A school IPM inspection is the systematic examination of a site for pest activity or conditions that might encourage or allow pests to become a problem. Careful, regular inspections of school buildings and grounds with a focus on pest vulnerable areas greatly reduce pest problems and the need for pesticide applications or other interventions. Examples of pest vulnerable areas include loading docks, kitchens, food storerooms, cafeterias, mechanical rooms, and teacher lounges.
IPM inspections can be done on a monthly basis. This usually involves someone inspecting areas of known or previous pest activity. The inspection will include looking underneath kitchen equipment, snooping around food storage areas, and checking monitor traps.
The more in-depth inspection is generally referred to as the annual building inspection. This yearly inspection allows the IPM coordinator and/or pest management professional to inspect the entire building for conducive conditions for pests. Areas that should be inspected are door thresholds, window seals, custodial closets, plumbing chases, and classrooms that have had pest problems throughout the school year.
The monthly and annual inspections can be used to judge the success of pest intervention methods and the effectiveness of pest managers (school-based or contractual).
