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What is Integrated Pest Management (IPM)?

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a pest management system that uses all suitable techniques in a total management system, to prevent pests from reaching unacceptable levels, or to reduce existing pest populations to acceptable levels. The purpose of IPM is to manage pests with the least possible impact on people, property, and the environment.

The Michigan Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act, Act 451 of 1994, as amended, and Regulation 637 require that before a pesticide application is made in schools, public buildings, day care centers and health care facilities, two things must take place:

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

Who Needs to Comply?

Anyone making a pesticide application in a:

A.  School - Public schools, Private schools, Charter schools, Parochial schools, and any school grades K-12.
B.  Health Care Facility - A facility which is not a private home, where people may stay one or more nights and receive medical care, such as a nursing home or hospital.
C.  Public Building - A building that is owned or operated by a federal, state, or local government, including public universities.
D.  Day Care Center - A facility, other than a private residence receiving one or more preschool or school-age children for periods of less than 24 hours a day, licensed under Michigan Act 116.

IPM Key Facts

Applicator - A person who applies pesticides by any method for any purpose at any place.

Certification - Applicator certification is required to apply pesticides in a workplace.  Certification is not required for pesticide applicators using "general use ready-to-use" pesticides in the course of their employment; however, IPM training is still required.  This exemption does not apply to applicators working for a licensed firm.

Ready-to-Use - Ready-to-use pesticide is any pesticide used directly from its original container, consistent with label directions, without mixing or loading.

IPM Program and Service Record - The applicator shall provide the IPM program and initial service inspection record to the building manager at the time of the initial service.

Schools/Daycare Centers Only - The administrator shall provide written notification to parents or guardians of children attending the school or day care center of their right to be informed before any pesticide application is made on school or day care center property.

Required IPM Recordkeeping Information*

  • Site address*
  • Date of service*
  • Target pest or pests*
  • Number of pests found*
  • Condition conducive to infestation*
  • Pest management recommendations*
  • Structural or habitat modifications*
  • Name of pesticide(s)*
  • Quantity of pesticide(s)*
  • Name of the pesticide applicator*
  • Name of the pest control firm used, including its emergency telephone number*

Additional Recordkeeping requirements are found in Regulation 636.

Steps in Establishing an IPM Program

  •  Develop an official IPM policy 
  •  Designate pest management roles 
  •  Set pest management objectives
  •  Inspect site and identify pests 
  •  Set action thresholds
  •  Apply IPM strategies
  •  Evaluate results

IPM Methods

  • Mechanical control
  • Habitat modification
  • Biological control
  • Sanitation control
  • Physical control
  • Chemical control

Contact Information

Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development
Pesticide and Plant Pest Management Division
P.O. Box 30017
Lansing, MI  48909
Phone:  517-284-5799
eFax:  517-763-0090
E-mail:  MartinT9@Michigan.gov