9110    Integrated Pest Control

Facilities/Maintenance

Legal Reference: Rhode Island General Laws – Rhode Island Pesticide Control Act Number 23-25-37 enacted July 1, 2002.

In compliance to the State of Rhode Island General Laws, the purpose of this communication is to inform parents, staff, and others of our continuing efforts towards the health and safety of all in regards to Pest Control Management.

SCHOOL POLICY STATEMENT:

The South Kingstown School Department recognizes the importance of Integrated Pest Management by taking an environmentally sensitive approach for preventative as well as responsive practices.

Therefore, it is the policy of the South Kingstown School Department to recognize and treat a potential pest problem with the least amount of chemicals and eliminating the source as part of our in-house program as well as treatments by our licensed pest contractor.

PESTS:

Pests are populations of living organisms - animals, plants, or microorganisms - that can interfere with the use of the school site(s) for human purposes.  Strategies for managing pest populations will be influenced by the pest species, habitation, and whether that species poses a threat to people, property, or environment.

PEST MANAGEMENT:  

Reduce potential human health hazard or to protect against a significant threat to public safety.

·       Prevent loss or damage to school structures and/or property.

·       Prevent pests from spreading into surrounding areas.

·       Maintain healthy environmental quality for students, staff, and others.

INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT:

Integrated Pest Management procedures determine when to control pests and whether to use mechanical, physical, cultural, or chemical application, if any.

When it is determined that a pesticide must be used, the least amount of chemical will be chosen. Cost of staffing, chemicals, or methods alone will not be adequate justification for use of chemical control agents.

The application of any pesticide is subject to the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act ( 7 United States Code 136 et seq. ), School District policies and procedures, Environmental Protective Agency regulations in 40 Code of Federal Regulations, Occupational Safety and Health Administration regulations, and state and local regulations.

EDUCATION:

This written policy is available to staff, students, pest managers, and the public about potential school pest problems and the Integrated Pest Management procedures used to achieve the desired objectives.

RECORD KEEPING:

Records of pesticides used shall be maintained in the Material Safety Data Sheets files - a copy of which can be found the Maintenance Building located at 135 Asa Pond Rd.

NOTIFICATION:

An annual notice will be available regarding scheduled treatments.

School staff and students will be notified of pesticide treatments other than normal exterminating services by a posting of same.

Notices will be sent home to parents who wish to be informed of these applications.

PESTICIDE STORAGE AND PURCHASE:

Pesticide purchases will be limited to the amount authorized for each application during the year, and will be stored in an appropriate secured area not accessible to students or unauthorized personnel.

Storage and disposal will be in compliance with the EPA-registered label directions and state regulations.

STEPS FOR COMPLIANCE:

Six steps for an effective Integrated Pest Control Management program:

Eliminate the areas of entry by installing physical or mechanical barriers such as screens and sealants.

Maintain cleanliness through good sanitation by removal of wastes, and cleaning storage rooms.

Inspect and identify interior & exterior areas regularly that could contribute to pest entry.

Exterior:

Caulk openings & cracks

Repair screens

Keep vegetation & landscaping away from foundations.

Keep lids on containers

Maintain grass and landscape properly.

Interior:

Allow food & beverages in designated areas only

Remove infestations from plants

Routinely check and clean out student lockers.

Food Area:     

Make certain containers have covers

Remove wastes nightly

Be certain vents & drains have screens and covers

Keep areas dry and debris free

Repair leaks, keep drains clean

Boiler rooms/custodial storage areas:

Clean mops & equipment after use

No eating or storing cans

Keep areas organized, clean, and dry.

Monitor areas to detect pest entries and extent of infestation. This is accomplished by using:

·       sticky traps for crawling insects ( cockroaches & ants )

·       glue boards for rodents,

·       light traps for flying insects  

·       pheromone for stored products ( pests attracted to products stored).

Identify the problem, determine the source, consider the cause, determine control procedures.

Pesticides must be chosen for each application and safety. The chemical should be compatible with the surface, low toxicity, and used in a manner consistent with the labeling.

Adopted: 1/11/05