School facility supervisors and staff play a critical role in providing a healthy learning environment for students. Integrated Pest Management is a smart and effective way of controlling pests without causing harm to our health and the environment. A key focus of this project includes sharing best practices for implementing Integrated Pest Management programs in schools.

Pests come in many different forms, each with their own consequences for students
and school facilities. Some pests pose safety risks to people (e.g. stinging insects
and poisonous plants can cause severe allergic reactions), while others can simply
be an annoyance or impact the aesthetics of your facility.
Regardless of the pest, you can use Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices - preventative
measures that reduce the need for chemical pesticides while minimizing hazards and
health risks. IPM programs have many benefits, including cost savings on pesticides
and contracted services, reduced exposure to pests and chemical treatments, a healthier
facility, and an improved environment for everyone.
Interested in more Integrated Pest Management webinars and workshops? Join our email contact list!
Starting an IPM program may sound challenging, but these resources introduce you to the basics and help guide you through the process.
"Pesticides and You" - These social media graphics and captions are a simple way to educate your followers about safe pesticide practices. Available in English, Spanish, Bosnian, Croatian, and Serbian.
* Some states have regulatory requirements for implementing IPM in schools. Not all language in some of these resources will apply to your school, but the links do include useful information on IPM and helpful guides for developing your program.
The Environmental Finance Center serves communities in EPA Region 7 (Kansas, Iowa, Missouri and Nebraska). Our projects leverage federal and state grants that focus on research and innovative approaches to environmental policy, protection and management, especially the "how to pay" questions necessary for environmental improvements.
This project has been funded wholly or in part by the United States Environmental Protection Agency under assistance agreement #AI97756601 to Wichita State University Environmental Finance Center. The contents of this page do not necessarily reflect the views and policies of the Environmental Protection Agency, nor does the EPA endorse trade names or recommend the use of commercial products mentioned on this page.