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Integrated Pest Management for Northeast Schools provides schools with the background to develop their own integrated pest management (IPM) program. (IPM is an ecology-based approach to solving pest problems.) The 60-page book begins with an in-depth discussion about IPM -- what it is, what the benefits are, and why schools should consider it. Key components of an IPM program are described, including inspection and monitoring, action thresholds, treatment options, education, and record keeping. Another section defines the IPM policy statement, discusses the roles of the school community in an IPM program, explains how to develop a school pest management plan, and offers guidance about developing bid specifications and contracts. The second half of the book provides specific information to help in managing specific pests commonly found in Northeast schools, including bees, wasps, ants, cockroaches, flies, head lice, and rats. Five appendixes include a school IPM checklist, example action thresholds for specific pests, Northeast IPM contacts, and IPM record forms. Also included are a glossary, bibliography, and extensive reference section. (2002)

If your school is interested in learning about a healthier, less costly, more environmentally friendly way to effectively manage pests on school property, then a new book, Integrated Pest Management for Northeast Schools ($12.50 plus S&H/sales tax, April 2002), is a must-read. This 60-page book explains the basics of integrated pest management (IPM) and will help schools get started on their own IPM program.

IPM is an ecology-based approach to solving pest problems. In a typical program, pertinent information about pests and their interactions with the environment is used to select management techniques to eliminate the causes of outbreaks or manage pests in cost-effective ways that present the lowest possible hazard to people, property, and the environment. IPM programs can provide health and economic benefits to schools, including suppressing pests that may carry allergens or disease pathogens, reducing unnecessary pesticide applications, reducing environmental pollution, improving maintenance and sanitation, and reducing waste caused by infested food products. Recently, a number of northeastern states passed legislation that requires schools and daycare centers to practice IPM.

Integrated Pest Management for Northeast Schools begins with an in-depth discussion about IPM -- what it is, what the benefits are, and why schools should consider implementing an IPM program. Key components of a program are described, including inspection, identification, and monitoring; action thresholds; treatment options, including habitat modification and physical, mechanical, biological, and chemical controls; education; and record keeping. Another section titled, "Establishing an IPM Program for Your School," defines the IPM policy statement, discusses the roles of the school community in an IPM program, explains how to develop a school pest management plan, and offers guidance about developing bid specifications and contracts. Two sample documents -- a school pest management plan and a pest control contract guide -- are also provided.

The second half of the book focuses on managing pests found in Northeast schools. Information about identification, biology, behavior, and treatment is provided for the following pests: bees, wasps, and hornets; ants; carpenter ants; cockroaches; flies (nine different species); head lice; pantry or stored-product pests; rats and mice; and microbial pests. For most pests, a detailed line drawing is included to help with pest identification.

Five appendixes contain more useful information: a school IPM checklist, a table of example action thresholds for specific pests, Northeast contacts for IPM, and IPM record forms. Also included are a glossary of pest management terms, a bibliography, and an extensive reference section that includes many Web sites.

Integrated Pest Management for Northeast Schools was written by Craig S. Hollingsworth, University of Massachusetts Extension IPM Program; William M. Coli, University of Massachusetts Extension IPM Program; Kathy D. Murray, Maine Department of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Resources; and David N. Ferro, Department of Entomology, University of Massachusetts. It was published by NRAES, the Natural Resource, Agriculture, and Engineering Service.

Integrated Pest Management for Northeast Schools, NRAES-152, is available for $12.50 per copy, plus shipping and handling, from NRAES, Cooperative Extension, PO Box 4557, Ithaca, New York 14852-4557. Shipping and handling for one copy is $4.25 within the continental United States. New York residents, add sales tax (calculated on both the cost of the publication and the shipping and handling charges). (Click here for more information.) If ordering more than one copy or if ordering from outside the United States, contact NRAES for shipping rates and possible quantity discounts. Orders from outside the United States must be prepaid in U.S. funds. All major credit cards are accepted, and checks should be made payable to NRAES. For more information or a free publications catalog, contact NRAES by phone at (607) 255-7654, by fax at (607) 254-8770, or by e-mail at nraes@cornell.edu.

Introduction

What Is IPM?

Why Practice IPM in Schools?

Components of an IPM Program

Inspection/Identification/Monitoring
Action Thresholds
Treatment Options
Education
Record Keeping

Establishing an IPM Program for Your School

IPM Policy Statement
Roles of the School Community in a School IPM Program
Pest Management Plan
Sample School Pest Management Plan
Developing Bid Specifications and Contracts
Sample Contract Guide Specification for Integrated Pest Management in Schools

Managing Pests Found in Northeast Schools

Ants
Carpenter Ants
Bees, Wasps, and Hornets
Cockroaches
Flies
Head Lice
Pantry or Stored-Product Pests
Rats and Mice
Microbial Pests

Appendix 1. School IPM Checklist

Appendix 2. Examples of Action Thresholds

Appendix 3. General Recommendations for Pesticide Applications

Appendix 4. Contacts for IPM in the Northeast

Appendix 5. IPM Record Forms

Pest Sighting Log
Pesticide Use Log

Glossary of Pest Management Terms

Bibliography

Additional Resources

Web Sites
Other Books from NRAES

About NRAES