IPM Committee Tasks

Although the process of selecting the members of an IPM committee is not part of the IPM plan, it is nonetheless an essential course of action in development of an integrated pest management program. Please be aware that the number of members required for this committee is to be determined by each facility. Remember that different points of view from members of this committee will provide the essential balance between meeting the facility’s operating objectives and reaching for the ideals of minimizing pesticides on the grounds of a facility. It will be the different perspectives from members of this committee that will strengthen and assure a quality IPM plan.

The tasks set before an IPM committee are to: {8}

1. Develop an IPM plan. The IPM plan is in essence, a document that describes the organization and implementation of IPM on school grounds. It is the committee's responsibility to address the various components of the IPM plan.

2. Evaluate progress of the IPM program

3. Communicate about IPM - Facilitate communication within the school about IPM practices

4. Contract Specifications - Assist in development of contract specifications

5. Provide notification to parents about pesticide use

Issues for the IPM Advisory Committee to consider: {31}

• Do individuals who apply pesticides at the school have appropriate certification?

• What forms should be used for reporting pests, documenting repairs and recording pesticide applications. 

• Where should reporting documents be kept? 

• How can communication of IPM issues and practices be improved?

• How can notification of parents regarding IPM practices be improved?