Integrated Pest Management (IPM)

All Maine schools, both public and private, are required to adopt IPM policies and practices and appoint an IPM coordinator. IPM enables schools to manage pests through regular pest monitoring, effective communication, good facilities management practices, and combinations of smart effective tactics including pest traps, good property management practices, and selective use of chemicals when needed. With IPM, schools can protect human health and the environment while saving money.

Maine School IPM website

Why teach about pests and pesticides? Insects, weeds and other critters can affect people, our food and our environment in important ways. Teaching about IPM provides an engaging way to apply scientific concepts to everyday situations. How can we avoid tick and mosquito bites? Why are bees important? How can we keep pests from eating our school garden plants? Lessons are organized by topic and grade-level can be used individually or as part of a unit

• IPM Lessons
• Self-Paced Learning Modules for Teachers Lesson 1  Lesson 2

The Maine Legislature established the Integrated Pest Management Council to promote, expand and enhance integrated pest management adoption in all sectors of pesticide use and pest management within the State. Our mini-poster describes what we do.

The Maine IPM Council is administered and coordinated jointly by the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry and the University of Maine Cooperative Extension. The Council is made up of 11 members representing a broad base of IPM stakeholders.

IPM Council website

• Greenhouse/Nursery Resources (DACF Horticulture Program)


• Hemp and Cannabis
  • Hemp and Cannabis Pesticide Regulations
  • Hemp Pest Prevention and Management Guidance (PDF)
  • Hemp IPM Presentation (Jan 2021) (PDF)
  • Medical Marijuana BMP Guidance (PDF)
  • Medical Marijuana Pest Management Guidance (PDF)
  • Medical Marijuana IPM Presentation (PDF)


• Livestock
  • IPM for Fly Control in Maine Dairy Barns (PDF)
  • Guide to Managing Barn Flies (PDF)
  • Biological Control of Flies on Maine Dairy Farms Demonstration (PDF)
  • Cornell University IPM Guide for Organic Dairies (PDF)
  • IPM for Livestock and Field Crops (Cornell University)


• Financial Assistance for IPM: Technical and financial assistance for IPM is available through USDA Natural Resources and Conservation Service. Some resources are below. Visit your NRCS Local Field Office to learn more.
  • Maine Grower's Guide to EQIP
  • NRCS IPM Planning Guide Sheet for Vegetable Crops (PDF)
  • NRCS Wild Blueberry IPM for Pollinators Jobsheet (PDF)