Peggy Caruso
Environmental Assistant Director, Maintenance and Operation

Integrated Pest Management (IPM)

Decisions concerning whether or not pesticides should be applied in a given situation will be based on a review of all available options. Efforts will be made to avoid the use of pesticides by adequate pest-proofing of facilities, good sanitation practices, selection of pest-resistant plant materials, and appropriate horticultural practices. The Tools for Schools program sponsored by the EPA will be one of the resources used for identifying facilities pest-proofing and other good practices.

When it is determined that a pesticide must be used in order to meet pest management objectives, the least hazardous material adequate for the job, will be chosen. Signs will be posted 48 hours before application. Parents who want to be notified prior to pesticide application inside their child(ren)s school assignment area may contact the Districts IPM Coordinator at 281-396-2503.

You can access the Consumer Information Sheet from Texas Structural Pest Control Board, PO Box 1927, Austin, Texas 78767 or http://www.spcbtx.org

What is Integrated Pest Management (IPM)?

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is both a strategy and a process that provides quality pest control using the least hazardous chemicals and techniques. Pests usually come into buildings to look for food, water, and shelter. Eliminating entry areas, good sanitation practices, and removing food and water sources are the first steps in controlling pests. The Environmental Department implements Integrated Pest Management (IPM) best practices to control pests in a school environment.

IPM Training

This past June 2007, Katy ISD hosted a two day IPM training event. Ten school districts attended and seven IPM experts did presentations for IPM best practices. This training event was free to school districts and attendees earned continuing education units (CEUs) toward their pest control applicator license.

Bat IPM Plan

School districts must deal with urban wildlife on occasion. We have an Integrated Pest Management Bat Plan (PDF) to safely remove bats. The most common type of bat found in Texas is the Mexican free-tail bat, Tadarida brasiliensis.

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