term prevention and risk reduction, IPM relies on accurate pest identification and an understanding of pest life cycles, entry points, and behaviors.
In schools, childcare facilities, and similar environments, effective pest management is essential for ensuring human safety. IPM provides a responsible framework for achieving this by prioritizing safety while minimizing the use of harmful chemicals.
Some Core Principles of IPM are:
- Monitoring – Regular inspections identifying pest problems and their severity
- Identification – Proper pest identification and a comprehensive understanding of life cycles, habitat, diet, preferences, and so on.
- Decision-Making – Decisions must be made regarding whether intervention is necessary, based on the protocols established by the IPM Plan. These can include the risks posed by the pest (either to humans, animals, structures, or any combination), whether health, economic, or structural risks.
- Prevention – Strategizing, planning, implementing, and maintaining pest prevention by means of sanitation, physical barriers, exclusions, repellent plants, habitat modification, and other non-chemical methods.
- Control – Understanding when control is necessary (for instance, when venomous or otherwise dangerous pests present the possibility of harm) and implementing the most judicious control while maintaining human health and safety.
Benefits of IPM
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is the preferred method for controlling pests, especially in sensitive environments like schools and daycare centers. One of its key benefits is that it minimizes the use of chemical pesticides, reducing the risk of misuse and the unnecessary exposure of children to harmful substances. This helps safeguard health and lowers potential economic and environmental risks.
By preventing pests through proper practices, IPM also reduces the chances of contamination and diseases that pests can bring. It provides a more effective and sustainable approach to pest control compared to traditional methods. Additionally, IPM is consistent and can be easily tracked with proper record-keeping, making it easier to build resilience in buildings, landscapes, and ecosystems against future pest issues.
Why is IPM Important for Schools and Child Care Facilities?
Some pests are simple nuisances, while others can pose serious threats when left unmanaged. Among those threats are:
- Contamination of food
- Negative health effects
- Damage to property
These threats can present in various ways. Here are a few examples:
- Cockroaches, mice, silverfish, and pantry pests can cause food contamination, health risks, and property damage.
- Fire ants, yellow jackets, wasps, and bees can inflict pain and cause allergic reactions, including potential death.
- Bed bugs can cause property damage, mental health concerns, and asthma.
- Fleas, ticks, rodents, birds, and cockroaches can spread disease-causing bacteria, fungi, viruses, and pathogens.
- Birds and rodents can cause structural property damage.
An effective Integrated Pest Management (IPM) plan is designed to reduce the susceptibility of schools and childcare facilities to pest infestations. Central to this approach is the implementation of “Best Management Practices” (BMPs) that prioritize proactive measures to prevent pest occurrences. These BMPs encompass a combination of strategies including sanitation, structural maintenance, and education, all aimed at creating an environment that is inhospitable to pests. By focusing on prevention rather than reaction, an IPM plan can significantly enhance the health and safety of educational settings (and other facilities as well). BMPs like exclusion (pest proofing), sanitation, removal of food, water and shelter (habitat modification), and other key components prevent pests from becominginfestations that threaten health and safety.
When IPM programs are in place, pesticides do not become a LAST resort, but rather, an alternative to more sustainable methods. Instead of routinely applying pesticides to prevent and control pests, long-lasting methods like those previously mentioned are employed. Then, continued inspection, monitoring, and tracking can dwetermine when or if pesticides are necessary to further control any pests. This allows for predictive analysis and planning to reduce target pests before they get started. Sometimes this may include the judicious use of pesticides but not necessarily as a routine method of prevention or control. However, some pesticide treatments may need to be planned in advance to thwart any intolerable but predicted infestations, for instance, using cockroach gel baits routinely in the kitchen and cafeteria.
Roles and Responsibilities in an IPM Program
In an IPM Program, each involved party has a role to play. The role is simple: To help stop and manage pests in and around the facility they are associated with. Who are the parties involved in an IPM Program? Anyone entering the property that is covered by the IPM Program. In schools and daycares, this includes:
- School and Childcare Staff
- Parents
- Students
- Pest Management Professionals
More precisely, each role has specific duties that must be met and maintained in order for the IPM Program to have continued success.
IPM Coordinator: An IPM Coordinator is a designated individual responsible for overseeing the implementation of an IPM program within a facility. This role can be filled by someone who is not necessarily the IPM Technician (also known as the Applicator) but is trained in all aspects of IPM, including the safe use of pesticides.
The IPM Coordinator acts as a liaison between the facility management and the IPM Technician, ensuring that all pest management activities comply with the established IPM program. They are also tasked with maintaining essential records related to pest management activities.
Importantly, the role of IPM Coordinator is distinct from positions such as Principal or Facility Manager. Instead, the Coordinator should have sufficient training to make informed decisions regarding the IPM strategies in place, whether that person is also a Principal, Superintendent, Pest Management Professional, Maintenance Supervisor, or a Kitchen Cook. Typically, the IPM Coordinator collaborates closely with a governing agent of the facility to manage and regulate the IPM program effectively.
Administrators/Decision Makers: Superintendents, child care facility owners, maintenance directors, and other key stakeholders need to grasp the fundamentals of the Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program to ensure its effectiveness. This requires close collaboration with the IPM Coordinator and IPM Applicator, who are responsible for implementing, regulating, and sustaining the program. However, achieving this collaboration can often be challenging, particularly when budget constraints impact the resources available for maintaining a successful IPM initiative.
Teachers, Staff, Students, and Other Children: All individuals who use classrooms, lockers, desks, and cubbyholes should be required to promptly clean up any leftover food and securely seal all unused food items, including pet food. This is essential to maintain a clean and safe environment, preventing pest infestations and hygiene issues. Anyone who witnesses a pest problem should promptly report it to someone in charge, or a Pest Sighting Log should be used for reporting.
Implementing a Pest Sighting Log into your IPM Program is critical for effective monitoring.
Kitchen and Cafeteria Staff: All staff involved in the food industry portion of a facility must prioritize sanitation and hygiene in every stage of the process. This includes food processing, storage, handling, preparation, serving, cleanup, and waste disposal. By maintaining strict sanitary practices, we can prevent contamination and ensure food safety for everyone, as part of the overall goal and outcome of an effective IPM Program.
Facility Maintenance and Custodial Staff: Staff members in this role should have direct access to administrators and decision-makers. They should be empowered to implement strategies such as exclusion methods, sanitation practices, habitat modification, and ongoing pest monitoring to effectively manage pest issues. These members are also more likely to be the first to notice evidence of pests, conducive conditions, or the pests themselves.
Family Members: Parents play a crucial role in teaching their children about the importance of safely storing and disposing of food. This education should align with the instructions provided by school staff or childcare employees. Additionally, ensuring the safety of children in schools and daycare settings is essential. Parents can enhance this safety by familiarizing themselves with the Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program, which focuses on preventing pests while minimizing risks to health and the environment. Forming a parent-led group to oversee and support this initiative can also strengthen community efforts to protect children in these settings.
Pest Management Professional or In-House Pesticide Applicator: Pesticide applicators, whether contracted or in-house, who work in facilities with children must have proper training and certification, staying current with any required continuing education units (CEUs) as mandated by state regulations. They need to be knowledgeable in Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices relevant to schools and similar environments, and collaborate effectively with IPM Coordinators and other staff members.
A successful IPM program relies on clearly defined roles and full commitment from all participants. When each individual fulfills their responsibilities, the program functions smoothly and achieves its goals effectively. Conversely, if any component of the program lacks support or clarity in role definition, challenges are likely to arise. Therefore, strong communication and teamwork between pest management professionals and the faculty, along with the IPM Coordinator, are essential for the successful implementation and ongoing success of the IPM program.
Implementing the IPM Program
There are five basic components of an IPM program:
1. Pest Identification.
To effectively manage pests, it is essential to customize interventions based on the specific types of pests that are present. Tailoring your approach ensures that the methods used are relevant and efficient, addressing the unique behaviors and characteristics of the pests in question. This targeted strategy enhances the likelihood of successful pest control and minimizes unnecessary pesticide treatments.
2. Inspection and Monitoring.
To effectively manage pest control, start with a comprehensive inspection of the property, both indoors and outdoors. Knowing where to look for various pests is crucial. Use a facility inspection checklist to guide your initial inspections and routine monitoring. Here are some key steps to follow during the inspection and monitoring process:
- Identify Pest Evidence: Look for signs of pest activity, such as droppings, gnaw marks, nests, or damage to property and landscaping. This evidence helps pinpoint potential infestations.
- Establish Routine Inspections: Schedule regular inspections to monitor for pest activity. This proactive approach allows for early detection and intervention, minimizing the risk of widespread infestations.
- Utilize Inspection Tools: Employ various tools to aid in your inspections. Sticky traps can capture crawling pests, while light traps can be effective for monitoring flying insects. These tools provide valuable data on pest populations.
- Implement Inspection Checklists: Develop and use detailed inspection checklists during initial assessments. This ensures that no area is overlooked and helps maintain thoroughness during follow-up inspections.
- Maintain Pest Sighting Logs: Encourage everyone on the property to document any pest sightings in a centralized Pest Sighting Log. This collaborative effort enhances monitoring efforts and allows for quicker responses to potential pest issues.
By systematically applying these steps, you’ll enhance your ability to detect and manage pests effectively, ensuring a safe and healthy environment.
3. Education
IPM education involves a variety of methods aimed at equipping everyone associated with the facility with the knowledge and skills necessary to prevent and manage pest issues effectively. Key methods include:
- Inspections: Regular assessments of the environment to identify potential pest habitats and signs of infestation.
- Service Reports: Documentation of pest control measures taken, including methods used, areas treated, and follow-up actions needed.
- Pest-Sighting Logs: Records maintained by staff and community members to note sightings of pests, helping to track and understand pest patterns and trends.
- Classroom Discussions: Engaging discussions aimed at enhancing awareness of pest management and fostering a culture of cleanliness and vigilance.
- Memos to Staff and Parents: Updates that inform school staff and parents about pest control measures, promoting transparency and collective responsibility.
Education is vital within an IPM framework, as it empowers everyone to contribute to pest management effectively. Key responsibilities include:
- Preventive Actions: All individuals can participate in pest prevention efforts such as exclusion (sealing entry points), sanitation (keeping environments clean), and monitoring (regularly checking for signs of pests).
- Communication: Everyone should be encouraged to report any pest sightings or unusual activity to the IPM Coordinator or maintenance staff promptly. This quick communication is essential for early detection and intervention.
- Pesticide Application: Only licensed and certified personnel are authorized to apply pesticides. This restriction ensures that chemicals are used safely and effectively, minimizing any risk to people and the environment.
Understanding the distinction between pest occurrences that require intervention and those that do not is crucial. Education should focus on:
- Recognizing common pest behaviors and life cycles can inform when intervention is necessary.
- Understanding the most appropriate, least disruptive actions to take based on the type of pest and level of infestation.
By educating all parties involved, IPM can be more effectively implemented, reducing the likelihood of pest problems and ensuring a healthier environment for all.
4. Action Thresholds
An action threshold is the specific point at which the presence of pests necessitates intervention to manage their population effectively. Understanding these thresholds is crucial for maintaining a healthy environment across various settings, including homes, businesses, and agricultural areas.
Variability of Action Thresholds
The determination of action thresholds can vary greatly based on several factors:
- Type of Pest: Different pests pose varying levels of risk. For instance, a few cockroaches in a food storage area are deemed unacceptable due to the high risk of contamination, leading to a very low action threshold for this scenario. Conversely, the presence of the same pests in a mechanical closet may be tolerated since it doesn’t directly threaten food safety; thus, it has a higher action threshold.
- Environment: The location plays a significant role in defining thresholds. A pest that is concerning in a home’s kitchen may not be as alarming in an industrial setting where sanitation measures differ.
- Geographical Area: The prevalence of certain pests can vary by region, influencing how we approach pest management. In some areas, specific pests may be more of a challenge during certain seasons due to life cycle patterns.
- Season: Seasonal changes can affect pest behavior and their population dynamics. For instance, an upsurge in insect activity during warmer months may require a more proactive approach to managing them.
Case Study: Cockroach Management
In practical terms, let’s consider cockroaches:
- Food Service Kitchens: These environments have a zero tolerance policy for cockroaches and should implement preventative measures to ensure these pests do not appear. The risks associated with cockroaches in this setting are significant enough that action is taken immediately—effectively, these kitchens operate with a “no action threshold.”
- Food Storage Areas: Here, even a minimal presence of cockroaches triggers an immediate response, as they pose a direct risk to food safety. Therefore, the action threshold in this area is critically low.
- Mechanical Closets: While cockroaches can exist in mechanical areas, their presence in these contexts is less concerning, as the risk to human health is diminished. Thus, the action threshold is higher, creating a more relaxed response.
In summary, understanding and establishing clear action thresholds based on pest type, environment, geographical considerations, and seasonal behaviors is essential for effective pest management. This proactive approach helps in preventing infestations before they escalate while ensuring health and safety standards are met in sensitive environments.
5. Effective Use of Multiple Tactics
To achieve a successful Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program, it is essential to combine various tactics to effectively eliminate unwanted pests and prevent future infestations. Pest monitoring is a critical component of any IPM strategy, unless the action threshold for the pest in question is determined to be zero.
Key Tactics in IPM:
1. Sanitation
Sanitation is fundamental to any effective IPM program. It focuses on eliminating the primary necessities for pest survival: food, water, and shelter. Practical Steps to good sanitation include:
- Proper Food Storage: Store food in airtight containers to prevent access.
- Clutter Control: Keep spaces organized to reduce hiding spots for pests.
- Prompt Cleanup: Quickly address spills and messes to eliminate food sources.
- Routine Cleaning: Regularly clean surfaces, including floors and countertops, to remove residues that attract pests.
2. Habitat Modification
Definition: This involves changing the environment to make it unfavorable for specific pests. Examples include:
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- Landscape Management: Remove mulch or other organic matter near building foundations to deter pests such as millipedes and centipedes.
- Debris Removal: Regularly eliminate fallen fruits and nuts that can serve as food for pests.
3. Exclusion
Exclusion, or pest-proofing, focuses on sealing off entry points to prevent pests from entering structures. Key actions include regularly inspecting for gaps, cracks, and openings on the exterior perimeter of the home and inside the crawlspace. Any vulnerable areas should be addressed promptly with sealant or other suitable materials. Sealant can be performed in a variety of ways:
- Use caulk or sealant on cracks in walls and foundations.
- Install gaskets on doors and windows.
- Fit screens over vents, windows, and doors to keep pests out.
- Replace damaged building materials that may harbor pests.
4. Mechanical Control
- This involves using physical devices to trap or kill pests. Trap types include:
- Glue Board: Sticky traps that catch crawling pests.
- Insect Light Traps: Attract and capture flying insects using light.
- Flypaper: A sticky surface that captures flying pests.
- Snap Traps: Quick-kill traps for rodents; should be used with caution in sensitive environments like schools.
- Repeater Traps: Designed to catch multiple pests in one setting.
Traps require careful placement and should be avoided in specific areas, particularly in schools and daycare facilities.
5. Physical Control
Physical methods can be highly effective when used correctly, often relying on extreme temperatures to eliminate pests:
- Drying Clothes: Use dryers on high heat to kill bed bugs in fabrics.
- Freezing: Store infested food products in a freezer at 0 degrees Fahrenheit for several days to eliminate pests.
- Vacuuming: Regular vacuuming can help remove fleas and their eggs from carpets and furniture.
- Heat Treatments: Application of heat is effective for treating bed bugs and other pests in specific environments.
- Cryogenics: A specialized technique using very low temperatures to kill pests like bed bugs.
6. Chemical Control
While pesticides can be part of an IPM strategy, they should be reserved for infestations that cannot be controlled by other means, or in situations where pests pose health hazards or other dangers to humans. Clear action thresholds should exist within the IPM Plan to determine when chemical intervention is necessary. Immediate action with pesticides may be required in some cases. For example, a swarm of yellowjackets in a classroom requires immediate attention, while a common spider in a hallway does not necessitate pesticide use.
Focusing on minimizing human and environmental exposure to pesticides is crucial to a well-implemented IPM program. For instance, Gel baits are effective against cockroaches and pose less risk than traditional pesticides when applied according to label instructions. However, Dust Insecticides, while highly effective, generally carry a higher risk of exposure and should be used judiciously.
By employing a combination of these tactics, you can create a comprehensive IPM program that effectively manages pests while prioritizing safety and prevention.
Safe Pesticide Use: Critical for Any IMP Program
To use pesticides safely, the applicator must have knowledge and thoroughness in the following areas:
- Personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Storage, transport, and disposal of pesticides, excess final solutions, and empty containers, etc.
- Pest identification, life cycles, and susceptible life stages of pests
- Non-target species, sites, and ecosystems
- Application, equipment calibration, and cleanup procedures.
- Labeled pests, sites, application rates, placements, and timing (Label comprehension).
- How to minimize surface runoff, drift, and other off-target movement of pesticides.
- Weather and other environmental conditions that may impact the application
- Pesticide signal words and precautionary statements
- Re-entry timing after application
IPM practices should not be substituted by pesticide applications. For example, a rodent baiting program should not substitute for fixing a missing door sweep. If rodents are entering through a missing door sweep, fixing the door sweep will likely resolve that issue, and no rodenticide will be needed.
In IPM, safe pesticide use doesn’t only mean proper use according to the label, but also means only using pesticides when actually necessary.
IPM Program Setup
The Pest Management Professional should work closely with facility staff to ensure a clear IPM policy is adopted, implemented, and maintained in any school or child care facility.
Important Components of a clear IPM policy include:
- Formal Adoption of the IPM Program by facility administrators that meets the standards of your State’s IPM Law, if such laws exist.
- An IPM program that is based on the specific facility/site
- Science-based definition of IPM
- Designated IPM Coordinator
- Continued Assessment of IPM tactics
- Licensed/certified applicator(s)
- Proper training and continuing education of the pesticide applicator(s)
- Proficient Pest Identification and monitoring
- Complete record-keeping
- Re-entry notification for treated areas (includes posting signs)
- Annual IPM program review and improvement implementation
Some facilities may have varying requirements in these areas, however, such requirements must not supersede State or label Laws. Any variations that are still within the Law should be clearly outlined in the IPM Program Plan.
For example: Records-keeping laws in KY may not be as strenuous as the IPM plan dictates. This must be clearly outlined for the PMP. However, the records-keeping requirements CANNOT be LESS THAN the State requires.
Once a clear IPM Plan has been adopted, the following steps should ensue:
- Designation of the IPM Coordinator
- Implementation of pest prevention, including: Exclusion, Sanitation, and Habitat modification.
- Implement a PEST SIGHTING LOG.
- Make application against any existing pest problems.
- Establish Action Thresholds (the threshold at which any pest invasion requires action). This should be completed for each specific pest (roaches, mice, rats, spiders, flies, gnats, etc.)
- Educate staff (teachers, maintenance, cooks, other staff members, students, parents and other persons who have a role in the IPM program. Education can be performed in a variety of ways whether online or in person.
- When any pest covered under the IPM plan reaches the action threshold, initiation of IPM approved control measures should be implemented.
IPM OR BUST!
When it comes to schools, daycares, assisted living facilities, Hospitals, and similar establishments, no pest management but Integrated Pest Management will do. IPM is specifically designed to target and control pests while ensuring safety and effectiveness, especially in environments where children, the elderly, or individuals with disabilities are present.
A well-planned and executed IPM Program will begin by:
- Making all necessary habitat modifications, structural exclusions, and sanitation corrections.
- Only using pesticides when necessary (but not necessarily as a last resort). Some pests require immediate attention and pesticide use due to potential hazards or dangers to humans.
- Accurately identifying pests and pest loads
- Establishing pest thresholds
- Establishing regular monitoring
- Implement pesticide control measures when non-pesticide techniques fail, or are not practical.
- Ensuring all applications will be performed and are performed in accordance with Laws.
- Utilizing ONLY certified professionals who meet continuing education requirements
When an IPM Program is well designed, implemented, and carried out, it will always consider the circumstances surrounding each specific situation before deciding on a solution.
THE IPM PROFESSIONAL
No one should be better suited to be called an IPM Professional than a Pest Controller. Yet, in many cases, Pest Controllers do not understand, implement, or abide by IPM standards in facilities that require it.
IPM is NOT only for sensitive accounts but can be incorporated into ANY account. Plus… when properly incorporated, profits will increase, and your company will flourish!
Go be a Pest Management Professional and not just a Pest Controller! Incorporate IPM into ALL your accounts and watch the money grow, your customers become more pleased, and your staff become more professional!
And remember, it’s okay to live among pests… but you don’t have to live with them!
