School Integrated Pest Management

Pest Identification

Accurate pest identification is the foundation for choosing the most appropriate pest management strategy. IPM Coordinators should become familiar with Utah's common school pests and how to identify them. This can be done by arranging IPM Coordinator training through USU or the Utah Coalition for IPM in Schools. Alternatively, personal study using key references can also be useful. 

Learn more about key school pests by visiting the links below: 

Books that can be useful in providing assistance with pest identification are listed below. This is not a complete listing of resources. 

  • Mallis Handbook of Pest control
  • NPMA Field Guide to Structural Pests, 2nd Edition
  • PCT Field Guide to the Management of Structure Infesting Ants
  • PCT Field Guide to the Management of Structure Infesting Flies
  • PCT Field Guide to the Management of Structure Infesting Beetles, Vol. I
  • PCT Field Guide to the Management of Structure Infesting Beetles, Vol. II
  • PCT Field Guide: Bird Management Field Guide

Example of Pest Identification Procedures section

Sighted pests should be reported in a timely manner as per the pest reporting procedures outlined in the district or school's IPM plan. Pests that can be safely captured should be kept for the IPM Coordinator to examine. The IPM Coordinator will identify all pests prior to selecting the appropriate IPM pest control strategy. Pests will be identified visually, to the best of the Coordinator's ability using online and print resources. If needed, pest identifications can be verified by contacting Ryan Davis and attaching a few, in-focus images of the pest. Records of the pest sighting/location, identification, and control strategies used should be recorded for future reference and to aid in future pest control situations. If desired, the IPM Coordinator can keep identified specimens leading to the development of a pest reference collection.