School Factors Associated With the Implementation of Integrated Pest Management-Related Policies and Practices.

Abstract

Schools are particularly vulnerable to pests, but integrated pest management (IPM) can address pest problems. This study describes IPM policies and practices and the extent to which they are associated with school characteristics. We analyzed data from the 2014 School Health Policies and Practices Study, a nationally representative survey of schools in the United States (N = 568, response rate = 69%). Pairwise comparisons assessed differences in pest prevention strategies by school characteristics. Nationwide, 55.3% of schools conducted campus-wide inspections for pests at least monthly; 35.6% of schools notified staff, students, and families prior to each application of pesticides; and 56.1% of schools required custodial or maintenance staff to receive training on pest management practices that limit the use of pesticides. During the 12 months before the study, 46.5% of schools almost always or always used spot treatments and baiting rather than widespread applications of pesticides, and 36.8% of schools almost always or always marked indoor and outdoor areas that had been treated with pesticides. No clear pattern emerged for school characteristics associated with IPM policies and practices. The variation in implementation of IPM-related policies and practices suggest opportunities for targeted education among school staff about IPM principles.