LANSING As Michigan children start to return to school as summer break comes to a close, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) is reminding schools to practice safe integrated pest management (IPM) in spaces where students learn and play. School districts using IPM techniques can reduce the spread of pests such as rats, mice, cockroaches, and ants while practicing smart pest control that doesn't rely solely on chemical intervention.
"Pesticide applications are just one of many pest management tools in the toolbox available to schools," said Mike Philip, Director of MDARD's Pesticide and Plant Pest Management Division. "Integrated pest management uses a variety of techniques to combat pests while improving management, lowering costs, and protecting the health and safety of people and the environment."
IPM emphasizes preventing pests from entering buildings by fixing holes in window screens, repairing damaged door sweeps, and sealing holes where pipes and supply lines enter buildings. Putting sanitation practices in place removing food sources attracting pests like removing trash daily, cleaning food debris, and storing food in pest-proof containers.
Source: michigan.gov
Photo Credit: gettyimages-simplycreativephotography
Categories: Michigan, Education