Understanding Terminology Involved in
Integrative Pest Management

Integrative Pest Management (IPM) is an effective and environmentally sensitive approach to pest management that relies on a combination of common sense practices.IPM programs use current, comprehensive information on the life cycles of pests and their interaction with the environment. This information, in combination with available pest control methods, is used to manage pest damage by the most economical means and with the least possible hazard to people, property, and the environment. IPM programs take advantage of all pest management options possible including, but not limited to, the judicious use of pesticides. 

Pests are populations of living organisms that interfere with the use of school facilities for human purposes. Strategies for managing pest populations will be influenced by the pest species and wether that species poses a threat to people, poverty, or the environment.

Integrative Pest Management (IPM) is a strategy that focuses on long-term preventive or suppression of pest populations using a combination of tactics that minimize the effect of control activities on human health and the health of non-target organisms.

Understanding pest needs is essential to implementing IMP effectively. Pests seek habitats that provide basic needs such as air, moisture, food, and shelter. Pest populations can be prevented or controlled by creating inhospitable environments, by removing some of the basic elements pests need to survive, or by simply blocking their access into buildings. Pest also may be managed by other methods such as traps, vacuums, or pesticides.

LISD Policies

Lancaster Independent School District has developed and Integrative Pest Management Policy defining how the issues of pest management will be handled in the school district. While this is a policy statement dealing directly with the issue of pest management, the district's Safety Policy Statement also applies when addressing these issues

Lancaster Independent School District's Integrative Pest Management Policy was based on several factors which affect school districts and pest management strategies. Under Texas law, all school districts must approve and maintain an official IPM policy statement. This policy must be kept on file with the district superintendent and the IMP coordinators(s) (Title 22, Texas Administrative Code 595.11b). The IPM Policy should clearly state the districts goals and expectations of staff and contractors.

Lancaster Independent School District's IPM Policy is based on generally accepted tenets of integrated pest management,
including the fallowing

Strategies that rely on the best combination of pest management tactics that are compatible with human health and environment protection.

• Proper identification of pest problems.

• Monitoring programs to determine when pests are presents or when pest problems are severe enough to justify corrective action.

• Use of non-chemical management strategies whenever practical.

• Preferential use of least-toxic chemical controls when pesticide are needed.

Next are the Integrative Pest Management Policy signed by the Lancaster Independent School District Board, along with the Safety Policy Statement. Please keep both of these policies in mind when addressing IPM issues.