Schools & Community

Explore the links in this section for IPM solutions and resources for buildings and grounds:

If you have specific pest-related questions, call the MSU Extension hotline at 888-789-3464 or post your question through the Ask An Expert feature. You will receive an email response from an MSU Extension employee or one of our trained volunteers.

The Basics of IPM

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is proven integrative approach to dealing with pest pressures that impact facilities, human health, and the environment.  IPM is a cost saving method that addresses pest challenges by blocking their access to buildings and removing their basic needs for survival, including food, water and shelter. IPM uses five basic steps for success:

  1. Identification
  2. Treatment
  3. Monitoring
  4. Evaluation
  5. Inspection

What is the IPM Law in the State of Michigan?

The Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act, Act 451 of 1994, as amended, and Regulation 637 require that two things must occur before any pesticide application is made in a school, day care, public building, and health care facility:

  1. The pesticide applicator must attend a Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD)-approved IPM Training Program before making a pesticide application.
  2. A verifiable IPM Program must be in place for each building.

NEW: ONLINE SPECIAL! MDARD-APPROVED IPM TRAINING OFFERED AT NO CHARGE FOR IPM TECHNICIANS AND CONTRACTED SCHOOL/COMMUNITY PESTICIDE APPLICATORS! See the MDARD-approved IPM Training Modules.

To receive the School and Facilities IPM newsletter:

  1. Click here to send an email to: listserv@list.msu.edu 
  2. Copy and paste the following in the body of the email: Subscribe FACILITIESIPM
  3. Click send. You will receive a confirmation email that will require your response.