School IPM Outreach and Research Activities, NYS IPM Program, 2015

Abstract

NYS schools need assistance in reducing risks to children and others from both pests and the overuse of pesticides. In 2015, NYS IPM Program activities have resulted in school personnel becoming better informed and able to implement IPM in their school districts. The state’s public school districts were surveyed on their pest management policies and practices, and the report is available on the NYS IPM Program’s website. The information from the survey, together with a phone survey of BOCES health & safety officers, is providing input into school IPM outreach and implementation. Managing geese on school grounds was the focus of 3 workshops and a demonstration project in addition to several other presentations. Additionally, four other school IPM workshops and seminars were held as well as numerous related presentations in other venues. The NYS IPM Program made numerous blogs and tweets throughout the year with IPM stories of relevance to the state’s schools and childcare facilities. NYS IPM Program staff made visits to several schools trouble shooting specific pest-related situations.