Children`s Health in Schools

Pest Free Schools

Public areas—especially schools—are excellent environments for insects and vermin that can jeopardize human health. Poor sanitation often is the No. 1 culprit in creating pest problems in such public areas.

Discarded food and trash inside buildings, uncovered garbage areas, cracks and crevices are open invitations to these intruders that can rapidly build infestation and health threats.

Schoolyards and other outside areas face pest problems, too, say the experts at RISE (Responsible Industry for a Sound Environment)^®. Uncontrolled vegetation can harbor a number of unwelcome pests. Insects and plant diseases can destroy turf on playgrounds, increasing the possibility of injury. Noxious weeds provide a bounty of problems for allergy sufferers.

Talk to a Pro: Professional pest control operators are equipped to recognize these trouble spots and move quickly with preventative or other control measures. It's part of an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach to pest control, which most of today's professionals employ.

IPM involves monitoring and evaluating pest problems before using control options. A variety of techniques may be used, including responsible use of pesticides--which means following U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-approved pesticide label directions for application, observing any re-entry periods after application and other practices leading to safe use.

RISE is the national association representing the manufacturers, formulators, distributors and other industry leaders involved with pesticide and fertilizer products used in turf, ornamental, pest control, aquatic and terrestrial vegetation management and other non-food/fiber applications. Visit our web site at http://www.pestfacts.org.