Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
What is IPM?
Integrated Pest Management, or IPM, focuses on effective, low-risk pest management practices. IPM is considered a big picture approach to pest management that consideres people and the environment when pest management decisions are made. There are a variety of IPM practices, including cleaning regularly, closing gaps into buildings, fixing leaky pipes, setting traps, and choosing low-risk pesticides.
The IPM Plan for San Jacinto Unified focuses on:
- Minimizing pesticide use and creating a healthy environment.
- Pest identification, monitoring, and preventing infestations by physically removing the pest or using non-chemical control methods.
- Using least-toxic chemicals if needed.
- Record-keeping, and Notification of parents, staff and public.
- Preventing by providing staff training on IPM procedures.
What is the Healthy Schools Act (HSA)?
The Healthy Schools Act (HSA) is a law that defines pesticide use and reporting requirements for California K – 12 public schools and licensed child care centers. HSA encourages schools to adopt effective, low-risk pest mangement practices, also known as integrated pest management.
Under California law (CCR Title 3, Division 6, Chapter 4, and Education Code Section 17612), schools must:
- Provide Annual Notification to parents regarding pest management and pesticide use. Click here for a copy of this years annual notification.
- The District must notify parents and staff 72 hours before pesticide application, especially harmful ones.
- Place a sign 24 hours before pesticide use with product details.
- In emergencies; pesticides can be applied without prior notice, but parents must be informed afterward.
- Parents and staff have right to know and can request information on pesticides and health risks.
- Maintain records of pesticide use and make available to parents and staff upon request.
