Texas law requires all school districts to adopt an integrated pest management program (IPM) and to designate an IPM Coordinator to manage the implementation of the IPM program. Integrated Pest Management is an ecologically based strategy that focuses on pest prevention by combining techniques such as biological control, habitat manipulation, cultural practices, and the use of pesticides. Pesticide controls should only be used after monitoring indicates established pest thresholds have been met. Pesticide products should be selected and applied in a manner that minimizes risks to human health, non-target organisms, and the environment.

Guidelines for implementing your school's IPM program can be found in Division 7 section 7.201 through 7.205 of the Texas administrative code. Additional guidance regarding IPM practices can be found at the Texas A&M Agrilife Extension School IPM website and EPA’s Integrated Pest Management website. These Rules and IPM practices will help your school district implement a compliant and successful IPM program.

Each school district IPM program shall contain the following (see Rule 7.201) 
 A school board approved IPM policy 
 A monitoring program with established thresholds to justify corrective action 
 Preferential use of non-chemical strategies and low risk pesticides for the control of pests 
 A system to maintain records of all pest control related activities 
 A plan for educating and informing school district employees of their roles in the IPM program
 A school district appointed IPM Coordinator to implement the school district’s IPM program


Essential responsibilities of IPM Coordinator (see Rule 7.202)
 Responsible for implementing school district IPM program
 Complete an approved IPM coordinator training course within six months of appointment
 Obtain six hours of IPM continuing education units every three years
 Ensure that all IPM records are maintained for a period of two years and are made available to a Department inspector upon request

Pesticide Classification
All pesticides used by school districts must be registered with the United States Environmental protection agency and the Texas Department of Agriculture with the exception of those pesticides that have been exempted from registration by the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). All pesticides products used on school district property must be categorized as “Green”, “Yellow”, or “Red” pesticides. Anytime a pesticide product is used on school district property strict adherence must be given to the product label and the pesticide category definition prescribed in Rule 7.204 of the Texas Administrative Code. Please see Division 7 of the Texas Administrative Code for complete IPM Program rules and regulations.
 

Compliance with the Structural Pest Control Act
Compliance with the Structural Pest Control Act TDA's Structural Pest Control Service (SPCS) is responsible for ensuring that all Texas school districts comply with the Structural Pest Control Act. SPCS Representatives may routinely, or in response to a complaint, investigate a school district to determine whether it is in compliance with the SPCS Act.