Official websites use .gov
A
.gov website belongs to an official government
organization in the United States.
Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A
lock (
) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to
the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official,
secure websites.
Find answers to common questions about Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in Maryland public schools, including notification requirements, emergency applications, and how to report a concern.
Only a certified applicator or a registered employee working under the supervision of a certified applicator may apply a pesticide in a school building or on school grounds.
The notification for a planned date and time of application for school grounds can specify that weather conditions or other extenuating circumstances may cause the actual date of application to be postponed to a later date or dates. If the actual date of application is more than 14 days later than the planned date provided in the notice, notice of the application required under this regulation shall be reissued. Learn more about Pesticide Notification & Posting Requirements for Maryland Public Schools.
No. Fertilizers are not covered by the regulations. However, if the fertilizer contains an herbicide (e.g., Weed and Feed) or insecticide, it is a pesticide product and governed by this regulation.
The school must make the notification. A licensee, permittee, or certificate holder may not apply a pesticide in a school building or on school grounds until the notification is provided in accordance with the regulations. Learn more about Pesticide Notification & Posting Requirements for Maryland Public Schools.
No. Bait stations are not included in the definition of "pesticide." However, schools must provide in-school notification to students and staff before a bait station is applied by putting a sign or notice on the door of the room or primary entrance to the area in which the bait station is placed. The notice or sign must remain until the bait station is removed. The sign must include the following information:
No.
No. Any antimicrobial agents, such as disinfectants, sanitizers, or deodorizers, used in a school building for cleaning purposes are exempt from the regulatory requirements of the School IPM and Pesticide Notification Regulations.
A pesticide may be applied in a school building or on school grounds without prior notification only if an emergency pest situation exists. However, following an emergency application, the school must notify the parents, guardians, and school staff members within 24 hours after an emergency pesticide application, or on the next school day. Learn more about Pesticide Notification & Posting Requirements for Maryland Public Schools.
The Integrated Pest Management Systems in Schools and School Grounds Act can be viewed at the Division of State Documents COMAR 15.05.02. The Regulations Pertaining to Integrated Pest Management and Notification of Pesticide Use in a Public School Building or on School Grounds (COMAR 15.05.02.08) can also be found on the Division of State Documents website. The MDA Pesticide Regulation office typically has copies of these booklets available and can mail them upon request while supplies last.
The first step is to contact your school system's designated Contact Person. This individual has been designated by the school board to handle inquiries about the school system's IPM and Notification Program and procedures. If after contacting the Contact Person there is evidence to believe the school or school system is violating regulations, you should contact the Maryland Department of Agriculture's Pesticide Regulation Section to report the suspected violation. Please call (410) 841-5710 or email [email protected].
