Integrated Pest Management Program

Integrated Pest Management, or IPM, is a pest control strategy that combines the use of biological, cultural, mechanical (physical) and chemical procedures in ways that attempt to minimize health and environmental risks and economic loss when controlling pests.

The IPM Program promotes, through outreach and funding, when available, a sustainable approach to managing pests and "to bring about the broadest possible application of the principles of integrated pest management to agriculture, horticulture, arboriculture, landscape and building maintenance, and any other areas in which economic poisons are employed (RSA 420:50)." The New Hampshire Department of Agriculture, Markets & Food, Division of Pesticide Control, as the legally mandated agency ensuring the safe, scientific, and proper use of pesticides, administrates the IPM Program and the grant funding associated with it. The grant application process is open to all residents of New Hampshire including citizens from the private sector, extension offices, trade organizations, corporate organizations, and government agencies who wish to foster IPM projects.

• IPM Grant Program

• Annual Report: ipm-report

• IPM Grant Brochure

School IPM Resources:

There are a number of benefits for a school to have an integrated pest management (IPM) plan including the possibility of reducing pest control costs and careful consideration of the amount and type of pesticides used, if needed.  A strong plan includes prevention, surveillance, and timely response to a pest concern that may or may not include pesticide use. There are numerous resources available with regard to developing an IPM program.  The selection of the information sources below includes one state approach and a national view but there are many others.  Finding the right fit to address a school’s specific conditions may take practice:

• Maine - IPM School Program:

http://www.maine.gov/dacf/php/integrated_pest_management/school/index.shtml

• EPA Model Pesticide Safety and IPM Guidance Policy for School Districts:

https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2015-11/documents/model-ipm-policy.pdf

• EPA Managing Pests Schools:

https://www.epa.gov/managing-pests-schools

• Integrated Pest Management: A Curriculum for Early Care and Education Programs :

Childcare IPM