Annual Notification of Pesticide Applications

September 1, 2025

State of Michigan law requires schools and day cares that may apply pesticides on school or day care property to provide an annual notification to parents or guardians of students attending the facility.

Please be advised that Mercy High School utilizes an integrated pest management (IPM) approach to control pests. IPM uses a variety of techniques to prevent pests from reaching unacceptable levels or to reduce an existing population to an acceptable level. Pest management techniques emphasize sanitation, pest exclusion, and biological controls. One of the objectives of using an IPM approach is to reduce or eliminate the need for pesticide applications. However, certain situations may require the need for pesticides to be utilized.

As required by State of Michigan law, the school will provide advance notice regarding the non-emergency application of a pesticide such as an insecticide, fungicide, or herbicide, other than a bait or gel formulation, that is made to the school or day care buildings or grounds. Advance notice will be provided, even during periods when not in session. Advance notice is not given for the use of sanitizers, germicides, disinfectants, or anti-microbial cleaners.

In certain emergencies, such as an infestation of stinging insects, pesticides may be applied

without advance notice to prevent injury to students, but the school will provide

notice following any such application.

Advance notice of pesticide applications, other than a bait or gel formulation, will be given by at least two methods at least 48 hours before the application. The first method will be by posting at the main (reception) entrance to the school. The second method will be by e-mail.

Parents or guardians are entitled to receive the advance notice of a pesticide application, other than a bait or gel formulation, by first-class United States mail postmarked at least three days before the pesticide application if requested. If you prefer to receive the notice by first-class mail, please contact Mary Vallone at the school office by calling 248-893-3586. 

Parents or guardians may review the school’s IPM program and records of any pesticide application(s) upon request. Contact Gary Bank by email at gtbank@mhsmi.org.