Tag Archives: IPM Coordinator

From pests to pollutants, keeping schools healthy and clean is no simple task

Parents send their children to school to learn, and they don’t want to worry about whether the air is clean, whether there are insect problems or whether the school’s cleaning supplies could cause an asthma attack. But a research collaborative, of which I’m a member, has found that schools might not be ready to protect students from environmental contaminants. I’m an extension specialist focused on pest management. I’m working with a cross-disciplinary team to improve compliance with environmental health standards, and we’ve found that schools across the nation need updates in order to meet… Read More →

SPN: Licensing, monitoring, and deep cleaning- tips for you.

Howdy Readers, Before I embark on a much-needed vacation I wanted to share a few items with you so you will have some answers while I’m away. The most common question I get is “how do I get a license”. This newsletter article has all the information you need plus a YouTube video with detailed steps. But here is the basic information: Step 1 – Contact TDA to register online – don’t send information to Austin, as it might get lost, but if you apply online they will… Read More →

School IPM Coordinator Workshop Houston area

Day One – Required New Coordinator Training All public schools in TX are required under Texas Administrative Code (TAC), Title 4, Part 1, Chapter 7, Subchapter H, Division 7 School IPM to adopt, implement and maintain a school integrated pest management program. Part of these requirements is for all Independent School Districts to appoint an IPM Coordinator by the Superintendent, and then attend an approved school IPM Coordinator training. This all-day course meets the requirements that TDA requires for all new IPM coordinators. At the same time, for… Read More →

SPN: Welcome Back to Campus: let’s not bring in unwanted guests

Where has the year gone? Our campuses are bracing for full student and staff occupation, but are you ready for the pest invasion as well?? Did you know that schools have four more times occupants than office buildings for the same amount of floor space? (Schools for Health.org) And yet we don’t always think about how to manage these areas to keep pests like ants, cockroaches, bed bugs, ticks, fleas, mice, rats, and a whole lot more out of our buildings. In this newsletter are some tips everyone… Read More →

SPN: How do I get a pesticide license in Texas?

To be licensed or not to be licensed? Although having a pesticide applicator license is not required for IPM Coordinators in Texas, it’s an option that many are choosing. Licensing is a decision that must be based on your own circumstances. This article is designed to help you understand the issues involved. A certified applicator (CA) is licensed by the state to apply pesticides. In Texas, only certified applicators and licensed technicians can conduct pest control services on school and child care facilities. In Texas, a school district… Read More →

Houston area School IPM Coordinator Training 2-Day

Day One – Required New Coordinator Training If you’re a new IPM Coordinator and have not yet taken the six-hour mandatory IPM Coordinator training, this class is for you.  This class fulfills Texas state requirements for IPM Coordinators under Texas Administrative Code (TAC), Title 4, Part 1, Chapter 7, Subchapter H, Division 7 School IPM (whether this is your first time, or you just need a refresher course).  The course instructors help coordinators understand their role in the school IPM program and help prepare them for TDA inspections. … Read More →

SPN: Save the date for future trainings and more

In the fast-changing world, we are living in I am going to devote this newsletter to a variety of resources and upcoming trainings to help you navigate through these difficult times. Over the summer, Shelly Branstetter, Membership Services Manager, TASB Facility Services; Joanie Arrott, Risk Prevention Services Manager, TASB Risk Management Services and I have been distance meeting to see how our groups can help better support you our clients. On Tuesday, September 10, 2020 from 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM we will host our first webinar –… Read More →

SPN: While the humans are away the pests will play

Since March 23, 2020, most TX schools have been closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, during this time the most common pests of TX have not taken a break from your campuses. Even though our AgriLife Extension offices are closed we are still working from home and insect questions are still coming in. Over the past month we have seen an increase in stinging caterpillars mostly in the San Antonio and Hill county region of the state. There will be a special story on that coming later… Read More →

School IPM Coordinator Training Odessa

Day One – Required New Coordinator Training If you’re a new IPM Coordinator and have not yet taken the six-hour mandatory IPM Coordinator training, this class is for you. This class fulfills Texas state requirements for IPM Coordinators under Texas Administrative Code (TAC), Title 4, Part 1, Chapter 7, Subchapter H, Division 7 School IPM (whether this is your first time, or you just need a refresher course). The course instructors help coordinators understand their role in the school IPM program and help prepare them for TDA inspections…. Read More →

School IPM Coordinator Training – Houston Area

Day One – Required New Coordinator Training If you’re a new IPM Coordinator and have not yet taken the six-hour mandatory IPM Coordinator training, this class is for you. This class fulfills Texas state requirements for IPM Coordinators under Texas Administrative Code (TAC), Title 4, Part 1, Chapter 7, Subchapter H, Division 7 School IPM (whether this is your first time, or you just need a refresher course). The course instructors help coordinators understand their role in the school IPM program and help prepare them for TDA inspections…. Read More →