Integrated Pest Management in Missouri's Schools

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in schools 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. IPM is an approach that has been around for several decades and has been widely used in agricultural settings. Schools can adopt IPM practices, too to ensure a safe and healthy learning environment both indoors and out.

Why Use IPM in schools?
People vary widely in their sensitivity to chemicals such as pesticides and can be sensitive to certain pests, such as cockroaches and stinging insects. Schools must balance the known health risks of uncontrolled pest infestations, the safety of school staff and students and the use of pesticides. IPM can be used to achieve that balance.

CLICK HERE to access the Missouri Department of Agriculture's website and more information about IPM.

Members of the IPM Workgroup represent several organizations and agencies including:
Missouri Department of Agriculture
Missouri Center for Safe Schools
Missouri Association of Rural Educators
Missouri Department of Elementary & Secondary Education
Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services
Missouri PTA
Missouri Pest Management Association
Missouri School Boards’ Association
Missouri School Districts of Carthage R-9, Nixa R-II, Parkway, & Warrensburg
Missouri Safer Management of Pests and Landscapes
Missouri School Plant Managers Association
University of Missouri, College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources

CLICK HERE to access the EPA's how-to manual for those integrating IPM.