INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT

Your District IPM Coordinator is Mr. Steve Bell. Pesticide application records are kept at the Maintenance Department office. The District has implemented a pest management program in accordance with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in Schools guidelines. All persons applying pesticides on District property shall hold appropriate State certification and be approved by the District IPM Coordinator. For your safety as well as that of the students and staff, no unauthorized person shall apply pesticides. Please do not store any of these products in your rooms or offices.

TDA has the authority to file administrative, civil, or criminal charges against anyone who misuses pesticides. This authority also extends to general-use pesticides, those that can be bought by the general public.

TDA penalty options include:

• Administrative penalties up to $4,000 per incident
• Civil penalties up to $25,000
• Class A, B, C misdemeanors
• Third-degree felony - 2-10 years imprisonment and up to a $10,000 fine

Here's what you can do:

• Keep all food/snacks in tightly sealed containers
• Properly dispose of or clean used dishes
• Cut down on clutter in closets where critters like to hide
• Notify the maintenance department if you become aware of critters
• After preparing or eating, wipe surfaces clean and keep your area disinfected

Many household products are pesticides, so do not store any of these products in your classrooms, offices, mechanical rooms, or custodial closets.

These are common products that are considered pesticides:

• Cockroach sprays and baits
• Insect repellents for personal use
• Rat and other rodent poisons
• Flea and tick sprays, powders, and pet collars
• Kitchen, laundry, and bath disinfectants
• Products that kill mold and mildew
• Some lawn and garden products, such as weed killers
• Some swimming pool chemicals