How much are you spending on pest management? Do you know the cost of staff time spent responding to pest problems? Can IPM save you money? In Maine, George Stevens Academy reported saving more than $11,000 by including more IPM practices, such as soil testing, into their grounds management program. Another district described in a recent issue of the EPA PESPWire newsletter how they used IPM to cut pest control costs by 86% and pesticide use by 99%. 

A free online tool, the School IPM Budget Calculator can help you analyze how well your pest control program is working. Use the calculator to identify IPM strategies with the best cost/benefit advantage for your district. For example, use it compare the cost and benefit of replacing exterior door sweeps to seal out pests and reduce energy loss versus the costs of installing and servicing rodent bait stations and traps. 

Did you miss the 'Got the Itch about Browntail Moth' webinar presented by the Maine School IPM Program? Its not too late! The recorded webinar is available on the Training and Events tab on the Maine School IPM webpage so you can watch it whenever you have time. 

EPA Center of School IPM Expertise Webinars are a great way to learn the latest recommendations from experienced school IPMers.  Join the EPA School IPM Listserv to receive announcements of upcoming webinars.  For a list of upcoming webinars and links to on-demand recordings of past webinars visit their School IPM Webinar page. Here's what's coming up:

• January 24, 2017 -- Pest of Public Health Importance and the Role of Integrated Pest Management in Schools
• February 21, 2017 -- More Than Just a Firm Handshake: Bid and Contract Guidance for Securing IPM-Based Services for Schools