Roaches, rats and mice in school? No parent wants to hear those words unless their children are describing science class. Unfortunately, unwanted infestations can happen anywhere. Even worse, many commercial pesticides and rodenticides can be far more dangerous to a child’s health than the pests they are used to control.
The law demands a better solution! Integrated Pest Management (IPM) uses a combination of safe, effective pest management techniques to eliminate insect or rodent infestations and prevent future problems. Here are just a few great reasons to use the IPM approach in schools:
• It’s a great money-saving strategy for schools with tight budgets. In the past, schools often paid for monthly applications, whether needed or not. IPM minimizes the use of expensive chemicals by combining a variety of other management techniques such as monitoring pest populations, sanitation, structural maintenance and physical, mechanical and biological controls.
• It’s safer for kids (and adults too!). Young children are very sensitive to pesticide exposure because of their unique metabolisms and tendency to put things in their mouths. Teachers and parents may also suffer harmful effects. Implementing IPM reduces everyone’s potential contact with toxic chemicals.
• It’s good for your business. If you are a Certified Pesticide Applicator or Health Officer/Registered Environmental Health Specialist, understanding how to use the IPM approach can be your biggest selling point to potential clients and institutions.
• It’s the law. New Jersey’s 2002 School Integrated Pest Management Act requires schools to minimize their use of pesticides/rodenticides and to adopt an IPM policy consistent with guidelines issued by the NJ Department of Environmental Protection.
Credits & Continuing Education Units
In addition to Rutgers CEUs, credits are available for:
NJ Health Officers & REHSs: 5.75 contact hours
Pesticide Applicators : NJ - 3B Turf - 1 Unit; 7A General & Household Pests - 1 Unit; 8B
Mosquito - 1 Unit and Core Basic Safety & Handling - 3 Units
NY - Pending Approval
PA - Pending Approval
CT - Pending Approval
Delaware - 7A General Pest Control - 6 Credits; 5C Mosquito Control - 1 Credit
Maryland - 7A General Pest Control - 8 Credits; 7D Rodent Control - 8 Credits and 8 Public Health - 8 Credits
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