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News you can use
- Statewide pest management trainings for school coordinators start in March New laws went in effect that school districts, coordinators need to be aware of
- Open House November 4, 2022 to Welcome our new Entomologist
- SPN: Licensing, monitoring, and deep cleaning- tips for you.
- SPN Spring Updates
- Texas bats to emerge soon: Learn more about the risks, benefits of bats.
Tag Archives: school IPM
SPN Spring Updates
Hello everyone, I realize that it has been a quiet late winter and early spring from the school IPM team; however, this newsletter is designed to catch you up. For those of you who are looking for school IPM coordinator training, AgriLife Extension has three two-day events coming this year. Our prices are still the same since 2007, $210 for both days, $135 for one day only. If you attend the first day you will receive a certificate that indicates, you have taken the 6-hour required course. In… Read More →
SPN: A Bird’s Eye View of Integrated Pest Management Compliance
This article was first published by TASB Risk Management Fund on February 23, 2021 by Campbell Gill. I am using this as a way for you to take time to review your IPM program and see what needs to be updated at your district. Controlling the pest population at your school district or community college isn’t as simple as spraying pesticides. Fighting off annoying critters without negatively impacting the health of your community and the environment requires a delicate balancing act of responsible pesticide use, staff training, and… 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 →
Youth gardening programs grow great kids
There are numerous benefits when youth participate in the Junior Master Gardener Program. Research has shown that outdoor interests, physical activity, and good nutrition all yield positive benefits for youth. And research also shows gardening is an excellent way for young people to connect with nature and learn about personal responsibility, commitment, and teamwork. “Through Junior Master Gardener youth programs we engage young people in novel, hands-on group and individual learning experiences that help them develop a love of gardening and an appreciation for the environment, while also cultivating their… Read More →
Watch out for Snakes
Rising temperatures mean the chances of coming across a snake are also rising. Rapid urbanization and higher-than-normal amounts of rain are a combination that increase the likelihood of human-snake encounters, and more interactions can lead to more bites. Maureen Frank, Ph.D., Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service wildlife specialist, Uvalde, has some tips on how to avoid snake bites and deal with objects and places around homes and properties that may attract snakes. Snakes, whether we like them or fear them, are becoming more active around the house and in their… Read More →
SPN: Pesticide Awareness Month: Read the label
You probably wouldn’t buy an unfamiliar food product without looking at the label or take a new prescription without reading the instructions and warnings first. The same care should be exercised when using pesticides, because the label is the law, according to a Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service expert. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, EPA, recognizes February as National Pesticide Awareness Month. AgriLife Extension integrated pest management specialist Janet Hurley encourages the public to take the time to learn how to protect themselves and their families from the potential dangers pesticides… Read More →
Hurley recognized as integrated pest management pioneer for schools
Specialist created and continues to grow IPM programming around Texas Janet Hurley continues to be surprised by her career choice. She envisioned a job in health care, but despite fighting on a different front line, public health is still her focus. Hurley, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service integrated pest management, IPM, program specialist, Dallas, was recently awarded the International Integrated Pest Management Award of Excellence for IPM Practitioner – Academic by the IPM Symposium for her outstanding work in school IPM. The IPM Symposium is a 100% volunteer run group of practicing… Read More →
SPN: Mosquitoes and West Nile Virus is on the rise.
According to the calendar we are entering the season of fall. For Texans, this means football (hopefully) and battling mosquitoes on your campuses. This particular insects will make you itch, scratch, and sometimes even say bad words. With the help of Dr. Sonja Swiger,Associate Professor & Veterinary/Medical Extension Entomologist, AgriLife Extension this article will help explain the symptoms of West Nile Virus and encephalitis, what schools need to know about basic mosquito management and additional resources to help educate you and your staff. Mosquitoes are of concern in… Read More →
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