Under the Healthy Schools Act, when should insecticides be used?

The rationale behind using insecticides as a last resort under the Healthy Schools Act is rooted in the principles of Integrated Pest Management (IPM). This approach emphasizes the importance of using non-chemical methods first to manage pest populations, such as improving sanitation, physical barriers, and biological control methods. The act encourages reducing reliance on chemical treatments to protect the health of students, staff, and the environment.

By prioritizing other control methods before resorting to insecticides, schools can minimize potential exposure to harmful substances, promoting a safer learning atmosphere. Thus, insecticides should only be applied when other strategies have proven ineffective and when there is a significant pest problem that poses a risk to health or safety, making the application of chemical treatments necessary as a final option.