Ticks and Tick-borne Disease
The NYS Department of Environmental Conservation has clarified their guidance regarding the use of personal insect repellent at school or school-sponsored events. Personal Insect repellants are not governed by laws regarding the use of pesticides on school grounds and are not considered medications. Therefore the use of a personal insect repellant at school by a student only requires parent/guardian permission for use. Students may apply insect repellents themselves or request assistance from a staff member. It is strongly recommended that aerosol insect repellant is not used in schools. If students require assistance from staff, such staff should limit the number of students they assist to minimize their exposure (one person should not apply repellant to an entire class), wear gloves and wash their hands after use. Additional information on the safe use of insect repellents can be found in the NYSCSH Tick and Tickborne Disease Toolkit.
Tick removal in school requires a policy by the Medical Director for a school nurse to remove the tick, as well as parent/guardian consent and notification and recommendation for follow up care. These resources are located on the Medical Director page. We encourage the school nurses to inform their Medical Directors of these important resources. (10/2019)
NYS Department of Environmental Conservation- Pesticide Management for Schools, Day Care Centers and Parents
Pesticide Prohibition on Grounds at Schools and Day Care Centers-Under amendments to the State Education Law (Section 409-k) and Social Services Law (Section 390-g), no school or daycare center can apply pesticides to any playgrounds, turf, or athletic or playing fields. The requirements are administered by the State Education Department for schools and by the Office of Children and Family Services for daycare centers. Contact those agencies for information and answers to questions on the prohibition. Contact information is provided in NYSDEC Guidance. NYS Department of Environmental Conservation) Note: Individual use of insect repellents by students is permissible with parent permission and appropriate safety precautions on the method and location of the application.
NYS Education Department
NYSDOH Resources
NYS Integrated Pest Management- Cornell University
- The ABCs of School and Childcare Pest Management
- Understanding and Managing Ticks – A Guide for Schools, Child Care, and Camps
US EPA
See also: Insect Repellent
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