Selecting a Professional Applicator

License Requirements
Maine law requires anyone applying pesticides at schools — whether
a professional applicator or a school staff member — to be licensed by the state. For-hire companies also must have liability insurance. Schools should check to make sure these legal requirements are met. Ask to see the licenses of pest control and turf management companies your school contracts with.

Low Risk Applications
Training, experience and a strong track record in Integrated Pest Management (IPM) are essential qualities to evaluate in a pest control company. Check the
companies references. This will ensure the applicator is knowledgeable in practices that minimize pesticide use and risks to students, parents and staff. Applicators should be able to identify pests and should know about pest biology, behavior and a full range of control methods. Professional applicators should provide proactive suggestions that identify cultural steps for deterring pests in outdoor settings. If an applicator is being hired to help maintain school grounds, their knowledge of cultural practices for maintaining plant health is essential. The business should offer an IPM service program as outlined below.

Pest monitoring program

regular inspection of potential problem sites

identification of pests

classification of outdoor areas as to amount and type of use (i.e. game fields, practice fields, lawns)

establishment of pest thresholds

recommendations for control

evaluation of control measures

Pest control recommendations

emphasis on maintenance and sanitation

pesticide applications only when necessary, i.e. when the established pest threshold is exceeded, and never on a set schedule.

provide schools with pesticide labels and toxicity information for each pesticide that may be used

use of low risk pesticides when other means of control are not feasible

scheduling applications when school or grounds are not occupied

Other things to consider when hiring a professional pest control service are described below.

Discuss with the Applicator

History of the school's pest problems

History of pest management efforts and cultural practices employed at school

Pest management actions that school or district will be responsible for

Request applicator provide a written pest management plan for the school.

Designate an IPM Coordinator

Each school or district should designate a staff member to serve as the ‘IPM Coordinator’ to ensure good communication among responsible staff and contracted professional applicators, to oversee pest management activities, and to ensure that the school’s IPM policies are followed. This person should be knowledgeable about the school's pest problems and should serve as the primary contact for the professional applicator contracted to apply pesticides.

Responsibilities of the IPM Coordinator

Collect information on where and when pests are seen in the building and share this with the professional applicator

Ensure the professional applicator complies with the school's IPM program

Ensure that maintenance and sanitation recommendations made by the professional applicator are carried out by the school maintenance staff

Approve pesticides and pesticide applications carried out by the professional applicator

Coordinate notification of parents and staff of pesticide applications according to the school's notification procedure

Coordinate record-keeping of all pest and pest-damage sightings. Present them to the professional applicator

Maintain detailed records of all pesticides used (what, where, when, amount, how applied) by the professional applicator or school staff

Keep informed about changes in regulations, policies and programs regarding pesticides and pest management.

Responsibilities of the Professional Applicator

Inspect entire grounds with IPM Coordinator to identify cultural, sanitation, maintenance problems
needing correction

Prepare a drawing of the school building and grounds and indicate potential problem areas

Present recommendations to IPM Coordinator

Prepare pest management plan for services to be provided before performing them

Apply pesticides only in a manner that assures safety of all people using the school. Never apply
pesticides when children and others may be present or exposed

Communicate with IPM Coordinator before and after applying pesticides. Ensure all posting and notification requirements are met to minimize the risk of accidental pesticide exposure in
treated areas.

Printable Version [PDF]