As parents we are all concerned with the safety of our children and eliminating their exposure to pesticides in schools. Leaf is also. Leaf has been providing safe and effective pest management services to schools and universities for over 30 years.

The risk of disease from insect, rodent or bird pests in schools is also a concern. Cockroaches have been linked to outbreaks of illness, the transmission of a variety of pathogenic organisms including at least one parasitic protozoan, and allergic reactions in many people. Fleas can transmit several diseases such as plague and murine typhus. Bees, hornets and wasps are responsible numerous deaths each year. Bats may transmit rabies; bat and bird droppings are a common source of the respiratory fungal disease histoplasmosis; rats and mice are vectors of food poisoning and Salmonellosis, and both can carry fleas and mites which will attack humans.

There is a need to control these and other pests and to do so in a manner that is both safe and effective. Leaf uses an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program which integrates both non-chemical and chemical tools and techniques for managing pests. Emphasis is placed on non-chemical practices using

• Exclusion, such as screening and caulking;
• Habitat modification , such as reducing the humidity in a room or thinning close-in shrubbery;
• Sanitation, such as eliminating organic matter buildup in drains or cafeteria equipment;
• Building maintenance, such as eliminating gaps around exterior door or sealing around utility entrances;
• Trapping, such as modifying or installing insect light traps;
• Monitoring, using insect or rodent glue boards or non-lethal rodent traps to capture pests.

Insecticides and other pesticides are an important part of an IPM program. It is often not possible to eliminate pests without the use of quality insecticides and professional applications. When pesticides are applicable and required, Leaf uses low impact measures such as insect growth regulators (these interrupt the insect’s growth cycle) and baits as a first option. This helps ensure that maximum control is achieved while emphasizing safety and avoiding contamination of equipment and contact with people. If higher impact pesticides are required, Leaf will only apply them

• After hours and after the building or grounds are vacant;
• After receiving approval from school administration;
• After school administrators have completed all notification requirements, including the posting of signs, if required;
• Using the least residual materials possible;
• Into cracks, crevices and wall voids when possible.

Leaf Pest Control has the experience, knowledge and expertise to solve even the toughest pest problem in schools and universities while complying fully with all laws and legal requirements. Leaf’s pest management program consists of six integrated segments:

1. Inspection – Leaf will thoroughly inspect all areas of the campus, interviewing administrators and staff. This inspection is designed to:

• Identify past and current pest problems
• Identify conditions that are or may be contributing or conducive to pest problems
• Evaluate housekeeping, sanitation and facility maintenance practices which may contribute to pest infestations

2. Pest Identification – Only by correctly identifying pests can their habits and biology be known and used to eliminate them. This is critical and key in the design of an effective pest management program.

3. Program Application – Leaf utilizes an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach to pest control. With emphasis on stopping pests before they get into buildings, this approach increases the effectiveness of the pest management program while relying less on traditional pesticides. Less pesticide means a significantly lower chance of human exposure.

4. Program Evaluation – For a pest management program to continue to succeed, it must continually adjust and evolve to matchchanging campus needs. Leaf’s pest program includes evaluation and diagnostic tools that allow administrators to spot changes in pest habits and environment, leading to a quick response. These tools also help in spotting seasonal trends, evaluating sanitation program changes and early detection of additional conditions conducive to pest introduction and harborage.

5. Communication – Teamwork between Leaf and administrators is the key to a successful pest management program. That is why Leaf’s program provides communication tools such as Pest Sighting Logs, Sanitation Reports, Site Environment Reports, Service Reports, Rodent Device Status Reports and others. But Leaf also believes in face-to-face communication with administrators and other facility personnel for their input on program adjustments.

6. Quality Assurance – Our Quality Assurance team is always on call to meet the changing needs of dynamic facilities. Team members can help evaluate sanitation, production and physical plant processes relating to pest management.