Integrated Pest Management on Public School Grounds

Integrated pest management, commonly called IPM, is an approach to pest control that focuses on minimizing pest problems by making the environment unfavorable to pests. The Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection supports schools in using IPM to manage pests in school settings. In addition, Wisconsin law includes specific practices that school districts must use when applying pesticides in public schools for pre-kindergarten through grade 12. This page provides resources for pest management in schools.

General Information

Wisconsin Pesticide Law and Schools fact sheet 
An explanation of Wisconsin’s pesticide law and how it applies in school settings.

Using disinfectant and sanitizer for your home or business fact sheet​​
The difference between disinfectants, sanitizers, and cleaners.

Environmental Protection Age​ncy 
Resources to help set up an effective program, webinars, managing common pests, blogs and additional contacts.

Bed Bugs

Bed bugs are a common pest in schools as well as in homes.

DATCP 
Find pesticide products and applicators to treat for bed bugs, as well as detailed general information.

Wisconsin Department of Health Services 
General information about bed bugs.

Let’s Beat the Bedbug! 
University of Minnesota site with information for various audiences.

Bed Bugs: Get Them Out and Keep Them Out 
Detailed information from the EPA about prevention and control in different settings, including schools.

Bed Bugs: What Schools Need to Know 
Information from the state of Michigan

Classes and Training 

The IPM Institute of North America offers classes and training for school staff, including custodians, nurses, facility managers, grounds professionals, administrators, maintenance, teachers, food service and pest control specialists.


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