Westbrook Public Schools

Integrated Pest Management Plan

Integrated Pest Management (IPM)

Dear Parent/Guardian:


The Westbrook Board of Education has an integrated pest management (IPM) plan for pest control within the buildings and on the grounds of our schools.  IPM utilizes all available pest control methods such as sanitation, structural maintenance and exclusion, maintaining proper soil pH, fertility and moisture, trapping and/or biological controls along with the judicious use of pesticides to maintain pest populations at or below an acceptable level.  Pesticides may be applied if a pest population has been identified through periodic monitoring, and alternative methods of control have not been effective.  The least toxic pesticide would be used first.

Pesticide applications will not be performed within any building or on the grounds of the school during regular school hours or during planned activities unless an emergency application is necessary to eliminate an immediate threat to human health.  When this occurs, all children and staff will be removed from the area and not allowed to return until it is safe to do so according to the pesticide label.

Enclosed is a summary of the written IPM plan that has been implemented at the school.

Parents, guardians and staff who would like to be notified of pesticide applications may register with the school by contacting Barbara Guay, Westbrook Board of Education, 158 McVeagh Rd. Westbrook, CT 06498.  Registrants will be notified of pesticide applications on or before the date of application by email or in writing via the postal service.  Notification will include (1) the name of the active ingredient of the pesticide being applied, (2) the location of the application on school property, (3) the date of the application, and (4) the name of the school administrator or a designee who may be contacted for further information.Registrants will be notified of any emergency pesticide applications that are made to eliminate an immediate threat to human health by email or in writing via the postal service.Notice will also be sent to any person who registers to be notified if there is any revision or modification to the integrated pest management (IPM) plan.

Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions regarding the integrated pest management plan for Westbrook Public Schools.

Sincerely,
Patricia Charles
Superintendent

Integrated Pest Management Plan

Westbrook Public Schools will be inspected by EB Exterminating Company for the purpose of identifying potential problem areas that may be contributing to pest infestation within the facility and by Greenscape for pest infestation on school grounds.  These firms will make recommendations for corrective measures that should be implemented in concert with a comprehensive integrated pest management (IPM) plan.  The IPM plan will utilize all methods of pest control, which may include structural maintenance, sanitation, monitoring for pest populations, mechanical and biological control, and the judicious use of pesticides.  These methods will help to eliminate food, moisture and harborage for pests, making their survival more difficult. 

Pesticides will not be applied on a routine basis; however, they may be used as a tool to maintain pest populations at or below an acceptable level.  The selection of pesticides that may be used will be based on a pre-determined hierarchy, which will utilize least toxic products as first choice.  Proper implementation of this program will reduce the volume, toxicity and frequency of application of pesticides, thereby reducing the risk of potential exposure of building occupants who may be sensitive to their use.

EB Exterminating Company, Greenscape, and the Finance Manager of Westbrook Public Schools, Barbara Guay, will meet to discuss areas that have been problematic (i.e.; areas where there is a history of high pest pressure). Areas that are sensitive to pesticide use will also be discussed. (i.e.; kitchens, lounges, classrooms, work area of sensitive students or employees, etc.)

Once these areas have been identified, EB Exterminating Company, Greenscape, and Barbara Guay, Finance Manager, will discuss various pest control options and determine the speed of control necessary as well as threshold/action levels based on pest population and species.

Parents, guardians and staff who have registered with the Board of Education for notice of pesticide applications will be contacted regarding the date, location and ingredients applied.