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School IPM—Training and Events
Mandatory Training for IPM Coordinator
- Within one month of appointment complete Initial Training Module (PDF) AND
- Within 12 months of appointment complete the Comprehensive IPM Training (see table below) AND
- Earn 1 hour of Continuing Education credit per year. To earn CE credits:
- Attend 1 hr or more of a Comprehensive IPM Workshop OR
- Participate Complete 1 or more hours of training on any topic related to environmental health, pest prevention and management, or building and grounds maintenance offered by a reliable organization such as the recorded webinars, presentations, and videos listed below. Keep a record of your participation in your Pest Management Activity Log (DOCX).
Comprehensive IPM Training
| Date | Time | Program |
|---|---|---|
| On-demand training | On-Demand Comprehensive IPM Training. Complete all four (4) parts of the training. Then take Final Exam. Minimum passing score = 80%. Part 1: Coordinator's Responsibilities (PDF) |
|
| June 26, 2025 | 9:00AM - 12PM | School Comprehensive IPM Training in Waterville at EPMA Conference (no cost) 1 Brooklyn Ave, Waterville ME |
Use of Electrostatic Sprayers
Electrostatic sprayers were temporarily allowed under an executive order (7-A FY 20/21) due to a State of Civil Emergency. The State of Civil Emergency ended June 30, 2021. At this time, a Commercial Pesticide Applicator License is required for the use of electrostatic sprayers in Maine schools. Additional requirements for the use of powered sprayers by school staff can be found on the Maine School IPM COVID-19 webpage.
It is important to note that Non-School Personnel (such as private bus service drivers and private cleaning service staff) also must have a Commercial Pesticide Applicator license to use powered application equipment such as electrostatic sprayers in/on school property (including buses). Licensing Brochure (PDF). FMI: Board of Pesticides Control. The recorded webinars and slides below are offered as a study/learning aid for those wishing to complete the license and certification examinations.
- Commercial Applicator Core Training Webinar (YouTube)
- Commercial Applicator Microbial Control Training Webinar (YouTube)
Questions? Contact us at schoolipm@maine.gov or 207-287-2731
Options for Continuing Education
Presentations
- School Nurses: Crucial to School IPM Program Success by Hillary Peterson (YouTube)
- Comprehensive IPM Training Spring 2021 - Recorded webinar (YouTube)
- Virtual IPM Workshop Apr 24 2020: IPM and Cleaning for Microbial and Rodent Pests (PDF)
- Maine School IPM Coordinators Role (PDF)
- Interpreting Pesticide Labels and Record-Keeping Requirements (PDF)
- Pest Problem-Solving Excercises (PDF)
- What to Expect When You're Inspected (PDF)
- Pesticide Choice (PDF)
- Turf Pest Management (PDF)
- Ants, Mice, Bed Bugs and Other Critters: Solutions to Common and Challenging Pests (PDF)
- Got Pests? Maintenance Solutions to Pest Problems (PDF)
- Enhancing Your School IPM Program (PDF)
- Pest Specific Strategies (PDF)
- School Business Officials- New Resources for IPM (PDF)
- Weeds: IPM Strategies for Long-term Prevention of Weeds (PDF)
- Biocontrol on School Grounds (PDF)
- Turf Insect IPM (PDF)
Online Training Modules
- StopSchoolPests Online Training Modules (free professional development training modules from IPM Institute for custodians, maintenance staff, administrators, school nurses, food service, teachers, and more).
Videos
- Asthma and Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in Schools (2025 Pest Defense for Healthy Schools)
- School IPM How-to Videos (YouTube) (California DPR) 5-10 mins each
- Using Disinfectants Effectively and Safely (PDF) (Natl Pesticide Info Center) 22 mins
- One-Minute Training Videos (WV Dept Ag): The School IPM Minute (YouTube)
- 28-Minute Video: How to Conduct IPM in Schools (YouTube) (University of Nebraska)
- University of California:
- 23 Minutes: IPM for Weeds (YouTube)
- 32 Minutes: IPM for Ants (YouTube) [Disclaimer: In the state of Maine, application of most pesticides in schools or on school grounds requires a license, including ant baits with insecticides.]
- 28 Minutes: IPM for Cockroaches (YouTube)
- American Center for Educational Facilities Videos
- Effective and Efficient School Facilities Maintenance--IPM (YouTube)
- Defining Clean in School Facilities--Impact on Students (YouTube)
- School Walkthrough Series: Identifying and Solving Common Indoor Air Problems all on YouTube: Chapter 1, Chapter 2, Chapter 3, Chapter 4, Chapter 5, Chapter 6, Chapter 7
Webinar Archive
- Got the Itch? Browntail Moth on Maine School Grounds: How to Recognize, Treat and Manage it. - (Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry. Aired 11/17/16). see also How to Remove Winter Webs
- Tick Talk/ Tick Report Webinar Series - Ticks and Disease, How to Protect Yourself, and more (University of Massachusetts)
- PestWise School IPM Webinar Series - School IPM Basics, Keeping Rodents Out, Dealing with Bedbugs, Tick Safe Schools, Managing Mosquitoes and more. (US EPA)
- Green Shield Webinars - IPM and Asthma, Advanced IPM Techniques (GreenShield Certified program)
- Indoor Air Quality for Schools Webinar Series (US EPA)
- School IAQ Master Class Webinar Series (US EPA)
- Healthy School Environments Webinar Series (US EPA)