Maryland

Maryland’s Regulations Pertaining to Integrated Pest Management and Notification of Pesticide Use in a Public School Building or on School Grounds, COMAR Title 15.05.02, was adopted and became effective in May 1999. The initial regulations only pertained to pest control and notification performed in school buildings of Maryland’s public school districts. The law and regulations were amended in 2000 too include school grounds.

Each county board of education must develop and implement an integrated pest management (IPM) system approved by the Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) and submit a written IPM plan to the Department for approval. When any changes are made to the plan a copy of the revised plan must be submitted to MDA for approval. The IPM System must, at a minimum, address these requirements:

• Have an IPM policy;
• Have a policy on the roles and responsibilities of decision makers involved with pest management, including the designation of a contact person to address questions on the IPM program for the school district;
• Have procedures for conducting the pest control program, including pest management objectives;
• Have procedures for the regular inspection and monitoring of pests to determine their presence;
• Maintain records that document pest sightings, pest control procedures and any communications to students and staff members regarding IPM. These are in addition to the required records that must be maintained when a pesticide is applied.
• Have pest management strategies, including sanitation, structural repairs, physical, cultural and biological control, nonchemical methods and the use of pesticides when nontoxic options are unreasonable or have been exhausted.
• Provide education and training to staff members, students and parents on IPM procedures.
• Evaluate the program on an annual basis.

The regulations also contain provisions for the notification of parents, guardians and staff members regarding the pest control program and the application of pesticides. This includes:

• A universal notification that is provided at the beginning of the school year describing the IPM system along with a listing of the pesticides that may be used.
• Prior notification to parents, guardians and each staff member at an elementary at least 24 hours prior to any pesticide application made during the school year, excluding bait stations.
• Prior notification to parents, guardians and each staff member in a middle or high school that is on a notification lists. This also excludes bait stations.
• Emergency exemptions where notification has to be given within 24 hours of when a pesticide has to be applied for the control of a pest that is threatening the health, or safety, of a student or staff member.
• Prior written notification must be given at least 1 week prior to the use of a space spray.

The regulations also contain requirements for the posting of signs and notices when a pesticide is applied. This includes:

• That a sign, or notice, must be posted at the room or area treated prior to the time a pesticide is applied at a middle or high school. In addition, a sign or notice must be posted at either the primary entrance to the school, or in a central location.
• When a pesticide is applied to school grounds a specific sign must placed at the application site, or at the primary entrance to the school at the time of application.
• When a bait station is used in any school building a sign, or notice, must be placed on the door of the room or the primary entrance to the area.

If a pesticide has to be used, it can only be applied by a certified applicator, or a registered technician, working under the supervision of a certified applicator.

Antimicrobial pesticides including disinfectants, sanitizers or deodorizers used for cleaning purposes are not covered by the regulations.

The regulations specific to the IPM and notification requirements for public schools can be found at http://www.dsd.state.md.us/comar/SubtitleSearch.aspx?search=15.05.02.* and the regulations pertaining to the sale, use storage and disposal of pesticides can be found at http://www.dsd.state.md.us/comar/SubtitleSearch.aspx?search=15.05.01.*