Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
Explore Integrated Pest Management in Hopatcong, NJ
Manage pests effectively through an Integrated Pest Management program in Hopatcong, NJ. The IPM is a sustainable approach to pest management that uses all appropriate technologies and management practices to minimize health, environmental, and economic risks.
IPM includes, but is not limited to, monitoring pest populations, consumer education, and, when needed, cultivation practices, sanitation, solid waste management, structural maintenance, and physical, mechanical, biological, and chemical controls.
How IPM Works
An effective IPM program can manage the risks from both pesticides and pests, and protect human health by:
reducing student and staff exposure to pesticides
suppressing pests that may carry or vector allergens or disease pathogens
reducing environmental pollution.
IPM Benefits
Implementing IPM may provide cost savings and other economic benefits by:
reducing pest damage and liability
reducing unnecessary pesticide applications
minimizing emergency repairs
improving maintenance and sanitation
reducing energy costs
reducing waste caused by infested food products.
Start an IPM Program
To set up an IPM program, a certified and experienced technician must thoroughly inspect and evaluate the situation at each facility and recommend a program tailored to the existing circumstances.
Components of an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Plan
Communication: Order of Reporting
Inspection: The technician must evaluate each scenario and suggest to the IPM Coordinator a program to fit the circumstance.
Identification of the pest problem (insect, rodent, or animal species).
Source elimination and exclusion, both interior and exterior.
Non-chemical procedures are always considered first.
Low-impact or minimum risk pesticides can be used as a control method that does not require notification; however, the pesticide label instructions must be followed.
Spot treatments or limited pesticide applications will be done only after a 72-hour notification to staff, students, and parents, and after consulting the IPM Coordinator.
Forms (3): 72-hours, Emergency Form, and sign posting.
Schools – Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Inspection, Identification, and Action Plan
A certified pesticide applicator should do a thorough inspection to identify the specific pest and discuss the source of the problem and a course of action to be taken.
Create a site map of interior and exterior conditions.
The certified pesticide applicator and school IPM coordinator should discuss correcting the particular problem and situation.
Note that not all pest problems require an application of pesticides.
Keys to a Successful School IPM Program
Work together.
Regular communication.
All school staff should be informed of the IPM procedures, including activities in the Pest Control Log Book.
IPM Coordinators need to communicate with their pest control provider.
Make use of the knowledge of Certified Pesticide Applicators who are experienced with different aspects of pest control.
IPM Coordinators need to communicate with their school principal.
Shared legal responsibility to ensure that the use of any pesticide products can be justified.
The IPM Coordinator should make use of the DEP tools available online and the experience of the pest control company to put together the necessary information for a proper IPM Program.