Pesticides

Please be advised that Coloma Community Schools utilizes an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach to control pests.  IPM is a pest management system that utilizes all suitable techniques in a total pest management system with the intent of preventing pests from reaching unacceptable levels or to reduce an existing population to an acceptable level.  Pest management techniques emphasize sanitation, pest exclusion, and biological controls.  One of the objectives of using an IPM approach is to reduce or eliminate the need for chemical applications of pesticides. However, certain situations may require the need for pesticides to be utilized.

As required by the State of Michigan law, you will receive advance notice regarding the non-emergency application of a pesticide such as an insecticide, fungicide or herbicide, or other bait or gel formulation, that is made to the school grounds or buildings during the school year.  Please note that this notice is not given for the use of sanitizers, germicides, disinfectants, or anti-microbial cleaners.  In certain emergencies, such as an infestation of stinging insects, pesticides may be applied without prior notice to prevent injury to students but you will be notified following any such application.

Advance notification of pesticide applications, other than bait or gel formulation, will be given by at least two methods.  The first method will be posting at the main entrance to the affected schools or the affected school.  The main entrance for each building is designated as entrance #1.  The second method would be via email through the school’s School Messenger program.  

Please be advised that parents or guardians of children attending the school are entitled to receive the advance notice of a pesticide application, other than bait or gel formulation, by first class United States mail postmarked at least three days before the pesticide application, if they so request.  If you prefer to receive the notification by first class mail, please contact your student’s building office.

In addition, parents and guardians of children attending the school may review the school’s Integrated Pest management program and records of any pesticide application upon request.  A copy is available in each building’s office for inspection.  All herbicide and fertilization application information will be kept in the high school office and is available for public inspection.

Coloma Community Schools Integrated Pest Management program point of contact is David Ehlers who may be reached at 269-468-2424 or [email protected].