Basic Information on Pest Control in School
By using integrated pest management instead of solely relying on extensive pesticide applications, schools can reduce pest populations and reduce the use of pesticides, making schools safer for children and school personnel.
IPM reduces the use of pesticides by first monitoring pest populations to determine where, when, and what kind of controls should be applied. Schools can reduce pest infestations by identifying and removing conditions that will attract pests.
Preventive measures are easy to implement and often improve the overall maintenance of the school. These measures can include:
Restricting where food is eaten.
Moving dumpsters and food disposal containers away from the school.
Repairing and maintaining leaking pipes.
Pressure cleaning food service areas.
Sealing cracks and crevices.
Instituting sanitation measures.
Cleaning gutters and directing water flow away from buildings to prevent saturation.
Educating students and staff about how their actions affect pest management and control.
In addition to adopting preventive measures, the IPM approach includes evaluating a school’s pest management practices and choosing lower-risk methods of pest removal and prevention. When developing an IPM program, schools should consider methods that:
Minimize health risks to humans and the environment.
Minimize disruption of the natural, outdoor environment.
Are least toxic to species that are not pests.
Prevent a recurrence of the pest infestation.
Are safe and easy to apply effectively.
Are cost-effective.
SCOPE OF WORKS FOR MOSQUITO CONTROL IN SCHOOLS
Inspection:
Weekly
Check for mosquito breeding in the following places :
Discarded receptacles in open areas, under bushes and in school f
ields
Open and closed drains
Gully traps
Ground puddles
Tree holes and bifurcations between branches, and leaf axil of banana trees, Travellers Palms and other palms
Refuse bins and bin covers
Scupper drains in common corridors
Bin centre (pay attention to perimeter drains, gully traps, discarded receptacles, stored bulk bins inside and around bin centre)
Flower troughs, plantboxes and pots
Ponds
Air-conditioner trays
Any other water-bearin Fogging
Fogging is done when there is a mosquito nuisance problem or a disease outbreak.