School Integrated Pest Management

School Rule

IPM School Rule

Here you can see the outlines of the new rule of teaching integrated pest management in schools.

The Department of Health now requires the use of Integrated Pest Management in all K-12 public, private, and charter schools, including attached preschools. 

The rule carries the weight of law, is effective immediately, and is enforced by local health departments. See the full rule here: R392-200.

R392-200-7(12). Sanitary Facilities and Controls.

Pest Management.

(a) The governing body shall minimize in school buildings or on school grounds the presence of pests that are:

  • vectors for disease
  • carry allergens that are likely to affect individuals with allergies or respiratory problems
  • pests that sting or bite causing mild to serious reactions in some individuals.

(b) The governing body shall adopt integrated pest management (IPM) practices and principles to prevent unacceptable levels of pest activity with the least possible hazard to people, property, and the environment.

(c) The governing body shall have a:

  • written integrated pest management plan written by the governing body or provided by the contracted pest management contractor whether IPM is implemented as an internal process or contracted to a pest management professional.
  • The plan shall include sections that cover the following topics:
    • an IPM policy statement
    • IPM implementation and education
    • pest identification, monitoring procedures, reporting and control practices
    • approved pesticides list, and procedures for pesticide use
    • a policy for the notification of students, parents, and staff when pesticides will be applied
    • pesticide applicator requirements.

Guidance for an IPM plan can be found in publications of the IPM Institute of North America. The Department or the Local Health Officer may require changes in a school's IPM plan if the plan neglects or causes a threat to the health or safety of the occupants of a school.

(d) The governing body shall use a full range of control alternatives including:

  • identification and removal or repair of conditions that are conducive to pests
  • structural repair and sealing
  • improved sanitation
  • removal of clutter or harborage
  • elimination of food sources
  • exclusionary measures to protect doors, windows and any other opening to the outside against the entrance of insects, rodents, and other animals
  • a no-action alternative shall also be considered in cases where the pest has no public health or property damage significance

(e) If the governing body chooses to not use a contracted pest control contractor, school personnel who apply pesticides shall follow the Utah Dept. of Agriculture pesticide regulation R68-7. The applicator shall apply all products according to the pesticide label directions.