Keeping Pests Out of Our Schools!

Template School Pest Management Best Practices

Developed by the Center for Green Schools

EPA Indoor Air Quality Tools for Schools: https://19january2017snapshot.epa.gov/schools/eh-guidelines-model-program_.html

By participating in these important steps, you can make your school cleaner, safer and healthier by reducing unnecessary exposure to pests and pesticides.

What is Integrated Pest Management (IPM)?

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Integrated pest management (IPM) is an effective strategy for pest control, emphasizing the reduction or elimination of pesticide usage through preventive measures. IPM works by obstructing pests’ access to school buildings and survival needs such as food, water, and shelter.

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School staff are NOT permitted to bring in any pesticides or chemicals from home. Pesticides must only be applied by approved staff outside of school operating hours.

Eliminate Food Sources

• Food and food residue (even the smallest amount) is a pest’s best friend!

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• KEEP FOOD OUT OR CONTAINED!
• Limit eating to cafeteria, staff lounge or outside.
• Make sure that all crumbs and spills are cleaned up right away, even if they require custodial assistance.
• When eating outside, ensure students “leave no trace”.
• Store any snacks you may have in durable, locking lid containers.
• If you’ve been approved to have a microwave or mini fridge in your classroom, ensure it’s cleaned regularly.

Contain Trash

• Waste disposed of improperly or food residue can attract pests.

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• KEEP CLASSROOMS CLEAN!
• Make sure trash & recycling signage is consistent and easy to understand.
• Place items in the correct bins.
• Empty liquids and/or wash food residue from containers in a sink when possible.
• If custodian has finished collecting trash from your room that day, don’t leave items in bin overnight.

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Clean out Clutter

• Clutter, dust and lint provides shelter, hiding places, and nesting material for pests.

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• KEEP ROOMS ORGANIZED!
• Identify areas that could be the biggest problem (storage closets, prep rooms, kids lockers, etc).
• Remove un-needed items – remember to recycle as much as possible!
• Conduct regular organizing and cleanout events (consider contacting parent volunteers, Green Team, Wellness Committee, etc., for support).
• Store supplies or other materials in bins with latched lids.

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See something, say something!

Notify school leadership if you:

• Spot a crack in a doorway, window or a hole in a window screen.
• Notice trash is being left in your room or hallway.
• Notice the staff lounge, kitchens or other areas are in need of cleaning.
• See pests or evidence of pests (note time of day and specific location)

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Outdoor Spaces

• Remove sources of standing water, including blocked drains
• Prune shrubs and trees away from the touching the building
• Keep area around dumpsters clear of waste and report evidence of pests in dumpsters
• Seal gaps around windows, doors, and pipes in building exterior

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Oh, the weather outside is frightful

But a week off from school is delightful

And since cleanup was incomplete

School pests eat, breed and eat, breed and eat.

Written by  Joellen Lampman

(Tortured adaptation of Let It Snow)

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Let’s all do our part to keep schools healthy, clean and safe!