The Pest Defense for Healthy Schools

How to Make Schools Safer Using Integrated Pest Management 

 

Using integrated pest management (IPM) is one of the most effective ways to mitigate hazards from pests and pesticides in schools. Both pesticide exposure and the pests themselves can cause health issues in students and staff (LibGuides at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 2025). Outlined below are tips to make your school safer through IPM practices and policies. 

Implementing safer practices through IPM 

Several states have pest management regulations which need to be considered when implementing the practices below.  School districts may also have regulations, although this is more uncommon (EPA, 2025a). Consider using these practices even if state or school district regulations do not apply to you: 

  • The easiest way to limit pesticide exposure is to limit the use of pesticides themselves. Practices to reduce pesticide use include repairing cracks and crevices, sealing doors, keeping sanitary conditions and ensuring all food is thrown away while keeping trash receptacles inaccessible. If pests are spotted, give a detailed report to a pest management professional (CDC, 2007). 
  • Some states regulate pesticide product selection (EPA, 2025a). Although this may vary by state, a good rule of thumb is to avoid pesticides labeled “WARNING” or “DANGER”. These are signal words that convey the level of toxicity of a product (NPIC, 2008). Be aware of what specific regulations may apply to your state or school district. 
  • Many states require a pesticide applicator to provide reentry recommendations as specified on the label (EPA, 2025a). Staff should be trained to recognize posted signage. To avoid conflict with teaching activities, pesticide applications should be done during after-school hours or when school is not in session (EPA, 2025b). 
  • Pesticide exposure can also happen when not actively being applied. Staff should be aware of where pesticides are stored and ensure that this area is inaccessible to students. Always keep the contact information of your local poison control center accessible (EPA, 2025b). 
  • Some states require a buffer between schools and neighboring pesticide use. The Environmental Working Group found that over 4,000 elementary schools are within 200 feet of farmland where pesticides could be applied, creating potential for pesticide drift (EWG, 2023). Staff should be in communication with neighboring farmers to coordinate sprays with school activities.  
  • Some schools are required to have an IPM plan in place. Even if this is not required, we encourage you to use these tips and other resources on The Pest Defense for Healthy Schools website to develop an IPM plan. 

Designate an IPM Professional 

Most school districts do not have a designated IPM professional (EPA, 2025a). To promote safe handling of pesticides and effective pest management, designate a custodian familiar with handling pesticides or choose to hire a pest management professional (CDC, 2007). Some states require certifications for pesticide applicators (EPA, 2025a). Even if you are not the designated IPM professional, you can still be involved in IPM at your school. Check out the free classes offered on the Pest Defense for Healthy Schools website for role-specific training in IPM. This is an excellent and accessible way to engage teachers, students, nurses, administrators, food service professionals and custodial staff. 

 

Sources  

EPA’s Approach for Integrated Pest Management in Schools. EPA. (2025a, January 29). https://www.epa.gov/ipm/epas-approach-integrated-pest-management-schools  

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in Schools. LibGuides at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. (2025, October 10). https://guides.library.illinois.edu/ipm-topic-hub/background  

Pesticide Safety Tips. EPA. (2025b, September 22). https://www.epa.gov/pesticide-incidents/pesticide-safety-tips  

Reducing Pesticide Exposure at Schools. CDC. (2007, September). https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/2007-150/pdfs/2007-150.pdf  

Schools near pesticide spray zones could lose health protections. EWG. (2023). https://www.ewg.org/news-insights/news/2023/11/ewg-schools-near-pesticide-spray-zones-could-lose-health-protections  

Signal Words Fact Sheet. NPIC. (2008, July). https://www.npic.orst.edu/factsheets/signalwords.html 

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