Pests: An Integrated Strategy

Part 1: Pest Management: What is Green Shield Certification?

Part 2: Pesticides: Applicators Must Meet EPA Requirements

Part 3: Pest Management: The Key Steps in an IPM Program

Part 4: Maintenance Practices Can Resist Pests

Pest Management: The Key Steps in an IPM Program

October 2009

Facilities earning the Green Shield certification also have to implement additional IPM practices.

For example, the facility must have a formal IPM program, and a written IPM policy must state a commitment to IPM implementation. The policy has to identify overall objectives relating to pest and pesticide risk management. A written IPM plan needs to include a schedule for inspecting and monitoring buildings and grounds, if applicable, and it must include a schedule for areas requiring more frequent inspection and monitoring.

Certified facilities also must establish appropriate roles and open communications policies. A specific individual needs to be responsible for day-to-day interpretation of the IPM policy, and the facility must have a trained pest-management professional on staff.

If the grounds department uses outside contractors for pest-control services, the department needs a signed contract identifying specific IPM practices the provider must use, including regular inspections, monitoring for pests and conditions that lead to pest problems, recordkeeping, and the use of least-toxic pesticides only as a last resort.

The certificate also carries requirements for building and landscape design. For example, grounds managers must review designs for new construction or renovations to structures and landscapes for pest-proofing before finalizing. They also must inspect new construction and renovation projects while in progress to ensure compliance with pest-proofing design specifications.