8431A - PEST MANAGEMENT

Ferndale School District

Administrative Guidelines

8431A - PEST MANAGEMENT

Structural and landscape pests can pose significant problems to people, property, and the environment. Pesticides can also pose risks to people, property, and the environment. It is, therefore the purpose of these guidelines to provide integrated pest management procedures for control of structural and landscape pests.

A.	Pests

	Pests are populations of living organisms (animals, plants, or microorganisms) that interfere with the use of the school site for human purposes. Strategies for managing pest populations will be influenced by the pest species and whether that species poses a threat to people, property, or the environment.

B.	Pest Management

	1.	Approved pest management plans will be developed for the site and will include any proposed pest management measures.

	2.	Pests will be managed to:

		a.	reduce any potential human health hazard or to protect against a significant threat to public safety;

		b.	prevent loss of or damage to school structures or property;

		c.	prevent pests from spreading into the community or to plant and animal populations beyond the site;

		d.	enhance the quality for life for students, staff, and others.


C.	Integrated Pest Management Procedures

	1.	A pest management procedure will allow the certified maintenance/custodial personnel to determine when to control pests and whether to use mechanical, physical, chemical, cultural, or biological means. This individual shall make use of current, comprehensive information on each pest and its environment and the best available pest control methods. Applying proper pest management procedures will prevent unacceptable levels of pest activity and damage by the most economical means and with the least possible hazard to people, property, and the school environment.

	2.	The choice of using a pesticide or herbicide will be based on a review of all other available options and a determination that these options are not acceptable or are not feasible. It is the policy of the District to utilize the above principles to manage pest populations adequately. The full range of alternatives, including no action, will also be considered.

	3.	When it is determined that a pesticide or herbicide must be used in order to meet important management goals, the least hazardous* material will be chosen. Any application of pesticides or herbicides will be subject to the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (7 USC 136 et. seq.), this guideline and procedure, the Environmental Protection Agency regulations in CFR 40, OSHA regulations, and State and local regulations.

D.	Recordkeeping

	1.	Current and accurate records of pesticide use shall be maintained on site by the maintenance/custodial staff to meet the requirements of the State Regulatory Agency and School Board.

	2.	In addition, pest surveillance data sheets that record the number of pests or other indicators of pest populations are to be maintained to verify the need for treatments.


	E.	Notification

		The District will notify the school staff, parents, and students of upcoming pesticide/herbicide treatments within thirty (30) days of the beginning of the school year. Notices will be posted in designated areas at school and sent home to parents at least three (3) days in advance of pesticide applications. (See Form 8431A F1.) If school is not in session, parents requesting pre-application notification will be contacted by mail or telephone at least one (1) day prior to any application.

	F.	Pesticide/Herbicide Storage and Purchase

		Pesticide/Herbicide purchases will be limited to the amount authorized by the THP for use during the year. Pesticides/Herbicides will be stored and disposed of in accordance with the EPA-registered label directions and State regulations. Pesticides/Herbicides must be stored in an appropriate, secure site not accessible to students or unauthorized personnel.

	G.	Pesticide/Herbicide Application

		Pesticide/Herbicide applicators must be educated and trained in the principles and practices of these guidelines and the use of pesticides/herbicides approved by this District and must follow regulations and label precautions. Applications should be certified and comply with all State licensing requirements and with the District's guideline and the Pest Management Plan.

*Precautionary statements are required on all pesticide labels. Signal words indicate the level of acute toxicity and the hazard to humans posed by the pesticide product. Labels should include the child-hazard warning: KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN

Michigan Administrative Code R285.637.15
M.C.L.A. 408.1001 et seq.
M.C.L.A. 324.8325