Integrated Pest Management Program Policy Statement


Structural and landscape pests can pose significant hazards to people, property and the environment. Pesticides can also pose hazards to people, property and the environment. It is therefore the policy of this School District to incorporate Integrated Pest Management (IPM) procedures for control of structural and landscape pests.

In 1999, the legislature passed SB527 (Illinois Pesticide Act) which dealt with application of spraying of school grounds and SB529 which dealt with amendments to the Structural Pest Control Act dealing with structures (including school buildings). It deals with the control of pests like mice, ants, cockroaches and other interior pest and with all kinds of exterior pests.

The legislation affects the schools in basically two ways. 1) All Illinois schools are required to adopt a pest control process called Integrated Pest Management or IPM and 2) schools are required to notify staff, students and parents prior to certain types of pest control applications.

Integrated Pest Management emphasizes inspection and communication with the school administration. The focus of the program is to identify and eliminate conditions in the school and on the school grounds which could cause pests to be a problem. Applications of pest control materials are made only when necessary to eliminate a pest problem. Regular spraying is not part of the program and District 46 will not spray for pest control unless there is a health risk! Spraying of school grounds shall be made only when no students are attending school.

If it becomes necessary to use any pest control products other than traps or baits, notice will be posted two business days prior to the application. The only exception to the two-day notice would be if there is an immediate threat to health or property. Then notice will be posted as soon as practicable.

The school district has contracted a company to provide IPM services. If you have any questions about the information and procedures please contact Operations and Maintenance at (847) 543-5845.

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