From preschool through graduate school, it's important for students, teachers, and staff to have a safe and healthy learning environment. Not only can the presence of pests be distracting and cause damage, but those pests can also carry pathogens that can spread disease. Here's what to consider when it comes to the ongoing prevention of pests in educational environments.

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Common pests in schools

Due to large numbers of people coming and going, plus backpacks, lunch boxes, and gym bags, there are plenty of ways for pests to hitch a ride into educational facilities. Combine that with the size and scope of some facilities—college campuses have cafeterias and student housing that come with their own issues—and it can be difficult to stay on top of inspections and maintenance designed to catch a potential infestation.

Related: Why Pest Control is Crucial for Local Municipalities

Schools can be a magnet for many types of pests, but these are the most common:

Cockroaches

Attracted to human foods and abundant water sources, cockroaches can be dangerous because they can trigger asthma symptoms and bronchial problems in some people. Cockroach control strategies include wall void treatments, gel baits, proper sanitation procedures, and ongoing population monitoring.

Rodents

Mice and rats can spread disease and cause damage and disruptions. No one wants to see a mouse run across the classroom when they're trying to learn geometry. Rodent control can be multi-faceted and include pest removal, exclusion services, and recommendations for ongoing prevention.

Flies

Attracted to garbage, waste and water sources, flies easily spread disease-causing pathogens. A fly infestation can grow quickly and become a problem, but fly control can be as easy as insect light traps (ILT) and staying on top of proper sanitation and waste disposal in cafeterias, kitchens, and classrooms.

Ants

Playgrounds, parks, and patios can be prone to ant infestations that can grow quickly. Ant control can ensure an ant colony doesn't take over outdoor spaces or migrate inside. Solutions can include pesticides, traps, and/or proper sanitation procedures.

Bed bugs

Hitching a ride on the clothing of students and staff, bed bugs can enter schools and spread to couches and other furniture. College campuses can be especially vulnerable because bed bugs can spread through student residences and be difficult to eradicate completely. Bed bug control should involve educating student residents on recognizing the signs and staying vigilant in taking care of a problem as soon as it arises.

Need help with pest control on campus? Learn more about our solutions for educational facilities.

Smart pest control for schools

For daycares, elementary, middle and high schools, and universities, pest control is often government mandated. That's why the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has guidelines for how to approach pest control in educational facilities.

The EPA advocates for implementing an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program that addresses proper use of pesticides and utilizes approaches that target the reason why pests are in schools.

Partnering with a reputable pest control company will help ensure you have ongoing protection that adheres to Federal and local health code guidelines. Terminix Commercial's approach to pest control for schools includes:

  • Inspections of interior and exterior
  • Identification of pests found in the school and analysis of activity
  • Treatment of affected school areas and implementation of methods for controlling pests
  • Recommendations for helping limit and prevent pest activity in your school
  • Continuous evaluation of treatment effectiveness and any necessary modifications
  • Education of school staff to address actions and conditions that may affect pest activity

Pest control plans for schools involve working around unique obstacles like schedules and calendars and customizing treatments to address a range of different types of pests. Terminix Commercial has the experience needed to organize large-scale, ongoing pest control programs educational facilities require.

Don't wait for pests to become a problem. Call us at 877.837.6464 to schedule a free, no-obligation assessment.

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