The success of IPM depends on cooperation of many individuals. Pest management is not the sole responsibility of a pest control operator. Proper maintenance, housekeeping and sanitation of buildings is important for successful long term management. To reduce pesticide use in schools, it is important to know when pests invade the school and where they are located. Inspections are an important component of IPM, and allow the pest manager to detect infestations early.
Sticky traps are the main tool for monitoring pest populations.
The traps show the pest control operator what and how many pests are present. If no pests are found, no pesticides should be applied. When pests are found, non-chemical methods of managing them are used. These methods can include restricting where food is eaten, moving the dumpster away from the school, repairing and maintaining leaking pipes, and pressure cleaning food service areas, just to name a few. Most pests, like cockroaches, live in cracks and crevices.