1. Texas School IPM Coordinator Crash Course Home Work IPM School Pest Management Welcome! This course is designed for Texas School IPM Coordinators on public school campuses in Texas. School administrators, teachers, and pest management professionals will also find this course beneficial. After this course, you will be able to: Understand basic IPM practices Recognize Texas Department of Agriculture rules for Integrated Pest Management for Public Schools Implement, manage and oversee your district’s IPM program Explain IPM practices to teachers, administrators, parents and other school staff Please refer to the Handouts button for additional resources.

2. IPM Basics

3. What is Integrated Pest Management (IPM)? IPM is the best pest control with the least environmental impact. IPM is a proven pest control method that provides long term management, not just a temporary fix. IPM reduces pesticide exposure to children while safely controlling pests. IPM can reduce pest complaints by as much as 93%.

4. IPM Practices IPM uses a combination of approaches to achieve maximum results when used together: Prevention Monitoring Identification Maintenance Recordkeeping Clean-building practices

5. If you find yourself always responding to emergencies, you’re not doing IPM. IPM focuses on prevention

6. Build an IPM program from the bottom up Pesticides Biological controls Physical / Mechanical controls Pest prevention & Sanitation

7. Minimizes pest management risks Pest Prevention Communication IPM Process Common sense sanitation and maintenance steps minimize food, water and shelter pests need to thrive. Everyone plays a role in IPM – they must know how to do their part. 3 Emphasis areas for IPM effectiveness

8. 1. IPM is a national effort

9. IPM practices reduce exposure to pests and pesticides Two facts support the need for a well managed IPM program: Children play on the floor or the ground then put their fingers in their mouths. This can increase potential exposure to pests and pesticides. Children are more sensitive to the effects of pesticides because their bodies are growing and developing.

10. Pest management problems common in schools Common pest management problems include:  excessive and hazardous pesticide use  unchecked pest problems

11. Pest management problems common in schools An independent evaluation of 29 school systems in more than 14 states revealed that almost half violated legal requirements or district policies for pest control.

12. Health problems linked to pest presence Asthma affects almost 10% of school children nationally. Exposure to pests, rodents, cockroaches, dust mites, and molds and mildew can trigger asthma. US EPA and the Centers for Disease Control recommend IPM in schools to reduce asthma problems.

13. Health problems linked to pest presence Schools using IPM have lower pesticide residues and allergen levels, often with no more costs than schools receiving conventional pesticide applications. IPM approach: fix the problems that lead to pest infestations.

14. IPM reduces Exposure to pests Exposure to pesticides Number of school days missed by students and staff Indoor allergens Turnover

15. IPM improves Indoor air quality Human and environmental health School morale Health, comfort and productivity of students & staff

16. IPM cost All these benefits come with no long-term increase in cost associated with implementing IPM programs.

17. Texas School IPM Timeline 2008: Texas Legislature moves all pesticide regulations to the Department of Agriculture. Today: All schools must abide by School IPM Rules. 1995: Texas Structural Pest Control Board begins enforcing school IPM. Develops guidelines for judicious use of pesticides. 1991: School IPM legislation passed in response to an incident in Chillicothe, Texas. Children were exposed unnecessarily to excessive amounts of pesticide used on cattle.

18. School IPM Laws & Rules

19. TDA must establish IPM standards Section 1951.212 The Department of Agriculture will: Develop standards for an integrated pest management program Establish requirement to use the least toxic methods available to control pests, rodents, insects, and weeds.

20. TDA defines IPM Section 1951.212 A pest management strategy that relies on accurate identification and scientific knowledge of target pests reliable monitoring methods to assess pest presence thresholds to determine when pesticides are needed both preventative and corrective control measures.

21. TDA definition includes multiple tactics Section 1951.212 Under IPM, whenever economical and practical, multiple control tactics should be used to achieve best control of pests. These tactics will possibly include, but are not limited to, the judicious use of pesticides.

22. Notification posting rules established by TDA Section 1951.212 This rule shall establish categories of pesticides that a school district is allowed to apply Minimum distance between application site and students Minimum amount of time before students can enter Posting requirements for indoors and outdoors Prior approval for use of pesticides and maintaining application use records

23. Pesticides in schools must be registered Section 1951.212 All pesticides used by school districts must be registered with the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA), with the exception of those pesticides that have been exempted from registration by the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), Section 25(b). All pesticides used by school districts must also bear a label as required by FIFRA and Chapter 76 of the Texas Agriculture Code.

24. TDA requires additional compliance Section 1951.212 Post notification indoors Post notification outdoors Do not mix in student occupied areas Non-pesticide measures require no posting Manage pesticide drift Adhere to pesticide category guidelines

25. Post Notification Indoors Section 1951.212 Pest control signs shall be posted at least 48 hours prior to a pesticide application inside school district buildings. 48

26. Reentry intervals critical Section 1951.212 For outdoor applications made on school district grounds, a pest control sign shall be displayed at the time of application and will remain posted until the specified reentry interval has been met in accordance with these rules.

27. Mix outside student areas Section 1951.212 Pesticides used on school district property shall be mixed outside of student occupied areas of building and grounds.

28. Non-pesticide measure needs no posting Section 1951.212 The use of non-pesticide control measures, non-pesticide monitoring tools and mechanical devices, such as glue boards and traps as permitted in accordance with these rules, are exempt from posting requirements.

29. Manage drift Section 1951.212 Pesticide applications shall not be made to outdoor school grounds if such an application will expose students to physical drift of pesticide spray particles. Reasonable preventative measures shall be taken to avoid the potential of drift to occur.

30. Use pesticides by the rules for each category Section 1951.212 School districts are allowed to apply the following pesticides to control pests, rodents, insects and weeds at school buildings, grounds or other facilities in accordance with the approval for use and restrictions listed for each category listed on the slides in a later section of this course.

31. Keys to Successful School IPM

32. Tx Structural Pest Control Regulations for School IPM IPM in School regulations cover these main points: 1.Pest Control Policy 2.Designation of IPM Coordinator 3.Monitoring and Inspections 4.Licensing of pesticide applicators 5.Pesticide classifications 6.Posting and Prior Notification 7.Re-entering pesticide treated areas 8.Education for staff Texas Administrative Code Title 4, Part 1, Ch 7, Subch H, Div 3

33. Each Key influences the others Pest Control Policy IPM Coordinator Monitoring Inspections Licensed Applicators Pesticide Categories Notification Re-entry Staff education

34. First Key: Pest Control Policy Texas Administrative Code Title 4, Part 1, Ch 7, Subch H, Div 3 Each district must have a written policy approved by school board that includes district’s commitment to follow IPM guidelines in all pest control activities on district property.

35. SPC Regulation: Pest Control Policy Texas Administrative Code Title 4, Part 1, Ch 7, Subch H, Div 3 IPM Policy MUST be kept with Superintendent and IPM Coordinator Can always be found in Superintendent’s office in the School Board Minutes book or in some districts, it is online under Policy Services sections CLB (Legal) and CLB (Local)

36. What is CLB (legal) and CLB (local)? Texas Administrative Code Title 4, Part 1, Ch 7, Subch H, Div 3 School board policy is the means by which a school district establishes its vision and goals and is vital to the mission of educating children. CLB (legal) and CLB (local) are sections within your districts policies. You should be able to find this on your district’s website. CLB (legal) are the items the state mandates each district MUST adopt. CLB (local) are the items the district has actually adopted at a local level – legal and local should match. IPM should be listed in these legal and local items.

37. SPC Regulation: Pest Control Policy Texas Administrative Code Title 4, Part 1, Ch 7, Subch H, Div 3 You should check your school’s policy for these mandated items: Definition of IPM (7.114) Reference to school IPM rules Who can make pesticide applications Information about designating, registering and training for the IPM Coordinator(s) Who should be consulted prior to bidding a school contract

38. Policy: Parents must be notified at registration Schools and day care centers must inform parents* of enrolled children that pesticides are periodically applied indoors and outdoors. Schools and day care centers are required to notify parents* of pesticide application if parents have submitted a written request to the school or day care center. Parent* notification can occur by telephone, in writing or by electronic means. *“Parents” includes guardians and managing conservators.

39. Post this notice in your school handbook for all grades ______ ISD has a policy that requires us to follow integrated pest management (IPM) procedures to control pests on school grounds. This district strives to use the safest effective methods to manage pests, including a variety of non-chemical control measures; however pesticide use is sometimes necessary to maintain adequate pest control and assure a safe, pest-free school environment. All pesticides used in our district are registered for their intended use by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and are applied only by certified pesticide applicators. Prior to indoor applications, signs will be posted 48 hours in advance of the treatment. All outdoor applications will be posted at the time of treatment and signs will remain until it is safe to enter the area. Parents with further questions, or who wish to be notified directly about upcoming pesticide applications on their children’s campus, can contact the District IPM Coordinator at (888) 555-1212 or email at your@isd.net.

40. Second Key: Designation of IPM Coordinator Texas Administrative Code Title 4, Part 1, Ch 7, Subch H, Div 3 Each public school district shall adopt an IPM Program appoint an IPM coordinator must report who the responsible coordinator is and any others within 90 days of appointment

41. IPM Coordinators must have training Section 1951.212 All IPM coordinators must receive 6 hours of training within 6 months after appointment 6 hours every 3 years after the initial training

42. IPM Coordinator’s job A trained IPM coordinator provides leadership to the whole district’s or campus’s IPM program. Writes IPM policy approved by school board Drafts IPM implementation plan Directs pest management practices for common problems Provides training on IPM Provides regular communication

43. Third Key: Monitoring and Inspections A monitoring program helps determine when pests are present and when pest problems are severe enough to justify corrective action. Texas Administrative Code Title 4, Part 1, Ch 7, Subch H, Div 3

44. Install Monitoring Devices Texas Administrative Code Title 4, Part 1, Ch 7, Subch H, Div 3

45. Recordkeeping and monitoring go hand-in-hand If your recordkeeping indicates pests occur often in certain areas, you should regularly inspect those areas for signs of pests. Early detection leads to early fixes.

46. Systems for recordkeeping critical Keep these records on file: Facility inspection reports Pest-related work orders Pest control service reports Pesticide applications Pesticide complaints Justification forms Incidental use training forms

47. Keep a pest sighting log A pest sighting log can help school staff report and respond to pest problems. Pest monitors in Pest Vulnerable Areas (PVA’s) can provide early warning.

48. Sample pest sighting log DateTimeLocationPest# of Pests Person Reporting Sightings Action TakenDate Action Completed/ Person 6/1/13 11 amClassroom 2b Pavement ants 5Mrs. Smith, Teacher of 2b Sealed entryway1/2/13 Ms. Smith, Lead Maintenance staff 6/3/13 8 amKitchen pantry German cockroach 1 adult Ms. Brown, Kitchen manager Removed cardboard, placed additional monitoring traps to determine if cockroach came in with recent delivery 1/3/13 Ms. Brown, Kitchen manager 6/5/13 7 pmAdmin office American cockroaches 2 adults Mr. Jones, Lead custodian Replaced external doorway sweep1/6/13 Mr. Jones, Lead custodian 6/9/13 8 pmOutdoor athletics storage Widow spider in webbing 1 adult Mr. Jones, Lead custodian Vacuumed web, spider and egg sacs, sealed void associated with web 6/10/13 Mr. Jones, Lead custodian 6/9/13 9 pmBooster club storage Mouse1Ms. Apple, Parent volunteer Reduced clutter, improved sanitation levels, stopped volunteers propping door open during afterschool events 6/14/13 Mr. Jones, Lead custodian

49. Conduct IPM inspections Go beyond sanitation Look for critical things pests need to survive & thrive

50. Inspections help eliminate pests Remove food, water, shelter, temperature, etc., and you can often eliminate the pest in that location. Try to eliminate more than 1 required element.

51. TDA inspections mandated every 5 years Section 1951.212 The department (TDA) shall inspect each school district at least once every five years for compliance with the school IPM rules.

52. TDA can return for more inspections Section 1951.212 TDA may conduct additional inspections based on a schedule of risk-based inspections using the following criteria: (1)whether there has been a prior violation by the school district (2) the inspection history of the school district (3)any history of complaints involving the school district (4)any other factor determined by the department by rule.

53. Fourth Key: Licensing of Pesticide Applicators Schools may only use licensed pesticide applicators for all pesticide applications. Texas Administrative Code Title 4, Part 1, Ch 7, Subch H, Div 3

54. Required to have a license if You must have a non-commercial TDA pesticide applicator’s license or to apply pesticides in these facilities: hospital or nursing home hotel/motel/lodge warehouse food-processing establishment school or educational institution day-care center You may also hire a licensed professional.

55. http://schoolipm.tamu.edu/pesticide-applicator-information/how-to-obtain-a-license/ http://agrilife.org/aes/what-license-do-i-needhttp://agrilife.org/aes/what-license-do-i-need/ For additional information about licensing

56. An AC technician needs to change out filters and inspect equipment that is on the roof of your building. When he gets up there, he finds a wasp nest. Does he have to wait for you to apply pesticides or for you to call a licensed applicator? Does he have to wait?

57. Under “Incidental Use”, you can train an unlicensed school staff member to apply an insecticide for bees, ants and wasps. The catch: this person cannot make routine applications. They can only do it in emergency situations when the safety of workers or students is at risk and there is not enough time to get a licensed applicator on site. Incidental use: A tricky issue Rule 7.155 Incidental Use

58. Incidental use only applies to Green Category pesticides for both indoor and outdoor application. All IPM policy rules and label rules still apply. You must keep records of applications and records of the training you provided. Keep these records for 2 years. Incidental use: All rules still apply Rule 7.155 Incidental Use

59. All herbicides fall under Yellow or Red categories, and may not be used under Incidental Use. All applications of herbicide must be made by a licensed applicator. More on Pesticide Categories in next section. Incidental use: No herbicides Rule 7.155 Incidental Use

60. Fifth Key: Pesticide Classifications All registered pesticides are classified according to these categories: Green Yellow Red Categories are based on presence of certain active ingredients, EPA designated toxicity levels and intervals for re-application.

61. Green Category least toxic A pesticide will be designated as a Green Category pesticide if it meets the following criteria: all active ingredients belonging to EPA toxicity categories III and IV contains a CAUTION signal word on the product label, unless no signal word is required to appear on the product label as determined by EPA

62. Green Category active ingredients Final criteria for placement in Green Category: consists of these active ingredients boric acid, disodium octoborate tetrahydrate or related boron compounds silica gel insect growth regulators microbe-based insecticides botanical insecticides containing no more than 5% synergist (and does not include synthetic pyrethroids) diatomaceous earth biological (living) control agents pesticidal soaps natural or synthetic horticultural oils insect and rodent baits in tamper- resistant containers, or for crack-and- crevice use only

63. Green Category for indoor & outdoor application Indoor application: Students may not be present at time of application Outdoor application: Students may not be present within ten (10) feet of the application site at the time of treatment.

64. Yellow Category more toxic A pesticide will be designated as a Yellow Category pesticide if it meets the following criteria: all active ingredients belonging to EPA toxicity categories III and IV contains a CAUTION signal word on the product label, unless no signal word is required to appear on the product label as determined by EPA does not meet the criteria to be designated as a Green Category

65. Yellow Category requires written approval You must have written justification for use of Yellow Category pesticides from the Pesticide Applicator PRIOR to application. Yellow Category pesticide approvals shall have a duration of no longer than six (6) months or six (6) applications per site, whichever occurs first.

66. Yellow Category Justification Forms See this link for Yellow category justification form http://schoolipm.tamu.edu http://schoolipm.tamu.edu *Licensed applicator provides IPM Coordinator with a copy of the form prior to application.

67. Yellow Category indoor & outdoor application Indoor application: – Students not present at application time – Reentry after 4 hours (or time period specified on label, whichever is longer) Outdoor application: – Students are not present or not expected to be present within ten (10) feet of application site – Reentry after 4 hours (or time period specified on the label, whichever is longer)

68. Red Category most toxic A pesticide will be designated as a Red Category Pesticide if it meets the following criteria: all active ingredients belonging to EPA toxicity category I or II contains a WARNING or DANGER signal word on the product label contains an active ingredient that has been designated as a restricted use pesticide, a state-limited-use pesticide or a regulated herbicide

69. Red Category requires written approval Use of a Red Category product requires a conversation between the IPM coordinator and pesticide applicator. They must both sign off on the use of the product on the justification form. Red Category pesticide approvals shall have a duration of no longer than three (3) months or three (3) applications per site, whichever occurs first.

70. Red Category Justification Forms See this link for Red category justification form http://schoolipm.tamu.edu http://schoolipm.tamu.edu *Applicator and IPM Coordinator both sign off for Red Category products prior to application.

71. Red Category indoor & outdoor application Indoor application: – Students not present at application time – Reentry after 8 hours (or time period specified on label, whichever is longer) Outdoor application: – Students are not present or not expected to be present within twenty-five (25) feet of application site – Application site must be secured in accordance with these rules – Reentry after 8 hours (or time period specified on the label, whichever is longer)

72. You may only train folks to apply Green Category pesticides. Train them to follow label directions exactly. Keep training records for 2 years. Check in regularly with them to see that they are following guidelines. Green Category only for Incidental Use Rule 7.155 Incidental Use

73. Find all forms here Find all the forms you need at http://schoolipm.tamu.edu

74. Sixth Key: Posting and Prior Notification Texas Administrative Code Title 4, Part 1, Ch 7, Subch H, Div 3 All applications of pesticide require some form of written notice: Notice in student handbook of policy permitting periodic application Notice of planned treatment in indoor and outdoor areas Notice of past treatment requiring re-entry period to pass

75. Post Notification of Pesticide Application A pest control sign must be provided by the licensee to the chief administrator, IPM Coordinator or building manager at least 48 hours prior to a planned indoor treatment at a hospital or nursing home hotel/motel/lodge warehouse food-processing establishment school or educational institution day-care center

76. Post notification in public area The sign must be placed in an area of common access that individuals are likely to check at least 48 hours before each planned treatment or in the case of schools prior to the regularly scheduled service visit by the pest control contractor.

77. Post notification of outdoor treatment: examples

78. Seventh Key: Re-entry into treated areas Re-entry times vary by pesticide category. Always leave notification posted until re-entry time has passed. Texas Administrative Code Title 4, Part 1, Ch 7, Subch H, Div 3

79. Green Category re-entry times Indoor re-entry times: Students may not be present at application, but may re-enter immediately after application dries or application has ended. Outdoor re-entry times: Same as above

80. Yellow Category re-entry times Indoor re-entry times: Students may not be present for application and may not re-enter for four (4) hours after application (or follow label directions for re-entry, whichever time is longer). Outdoor re-entry times: Students may not be within ten (10) feet of application, and may not re-enter for four (4) hours after application (or follow label directions for re-entry, whichever time is longer).

81. Red Category indoor & outdoor application Indoor re-entry times: Students may not be present at application, and may not re-enter for eight (8) hours after application (or follow label directions for re-entry, whichever time is longer). Outdoor re-entry times: Students may not be within twenty-five (25) feet of application, area must be secured to keep students out. Students may not re-enter for eight (8) hours after application (or follow label directions for re-entry, whichever time is longer).

82. Eighth Key: Education for staff Teamwork is what makes IPM work IPM takes people management Communication is essential Education is the most often overlooked IPM tactic and it’s easy: forward our newsletter! Texas Administrative Code Title 4, Part 1, Ch 7, Subch H, Div 3

83. Who receives IPM training in my district? School administrators Teachers and aides Food service staff Custodial and maintenance staff Students Nurses Health aides Parents IPM Coordinator should provide these groups with training in how to prevent pest problems:

84. Important Players in IPM Policy Each of these groups play an important role in making IPM work in your school. Regular communication will help them take responsibility as part of a pest-free school community.

85. What kinds of communication am I responsible for? Parents of sensitive children who are registered with the school Notice of pesticide application Local media Press releases about successes and problems handled with IPM Administrators, teachers & staff Notice of pesticide application, timely messages about prevention, pest sighting logs StudentsPrevention messages

86. Treatment Selection

87. IPM Nuts and Bolts: Treatment Selection How do you choose the best, most effective option?

88. Follow IPM Pyramid: Build from the bottom up Pesticides Biological controls Physical / Mechanical controls Pest prevention & Sanitation

89. Prefer non-pesticide solutions first Presence of specific species tells you what to look for to control the pest: Specific pests eat specific foods, need access to water and specific types of shelter. Eliminating their specific sources of food, water and shelter can eliminate your pest problem. It all starts with identifying the pest.

90. A termite is not just a termite Termites are essential decomposers and recyclers of wood in nature. But in a building, termites can be expensive pests. Whether or not an organism is a “pest” depends on where you find it.

91. All ants are NOT created equal Fire Ant Usually nests outdoors Requires specialized baits Pharaoh Ant Readily nests indoors Requires specialized baits Carpenter ant Considered wood destroyer Specialized baits or nest treatment Each one of these ant species require different management practices – proper pest identification will help you select the most effective treatment options.

92. Choose the right treatment Prefer non-chemical management strategies to control pests, rodents, insects and weeds. Use lower risk pesticides (Green Category). Choose right product for: Location of problem Size of infestation

93. Monitoring, recordkeeping and thresholds “Action thresholds” are sometimes set. When the number of pests hits your action threshold, its time to do something about it. For some pests, the action threshold is one.

94. Thresholds linked to specific actions Low cost responses Increase inspection frequency Conduct formal or informal training with kitchen staff Increased cost responses Place cockroach bait stations Higher cost responses Apply dusts, aerosols, crack & crevice treatments Highest cost responses Pull & deep clean kitchen equipment

95. Thresholds vary by location: Ant example LocationThresholdAction Sports fields4-5 mounds for bait application, <4 mounds direct treatment Broadcast baits at 1.5 lbs per acre when justified. Individual mound treatments with liquid drenches (pyrethrins drench preferred) Building perimeters Single mound within ten feet of inhabited structures Apply individual mound treatment using liquid drench (pyrethrins drench preferred). Sensitive building perimeters treated with ten foot barrier fipronil granule. IndoorsRespond to all complaints; treat when more than one ant observed per classroom Use approved cleaner on ant trails, apply pyrethrin sprays to ant entry points if necessary in emergency. Look for, and treat, fire ant mounds outdoors, outside infested rooms.

96. Prevention through pest proofing and maintenance This door needs a sweep to prevent pests from entering. This drain screen should be repaired to prevent pests from entering.

97. Prevention through clean building practices Dirty floor drains provide food and shelter for ants, flies and cockroaches. Pay attention to cleanliness around drains to prevent pests from getting food and shelter there.

98. Prevention through maintenance or pest proofing The pest in this picture would not be able to get in if the door seal and sweep had been properly maintained. Effective door sweeps can cut pest complaints by 65%.

99. Create Management Plans from Action Thresholds Written guidelines identify thresholds for when pest control actions are justified. Find samples at schoolipm.tamu.eduschoolipm.tamu.edu

100. Don’t reinvent the wheel Cultivate partnerships with those who also work to improve environmental health and safety: Local universities County Extension agents Your departments of agriculture or health Pest management professionals Non-governmental organizations

101. Everyone has a role in IPM

102. Each of these people play a critical role in school IPM School Administrators School Nurses Students and Teachers Parents Maintenance/ Custodial Staff Grounds Staff Kitchen Staff Vendors and Contractors Pest Management Professionals

103. School district roles & responsibilities Superintendent appoints IPM Coordinator Report IPM Coordinator’s name and contact information to the state Designate “Responsible IPM Coordinator” if more than 1 Coordinator in district

104. School district roles & responsibilities Employ or contract with a licensed pesticide applicator Before the first week of school, implement procedure for notification of pesticide application *Licensee may serve as IPM Coordinator *Includes phone, written, electronic notification to parents wanting notification. Maintain registry of chemically sensitive students

105. IPM Coordinators must have training Successfully complete a department-approved IPM Coordinator training course within six months of appointment. This course does not count for this requirement. This course gets you started on an emergency basis until you can attend this training.

106. IPM Coordinators must have training Obtain at least 6hours of department-approved IPM continuing education units at least every three years. You cannot take the same course more than once every three years. Many courses are available on the same site that provides this course. Be sure the course applies to your situation before you register. Texaselearning.com/AgriLife

107. Responsible IPM Coordinator If your district has more than 1 IPM Coordinator, one is designated as the “Responsible IPM Coordinator”. Responsible IPM Coordinator Overall responsibility for the IPM program Oversight of subordinate IPM Coordinators regarding IPM program decisions

108. IPM Coordinator Responsibilities Recordkeeping Monitoring & Inspections Pesticide Compliance Staff Education Make Policy Available Applicator Compliance Bid proposal Compliance

109. Applicator Compliance Applicator Compliance School IPM Coordinator coordinates all pest management personnel. IPM Coordinator ensures that each: School employee performing pest control tasks has necessary training Applicator has appropriate protective equipment License is up to date Applicator’s CEUs are maintained Employee applicator uses adequate PPE* (Personal Protective Equipment)

110. Recordkeeping IPM Coordinator keeps these records on file for 2 years and must be made available to TDA inspector upon request: Incidental use training Facility inspection reports Pest-related work orders Examples of “conducive conditions” like bad door sweeps = mice getting in buildings Pest control service reports Pesticide applications Pesticide complaints by teachers/parents Recordkeeping

111. Monitoring & Inspections Monitoring and Inspections IPM Coordinator conducts facility inspections on campus buildings and grounds. Keep records of your inspections – TDA inspectors look for these. Inspection frequency is at discretion of IPM Coordinator – Inspection interval is influenced by frequency of actual pest issues. Inspection Form: schoolipm.tamu.eduschoolipm.tamu.edu

112. Bid proposal Compliance Bid Proposal Compliance All pest control proposal specifications for outside contractors must be compatible with IPM principles. Contractors should work under guidelines of the district’s IPM Policy. Bid specifications must be updated to reflect IPM techniques. Contracts cannot call for a summer cleanout treatment.

113. Pesticide Compliance Pesticide Compliance All pesticides comply with IPM policy and plan. Keep current pesticide labels and MSDS to be available upon request.

114. Staff Education Staff Education Communicate and train relevant school district personnel about their role in IPM execution, reporting and notification procedures. Inform teachers, principals, custodians, food service personnel, school nurses and others about their role in IPM. More about roles of staff in IPM later in this course.

115. Make Policy Available Make policy available to interested parties Maintain a current copy of the IPM policy. Make it available to TDA inspector upon request. Find the CLB local and Legal.

116. Important People for IPM School IPM Coordinator School Administrator School Nurse Students and Teachers Parents Maintenance/Custodial Staff Grounds Staff Kitchen Staff Vendors and Contractors Pest Management Professionals

117. IPM Coordinator’s Relationships Serves as primary contact person for all pest management matters. Is the go-between for staff and pest management professionals. Usually a district facilities leader. May also be the Superintendent, Principal or contractee. Avoid conflict of interest: don’t appoint your contracted pest management provider as the IPM Coordinator.

118. IPM Coordinator’s Authority The IPM Coordinator should have the authority to request cleaning, repairs or other improvements to manage and prevent pest problems.

119. Day-to-day operation of IPM Program The IPM Coordinator monitors, inspects and determines what IPM practices are needed for specific pest problems. The IPM Coordinator is usually in charge of evaluating the need for pesticide application and approving applications if necessary. The IPM Coordinator typically maintains the IPM Plan, which can include a list of allowable pesticides.

120. IPM Coordinator’s day-to-day responsibilities The IPM Coordinator monitors, deals with contractors, examines problem areas and decides on pest management strategies for specific problems. To do the job effectively, your IPM Coordinator needs training. Training schedule is available at schoolipm.tamu.eduschoolipm.tamu.edu

121. Roles of other staff in IPM Certified Applicator Administration Maintenance Custodial Grounds Crew Kitchen Staff IPM Coordinator School Nurse Parents Students & Teachers Vendors & Contractors

122. Certified Applicator follows IPM rules Apply only EPA certified pesticides appropriate for the target pest Provide the structural pest management needs of the school district by following the school district's IPM program Obtain written approval from the IPM Coordinator(s) for the use of pesticides

123. Certified Applicator helps with records Send records of pesticide use, pest complaints and records of IPM activiteis to the IPM Coordinator Forward pesticide forms to the IPM Coordinator within 2 business days of application or agreement. Consult with the IPM Coordinator(s) concerning the use of control measures in buildings and grounds Ensure that all pest control activities are consistent with the school district's IPM program and IPM policy.

124. Administrators should be aware of state laws about IPM in schools, pesticide use in schools, any other regulations addressing pest management and the district’s IPM policy. IPM programs need administrative support for sustainability and effectiveness. The IPM Coordinator should communicate with school administrators on a regular basis. School Administrator sets the tone for program

125. School Administrators need to… The most important responsibilities of administrators are to: Adopt and maintain an IPM policy. Include IPM as part of your health and/or safety committee(s). Designate and train a competent IPM Coordinator. Support priorities for maintenance and sanitation, as identified by the IPM Coordinator. Encourage faculty and staff understanding and full participation in the IPM program.

126. School Nurses critical for student needs Be aware of IPM Policy, IPM Plan and pesticides on school property. Be familiar with the signs and symptoms of pesticide poisoning. Be aware of signs of pest exposure including head lice, fire ants, bed bugs, asthma, rabies and mosquito and tick- borne diseases present in the region. Ask them to report signs of these things.

127. School Nurses help track sensitive students A nurse should: Be aware of any children or staff with asthma, chemical sensitivities or allergies to stinging insects. Have information on IPM strategies for pests that can impact student health. Keep a list of students who have serious reactions to stinging insects. And communicate this information to the IPM Coordinator

128. Students and Teachers sight and sanitize Report pest sightings. Keep facilities clean: Leaving NO food in lockers, classrooms and common areas. NO eating or drinking in areas not designated for food consumption. NO clutter, which can provide shelter and makes inspection and cleaning difficult.

129. Parents report, reinforce program Parent support of IPM motivates and reinforces school staff efforts to provide effective, low risk pest control. Parent support for IPM can strengthen your district’s IPM program.

130. Parents report, reinforce program Express any concerns to IPM Coordinator, PTO or school administrator. Notify administration of chemically sensitive child. Use IPM practices in their homes to extend the benefits of IPM.

131. Maintenance/Custodial/Grounds staff Staff are responsible for recognizing and correcting conditions that may lead to pest problems. Examples: water leaks, potential pest entryways, plants touching buildings (providing pest access). It is essential that all maintenance, custodial and grounds staff be adequately trained to recognize and prevent pest problems.

132. Kitchen staff critical for pest management Food preparation & handling areas are one of the most vulnerable areas for pests. Safe food preparation requires good understanding of IPM. Good sanitation and proper food storage are critical practices.

133. Vendors & Contractor Roles School districts enforce good sanitation practices of service providers by including specific language in bid specifications and contracts. If appropriate, contracts may specify regular maintenance, to include or correspond with cleaning under and behind machines during service visits.

134. Vendors & Contractor Relations Districts prioritize correction of problems that may support pests such as leaks or harborage areas. Districts may administer penalties for not following the district’s IPM policy.

135. Contracts should include Services in-line with the school IPM policy. Regular consultation with the IPM Coordinator. Procedures for timely response to pest sightings. Schedules for conducting regular inspections of pest vulnerable areas. Requirements for detailed record keeping of pest sightings and pesticide use.

136. Contractor responsibilities Provide labels and MSDS documents to school staff. Give specific recommendations to correct pest-conducive conditions. Facilitate proper posting and notification.

137. Contractor and IPM Coordinator together Promote the appropriate least-hazardous methods to correct pest problems. Ensure that all applicators are properly licensed and supervised by knowledgeable, trained personnel.

138. IPM Coordinator Promotes Health & Success As an IPM Coordinator, your job is to support student achievement through maintaining facilities that promote health, school morale, air quality and school success. Through IPM, we can have better schools, better students and a healthier community!

139. Quiz and Certificate Please complete the quiz and print your certificate of completion. Please complete a course evaluation at this link. Your feedback will be used to improve the course for future learners!