Pest Management for Schools, Daycare Centers and Parents
copyright 2005 Karen English
Schools and daycare centers are our children's homes-away-from-home. They have a special duty to properly manage pests in a manner that protects children of all ages from the risk of pesticide exposure. They must also provide advance notification of pesticide use.
Why is it Important to Think About Potential Pesticide Exposure at Schools and Daycare Centers?
"Pesticides" are substances intended to destroy or repel insects, weeds, rodents, fungi, and certain microbes. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that "Pesticides play an important role in food supply protection and disease control, but they can also be harmful to human health." NYSDEC regulates pesticides, because of their potential to cause harm. Through all of our pesticide programs - from deciding which products to register and which to restrict, to ensuring that applicators are trained and certified, to enforcement - we strive to be as protective as possible of public health and the environment. One of the most protective approaches is to encourage effective alternative means of pest management wherever possible.
Potential harm from pesticides is especially important to consider in schools and daycare centers because children are at greater risk from chemical exposure. Children are not little adults - from infants to teens, they are growing and developing. Their bodies have not yet reached developmental maturity. This means that they are more vulnerable to the toxic effects of many pesticides and other chemicals. Behaviors of young children, such as putting things in their mouths and crawling on the floor, put them at additional risk from pesticide exposure.
What are the Pest Management Alternatives for Schools and Daycare Centers?
To help promote green and healthy communities and a toxic-free future, schools, daycare centers and parents should consider all pest management options and alternatives. Prevention and planning are key to effective pest control. Pesticides may have a temporary effect, but unless preventative measures are instituted, pests will return to areas where food, water and shelter are available. There are many effective alternatives to using pesticides, such as good sanitation and food storage, caulking holes and cracks, and fixing leaky faucets and roofs. You can view the list of internet resources on alternatives on the pest management resource list using the links below or in the left hand navigation.
What Are the Requirements for Providing Notification Prior to Pesticide Use?
If a school or daycare center decides pesticides need to be applied, they have an obligation to let parents and staff know ahead of time. This requirement, together with other requirements that apply to lawn care applications in some New York State Counties, is known as "Neighbor Notification". Read a summary of school and daycare center responsibilities under the Neighbor Notification Law and lawn care notification requirements using the links below or in the left hand navigation.
More about Pest Management for Schools, Daycare Centers and Parents:
- Summary of NYS Requirements for Pesticide Neighbor Notification - A brief summary of The Pesticide Neighbor Notification Law
- Pest Management Resource List - Links to resources on pest management alternatives and pesticide neighbor notification
