What is IPM?

Integrated Pest Management, or IPM for short, is a decision-making process that combines practical pest management strategies to prevent or control pests in ways that reduce risks to health and the environment. Farmers have used IPM for over 25 years to reduce reliance on pesticides. Now schools can adopt IPM practices, too, to ensure a safe and healthy learning environment both indoors and out.

IPM includes:

• regular monitoring to detect problems early

• acting against pests only when necessary

• choosing the most effective options with the least risk to people and the environment

• record-keeping and evaluation

• applying knowledge about pest biology to create long-term solutions

Why Use IPM?

People vary widely in their sensitivity to chemicals such as pesticides. Children are among the most vulnerable to chemical-exposure risks. Similarly, some people are very sensitive to certain pests, such as stinging insects and poison ivy. In Maine, as elsewhere, schools must balance the known health risks of uncontrolled pest infestations, the safety of school children, staff and visitors, and the use of pesticides.

IPM is the best way to achieve that balance. Under IPM, a well-organized and comprehensive approach is in place to prevent pests from reaching unacceptable levels that uses low-risk control strategies when necessary. IPM targets troublesome pests and limits the impact on people and the environment.

IPM Can Save You Money

Depending on your school system's current practices, IPM has the potential to save time and money. By taking actions to avoid pest problems and applying pesticides only when necessary, many schools will reduce costs over the long term while providing a safe school environment.