Use of an Implementation Model and Diffusion Process for Establishing Integrated Pest Management in Arizona Schools

The Monroe IPM Model is designed to facilitate the transition from traditional pest control practices to a contemporary and verifiable IPM program in school districts. The model is an implementation plan providing the basic structure for organizing, maintaining, and evaluating a community-level program. The use of this model in 10 school districts in seven states (1–10 yr) resulted in an average 71% reduction in pesticide applications and 78% reduction in pest complaints to school administrations. Execution of the model resulted in the systematic diffusion of IPM in cohort school districts in Arizona. As of May 2005, 30.4% of K–12 children in Arizona schools are benefiting from verifiable IPM programs. Considering the percentage of Arizona students attending schools with IPM, the following diffusion rates are apparent: 1.8% in 2000–2001; 10.4% in 2002–2003, and 18.2% in 2004–May 2005.