The following eleven steps are guidelines for implementing IPM into your school district.

 

1. Adopt an IPM policy
   Adopt an IPM policy that describes the method(s) pests are managed in your school (district) and on grounds. This document is a statement and guide to assist all parties to implement IPM throughout the school property.
2. Select an IPM Coordinator
   Select an IPM Coordinator. This person is the liaison between the building occupants and the pest management professional.
3. Develop an IPM Committee
   Membership should represent all school members and may be assigned specific duties by the IPM Coordinator.
4. Educate personnel about IPM
   Educate occupants frequently on the program and its progress so they will understand their roles in pest management. The occurrence of pests is influenced by their biology and habitat needs. This step can be accomplished through meetings, seminars, workshops, and newsletter.
5. Begin a Monitoring Program and Perform Regular Inspections of All Buildings and Grounds
   The IPM Coordinator and the Committee are responsible for coordinating a thorough yearly inspection. Problem areas need more frequent monitoring. School occupants should record pests in a pest sighting log. Logs must be easily accessible and reviewed daily by the IPM Coordinator.
6. Perform Repairs
   Perform repairs as needed to prevent pest access into buildings and equipment. Repair leaks and eliminate standing water, install weather stripping around doors, patch holes in outside walls, etc.
7. Review the School's Sanitation Practices and Reduce Clutter
   Many pests harbor in clutter, including rodents, spiders, and cockroaches. Sanitation includes trash removal, food service area cleaning, daily maintenance, and elimination of clutter. Elimination of cardboard is recommended. Paper items need required rotation with every new shipment.
8. Identify Potential Pest Species Found and Determine a Control Strategy
   Control strategies include improved sanitation, building repairs, and targeted pesticide applications if other strategies fail.
9. Apply Pesticides Only When a Pest is Present and is not Controllable by Other Means
   Target treatments to the area where pests hide. Never apply when children are present. If a pesticide is needed, select the least toxic pesticide. Always read and follow the label.
10. Keep Records of Pest Activity and Pesticides Applied
    School occupants must report all pest sightings (through the use of logs) for increased communication to the pest management professional.
11. Reevaluate the IPM Program
    The program must be reviewed regularly and updated as necessary for optimal success.