Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and the Healthy Schools Act (HSA)
The Healthy Schools Act defines Integrated Pest Management (IPM) as a pest management strategy that focuses on long-term prevention or suppression of pest problems through a combination of techniques. It was signed into California law in 2000 and most recently amended in September 2014. School districts are required to:
• Identify an Integrated Pest Management Coordinator
• Develop an IPM plan
• Provide annual written notification
• Establish individual notification registry
• Post warning signs
• Keep records
• Send pesticide use reports to the California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR)
• Not use prohibited pesticides
• Complete required DPR-approved training – SIA offers required training through HZ Online
The California Department of Pesticide Regulation has a helpful website with numerous resources to meet the regulations:
School Integrated Pest Management Program
Healthy Schools Act Requirements
School District Integrated Pest Management Plan template
Pesticide Use Reporting for School and Child Care Center Employees (DPR-HAS-118)
California Healthy Schools Act Compliance video
Regulation citation:
Education Code, Division 1, Part 10.5, Chapter 5, Article 4 (commencing with Section 17608; and add Sections 17611.5 and 17614) and Division 4, Part 27, Chapter 6, Article 4 (Section 48980.3)