Pesticide management in public schools

The purpose of this study was (1) to develop indicators of a safe and successful pesticide selection and application practices in public schools and (2) identify common pesticide selection and application procedures used in public schools. The investigation also identified less-toxic solutions that schools could implement in a cost-effective and safe manner.;A packet containing a cover letter, questionnaire, and self-addressed stamped envelope was mailed to the 524 school district superintendents in the state of Missouri. Each subject was given a cover letter explaining the purpose of the research. The cover letter invited participation and explained the purpose of the research. Each subject was asked to return the completed questionnaire in a self-addressed stamped envelope provided by the researcher.;The instrument was constructed by the investigator based on the literature about pesticide management and the research questions for the study. There was two items in Part I of the questionnaire which asked for demographics and seventeen items that requested information about pesticide use, pesticide management, and pesticide practices for the given school district. The items asked respondents to check appropriate blanks for their school district practices and requested fill-in-the blank responses to open-ended questions. The investigator received 225 completed surveys for a return rate of (42.9%).;Based on the findings, it was determined that a large percentage of school districts utilized pesticide chemical products in the last two years and a written pesticide policy was generally not included in board policy. Additionally, it was determined that school districts above 1,000 students were more likely to use non-chemical alternatives than school districts under 1,000 students. Best practices identified to eliminate pests included keeping school buildings clean, eliminating food sources, and sealing doors and windows.;Overall school districts believed that current pesticide management practices were successful. However, those practices are not necessarily based on the literature regarding best practices. The reason for this in part could be due to the lack of knowledge regarding Integrated Pest Management (IPM).