INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT DEMONSTRATION PROJECT in LOUISIANA and TEXAS PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Abstract:
The purpose of this demonstration project was to evaluate the effectiveness of three integrated pest management (IPM) treatment plans in controlling structural and institutional pests in public schools. IPM strategies evaluated were: 1) exclusion, trapping, and sanitation, with no chemical inputs; 2) exclusion, trapping, sanitation with rodent and/or insecticide baits; and 3) use of options 1 and 2 with the addition of contact and residual pesticides labeled for use in public schools. Eighteen schools, nine each in Texas and Louisiana, were used and they were separated geographically in order to represent the climate and pests in each state. Schools within each geographic area were randomly selected to follow one of the three IPM treatment plans. Action thresholds for pests were used to make decisions on treatment options, and when to elevate to the next level of treatment(s). Monitoring with glue boards and visual inspections identified pest levels or pests of health and safety concerns. Due to repeated failures of IPM treatment plans 1 and 2 to control pest populations, all schools exceeded action thresholds triggering IPM treatment plan 3 before the demonstration was concluded. Undue limitations on the use of pesticides within public schools places the children, staff, and structures at risk from pest problems.