Implementing IPM: Contract Specifications: Pest Control Contract

The Pest Control Contract

Contract Procurement

Technical Specifications

Certification of all on-site personnel

Pests included and excluded

No scheduled pesticide treatment

Performance Standards and Deductions

Pesticide product approval process

Pesticide product approval process

Considerations and Precautions to take in Selecting and Using a Pesticide  {47} 

• Monitor for pests. Only treat a problem if insects are present in the school at an unacceptable level

• Identify the pest and understand its biology

• See what measures as far as site modification, sanitation and exclusion can be utilized.

• Look into the effectiveness of pest trapping for pest control.

If the above suggestions do not provide control of the problem, pesticides may be necessary.

• Choose products wisely. The pesticide section of the appendix discusses many different types of pesticides and should aid your decision.

• Choose pesticide baits over sprays when possible.

• Try to use products with the lowest level of risk. All pesticide product labels have "signal words" that help identify the level of risk. Pesticides with the signal word "caution" have the lowest level of risk.

• Use all pesticides with care. Choose pesticides with the least potential for exposure. Use pesticides only when and where people can not be exposed to these pesticides through direct contact, inhalation of vapors, or allowing premature access to a treated area.

• If pesticides are used, apply them at times when the building will not be occupied for an extended period of time, especially when children are not present.

• If pesticides must be used when children are present, isolate treated area from any human activity.