Working with a Professional Pest Control Service:

Pest management professionals are trained in pest identification and problem solving strategies, including the safe use of pesticides, when needed. For many schools and childcare centers, hiring a professional contractor that can provide IPM services may be the best pest control option. Be aware, however, that not all professional services are equal with regard to their ability to provide true IPM services. It is the responsibility of the school or facility to assure that the contractor delivers a service that is consistent with the IPM policy.

Pesticide Use in IPM Programs:

IPM takes advantage of recent pest control technologies such as baits for cockroaches, ants and termites. When used correctly, these products are effective and pose the least risk of chemical exposure for children, staff, or the pest management professional. Non-bait spray pesticides (if needed) are generally applied only as targeted treatments to cracks and crevices indoors or to small, targeted sites outdoors to lower the potential for exposure.

What is a Pesticide?

A pesticide is "any substance or mixture of substances intended for preventing, destroying, repelling, or mitigating any pest." Pests can be insects, mice and other animals, unwanted plants (weeds), fungi, or microorganisms like bacteria and viruses. Though often misunderstood to refer only to insecticides, the term pesticide also applies to herbicides, fungicides, and various other substances used to control pests. Under United States law, a pesticide is also any substance or mixture of substance intended for use as a plant regulator, defoliant, or desiccant.

Many pesticides pose some risk of harm to humans, animals, or the environment because they are designed to kill or otherwise adversely affect living organisms. At the same time, pesticides are useful to society because of heir ability to kill potential disease-causing organisms and control insects, weeds, and other pests. The Office of Pesticide Programs of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is chiefly responsible for regulating pesticides.
Not all pesticides are highly toxic to people. Biologically-based pesticides, such as pheromones and microbial pesticides are becoming increasingly popular and often are safer than traditional chemical pesticides.