When a Clark Pest Control technician applies pesticide on school grounds, who is responsible for use reporting?

The school district is responsible for maintaining records of all pesticide applications at each school. However, the Clark Pest Control technician is responsible for completing a pesticide use form and submitting it to the Department of Pesticide Regulations (DPR).

For a complete list of frequently asked questions about the Healthy Schools Act, click here.

When does Clark Pest Control have to begin reporting pesticide use in schools?

The applications performed at schools by Clark Pest Control are subject to reporting. The law requires licensed pest control businesses to submit pesticide use records at least annually to the director of DPR.

To keep track of pesticide applications, we will complete and submit a School Pesticide Use reporting form to the DPR.

Are there any particular restrictions on what pesticide products may be used on school grounds?

No. As long as the label does not prohibit such use, the pesticide may be used.

Clark Pest Control will only use pesticides after careful monitoring indicates that they are needed. We will choose pesticides that pose the least possible hazard and are effective in a manner that minimizes risk to people, property, and the environment.

What pesticide products or applications are exempted from the provisions of this law?

Products such as; self-contained baits,traps, gels and pastes deployed as crack and crevice treatments are exempted from this reporting. Antimicrobal pesticides, including sanitizers and disinfectants, while regulated as pesticides, are also exempted from this portion of the law.

Pesticides exempted from regulation by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency pursuant to FIFRA are also exempted from this portion of the law.

Who enforces requirements for posting, annual written notification requirements, and school district pesticide use recordkeeping?

These requirements are under the Education Code; therefore the California Department of Education has oversight of these provisions.

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) has various definitions.

How does the Healthy Schools Act define IPM?

The Healthy School Act defines IPM as a pest management strategy that focuses on long term prevention and suppression of pest problems through a combination of techniques such as:

• Monitoring for pest presence and establishing treatment threshold levels
• Using non-chemical practices to make the habitat less conducive to pest development
• Improving sanitation
• Using mechanical and physical controls.

Pesticides that pose the least possible hazard and are effective in a manner that minimizes risk to people, property, and the environment are used only after careful monitoring indicates they are needed according to reestablished guidelines and treatment thresholds. (Note: This definition only applies to IPM in schools.)

Do schools have to keep records of every pesticide use and each application?

No. Some pesticides are exempt from the requirement. For non-exempt pesticides, the law requires each school to maintain records of pesticide use for a period of four years and make the record available to the public upon request. Schools may keep a copy of the posted warning sign, with an additional indication of quantity applied, as the record.

Are private schools exempted from the Healthy Schools Act?

Yes, the law exempts private schools, day-care facilities, and colleges. Not exempted from the law are public facilities such as day care centers, kindergarten, elementary, or secondary schools. Schools include buildings or structures, playgrounds, athletic fields, school vehicles, or any other area of school property visited or used by pupils. Schools do not include colleges attended by secondary pupils.

How soon before a pesticide application occurs should warning signs be posted and what should they say?

Signs should be posted 24 hours before a pesticide application and remain posted until 72 hours afterwards. Click here for a sample sign.