Integrated Pest Management (IPM)

Dear Parent and/ or Guardian:

We would like to inform you that an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach for controlling insects, rodents, and weeds will be used  at Quinlan ISD.  The IPM approach we will be using focuses on making the school buildings and grounds an unfavorable place for pests to live and breed.  Through maintenance and cleaning, we will reduce or eliminate available food and water sources, and hiding places for the pests.  We will also routinely monitor the school area to detect pest problems and prevent the pest from becoming established.  Some IPM techniques we will employ include monitoring, increased sanitation, sealing entry points, physically removing the pest, and modifying storage practices.  From time to time, it may be necessary to use chemicals to control a pest problem.  Chemicals will only be used when necessary, and will not be routinely applied.  When chemicals must be used, the school will try to use the least toxic products when possible.  Access to treated areas will be secured against unauthorized access for the period specified on the pesticide label.  Notices will be posted at application sites and will remain there until the posted safe re-entry time is met, generally 12 hours after application.

If you would like more information, we have a list of pesticides and material safety and data sheets (MSDS) that may be used in the school this school year.  This list may be obtained by contacting the IPM coordinator, Tommy Underwood at 903-356-1214 or email [email protected].

Parents or guardians may request prior notification of specific pesticide applications made at the school.  To receive notification, you must be placed on the notification registry.  After the beginning of each school year, registrants will be notified at least 72 hours before a pesticide is applied.  If a chemical application must be made to control and emergency pest problem, notice will be provided as soon as possible after the application.  Exemptions to this notification include cleaners (disinfectants), baits and gels, and any EPA exempt pesticides.  If you would like to be placed on this registry, please complete and return the enclosed form.

If you have any questions, please contact Tommy Underwood, IPM Coordinator, Quinlan ISD at 903-356-1214 or [email protected] .  For further information about school IPM, please visit http://schoolipm.tamu.edu or www.spcbtx.org