When You Have to Use Pesticides in Schools

Editor’s Note: This article was reprinted from Techletter with permission of Pinto & Associates, Inc.

The number one rule for using pesticides in schools is "don't" if you don't have to. First consider traps and other nontoxic alternatives. If pesticides must be used, then rely on baits in tamper-resistant bait stations or placed out of the way in cracks and crevices or voids. Requirements for the use of chemicals will vary from school to school, county to county, and state to state. Know the requirements of the school district you are servicing.

The main guidelines are:

(1) Don't treat a school preventively. Make sure there is a valid pest problem that can't be controlled by other means before you even consider applying pesticides.

(2) Do not apply pesticides to classrooms or common areas such as cafeterias or hallways during school hours or while students or staff are present or expected to be present as per the pesticide’s label re-entry statements, or for at least eight (8) hours after application of the pesticide, whichever is greater.

(3) Don't apply insecticide sprays or dusts to nurses' stations, infirmaries, or other medical areas, except in severe infestations.

(4) Avoid space treatments, spot treatments and general treatments of large areas. Limit treatment to cracks and crevices, closed voids, and bait application.

(5) Place baits, whether in containers, granules, or gel placements, out of the sight and reach of children. Use tamper-resistant bait stations where this is not possible.

(6) Follow all notification and posting requirements.

(7) The use of insecticide or rodenticide baits in pre-manufactured, tamper-resistant containers placed in areas inaccessible to children, and insecticide baits placed into cracks and crevices inaccessible to children are typically exempt from notification, posting, and exclusion requirements unless specified otherwise on the label or by the school district.

(8) Make sure that copies of the pesticide label and MSDS are on file at the school.

There are many factors to consider when choosing a pesticide for use in a school. You want it to be effective, of course. But in a school setting, particularly in rooms used by students, you want to be sure to choose pesticides that pose the least hazard to people. Some schools may limit your choices to a predetermined list of permitted pesticides. Whenever you get to choose a pesticide, be sure to choose low-toxicity insecticides and formulations, and methods of application that reduce potential exposure, particularly in areas that students may enter. Products should have low volatility, be nonirritating, and specifically labeled for the site of application.

Use low-exposure application techniques. Most bait, crack and crevice, and void treatments put insecticides where cockroaches and many other indoor pests spend most of their time, and where children are least likely to contact the insecticide. These are also the techniques and sites least likely to generate indoor air residues.