Integrated Pest Management

The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences, and the Pennsylvania School Boards Association have jointly developed a program for pest management in schools, that they call Integrated Pest Management (IPM).  IPM regulations provide strict guidelines on the use of pesticides.  The Lebanon School Board of Directors has adopted the IPM guidelines as the manner in which we are to handle pests in our district.

IPM is a common-sense method for controlling pests by using the least hazardous approach.  The use of pesticides is limited and only used as a last resort.  Preferred methods to control pests include such things as eliminating food sources by sealing food in tight containers and removing food from areas where it is not needed.  Another way to control pests is to seal the building through the use of caulking and wire mesh to prevent the entry of mice or bugs from the outside.

Lebanon School District utilizes IPM for managing insects, rodents, and weeds.  Our goal is to protect students and staff from pesticide exposure by using an IPM approach which focuses on making the school building and all grounds an unfavorable habitat for pests by removing food and water sources and eliminating their hiding and breeding areas.  We accomplish this through routine cleaning and maintenance.

We routinely monitor the school buildings and grounds to detect any pests that are present.  The pest monitoring team consists of our buildings and grounds staff, teaching staff, and includes our students.  Pest sightings are reported to our IPM coordinator who evaluates the “pest problem” and determines the appropriate pest management techniques to address the problem.  The techniques can include increased sanitation, modifying storage practices, sealing entry points, physically removing the pest, etc.  From time to time, it may be necessary to use chemicals to manage a pest problem. 

Chemicals will only be used when necessary and will not be routinely applied.  We will not be applying pesticides in occupied areas.  All applications of pesticides and herbicides will be made by licensed applicators.  When chemicals are used, the school will try to use the least toxic products.  Notice of application will be posted at least three days prior to application, and then for two days following the application.

Parents or guardians of students enrolled in the school may request prior notification of specific pesticide applications made at school.  To receive notification, you must be placed on the school’s notification registry.  If you would like to be placed on this registry, please notify the district in writing at Lebanon School District, Buildings and Grounds Department, 1000 S 8th Street, Lebanon PA  17042.  Please include your phone number and email address that you would like us to use when notifying you.  Each year the district will prepare a new notification registry.

If a chemical application must be made to control an emergency pest problem, notice will be provided by telephone to any parent or guardian who has made this request in writing.  Exemptions to this notification include disinfectants and antimicrobial products; self-containerized baits placed in areas not accessible to students; and gel type baits placed in cracks, crevices, or voids.  If you have questions about IPM practices, please contact Brian E. Hartman, IPM Coordinator, at (717) 273-9391, in Buildings and Grounds.

You may also find more information on IPM at the website http://paipm.cas.psu.edu