The West Virginia Pesticide Control Act of 1990 affects how pests, mice, ants, etc., are controlled in schools.

The legislation affects schools in two predominant ways. 1) All West Virginia schools are required to adopt a pest control process called Integrated Pest Management or IPM and 2) schools are required to notify staff, students, and parents, prior to certain types of pest control applications.

Integrated Pest Management emphasizes inspection and communication with the school administration. The focus of the program is to identify and eliminate conditions in the school, which could cause pests to be a problem. Applications of pest control materials are made only when necessary to eliminate a pest problem. Regular spraying within the school buildings is not part of the program.

If it becomes necessary to use any pest control products other than traps or baits, notice will be posted 24 hours prior to the application. The only exception to the two-day notice would be if there were immediate threats to health or property. Then notice will be posted as soon as practical. If you would like to receive written notification prior to the application of any pest control materials subject to the notification requirements, please complete the form located below and return it to the school main office, by October 1.

If you have any questions or concerns about the products and procedures used in our schools, please contact the Executive Director of Facilities & Maintenance, (304) 267-3500.