b'BY JEFF ROGERS, TACOMA PUBLIC SCHOOLSUnderstanding Pesticide Use in Schools: What M&O Staff Need to KnowK eeping our school environmentsadhesive, emulsifying agent,Product namesafe and healthy is a topdeflocculating agent, waterDate, time, and locationpriorityand that includes howmodifier, or similar agent with orTarget pestwe manage pests. Washington statewithout toxic properties Contact name and phone law outlines specific requirements fornumberpesticide use in public K-12 schoolsKey Requirements for School Districts Main Office Posting: Include and licensed day-care centers. This1. Notificationnotification in a visible location.article breaks down the essentialsPolicy Disclosure: Share pestOptional Enhancements: Schools so your maintenance and operationscontrol policies and methods uponmay use larger signs or addteams can stay compliant and keeprequest. more details.students, staff, and communityPre-Notification: Notify interested3. Licensing members safe. parents, guardians, and staffatNo License Neededfor general least 48 hoursbefore pesticidepesticide use by school What is a pesticide? application. maintenance staff unless:Any substance or mixtureOffice Posting: Display notificationUsingstate or federally restricted-of substances (such as, butin a prominent location in theuse pesticidesnot limited to, herbicides,schools main office. Usingmotorized, mechanical, or insecticides, and rodenticides)Emergency Exceptions: Immediatepressurized power equipmentintended to prevent, destroy,applications for stinging insectsNote: Handheld spray canscontrol, repel, or mitigate anyor antimicrobial use may bypassand pressurized backpackspest (such as, but not limited to,pre-notification. are exempt.weeds, insects, and rodents). 2. Posting (Notification) Signs4. Record Keeping Any substance or mixture ofOutdoor Applications: Post signsMaintain anannual summaryof substances intended to be used (minimum 4x5 inches) at thepesticide use for public access.as a plant regulator, defoliant treatment site and all main entryComply withWSDA(Washington or desiccant. points. Include a contact phoneState Department of Agriculture) Any spray adjuvant, such asnumber. record-keeping standards.a wetting agent, spreadingIndoor Applications: Post 8.5x11 agent, deposit builder,inch signs at the treatment site with: Why It MattersWhile incidents of pesticide exposure in schools are rare, these regulations are designed to further reduce risks and ensure transparency. Scan me The Washington State Department of Agriculture supports these efforts and provides guidance through its Your Trusted Commercial Painting Contractor Pesticide Management Division.Schedule your free estimate today! Need Help?GOLD PARTNERFor questions or support, contact office@armadillopainting.com 425-641-5465 the WSDA Pesticide Office toll-free at 1-877-301-4555. 12 WAMOA JOURNALSUMMER 2025'