Prevent pests on school campuses

Tackling pest problems on college and school campuses

Schools can become hotspots for pests due to the abundance of food sources, shelter, and water in cafeterias, dormitories, and classrooms. Educational institutions must be proactive all year round in their pest management efforts to ensure a healthy and safe environment for students and staff.

Taking proactive steps will help to ensure you’re offering your students, staff, and faculty the healthiest and safest environment possible for the coming school year. Discover the areas most prone to pest activity and what type of pests you may encounter.

Dormitories, housing, and popular hangout spots

Common pests, including mice, rats, cockroaches, and bed bugs, often infiltrate dorm rooms, faculty housing, common areas, and popular hangout spots, so inspecting for any signs of pest activity should be a priority.   To prevent pest intrusion, it is crucial for both students and staff to adopt proactive measures. 

Maintaining clean living spaces and regularly disposing of trash can significantly reduce the appeal of these areas to pests. To block access, staff should also focus on sealing potential entry points, including cracks and damaged window screens. Resident Assistants play a vital role by educating students about proper hygiene and conducting regular inspections to identify and mitigate risk factors like overflowing trash or improper food storage. These combined efforts can help ensure a cleaner, safer living environment.

Bed bug policies and prevention practices

Dormitories are likely to be the prime areas of activity on a college campus, but anywhere humans sit or rest, such as libraries, lounges, classrooms, or other common areas, could be subject to bed bug activity.

When possible, avoid storing personal belongings in close proximity to each other, reduce clutter, and limit the items students transport back and forth to school and home. Have your staff or a pest management professional thoroughly inspect any mattresses and box springs to look for signs of bed bug activity. Any area suspected of activity should be treated immediately. You may also want to consider installing mattress and boxspring encasements on any beds your school provides for extra protection against bed bugs.

Cafeterias, dining halls, and food service areas

Campus cafeterias, dining halls, kitchens, and food service operations should be next on your list of proactive maintenance and inspection. School cafeterias, dining halls, and kitchens are prime targets for rodents and other pests. Regular cleaning is vital for preventing pests from food areas on campus. Daily tasks should involve wiping surfaces, sweeping, mopping, and quick spill cleanup.

The summer months, when schools aren’t in session, are a reasonable time for deep cleaning. These sessions should be comprehensive, covering surface sanitization, floor drain cleaning, sealing gaps around pipes, and removing all trash and food debris. You may also want to consider removing any dried goods from food preparation areas that may be inactive over the summer. Having your pest management company come in to ensure sanitation is in good shape before closure is also important.

Classrooms

Classrooms can be vulnerable to invasion by various pests such as rodents, cockroaches, flies, and ants. Storing snacks and classroom supplies in sealed containers eliminates easy access to food sources for pests, and regularly cleaning out storage areas for personal belongings like desks, cubbies, and closets minimizes potential hiding spots. Sealing cracks around windows and doors, ensuring windows have proper screens, and avoiding storage of items directly on the floor all work together to prevent pests from entering the space in the first place.

Arenas and gymnasiums

Gymnasiums become less crowded during summer, creating a haven for rodents seeking shelter and food. To prevent a pest problem, cleaning crews should pay close attention to areas that serve as concession stands or food stations. This includes removing debris and food waste and emptying trash cans frequently throughout the summer. Also, be sure to properly store any food in tightly sealed containers to minimize the risk of attracting pests.

Before the summer break, staff should empty lockers of any belongings, clean under bleachers and inside lockers, and leave lockers unlocked for easy access by maintenance or janitorial staff. This facilitates summer inspections and potential pest control treatments by your pest management provider. By taking these steps, you can help reduce pests in your gym throughout the summer months.

Stadiums and outdoor recreational areas

Depending on your location, stinging pests can become an issue in early spring. Addressing problems before they have time to develop is best, so be sure you have your pest management company inspect likely areas for activity. Your pest management provider should be equipped to check the eaves and overhangs on all the buildings, dorm rooms, and recreation areas to ensure no new nests have been built. It's also important for the cleaning crew to remove any debris or waste from areas that serve food or at concession stands to prevent attracting more pests.

Construction areas

Construction zones and connecting areas could become attractive to pests when construction occurs on your campus. Rodents, which can enter through small openings, can cause structural damage and electrical hazards and spread diseases through their gnawing, nest-building, and waste. Anywhere doors or entry points may be left open as equipment and materials are moved in and out, rodent detection and capture devices should be in place. Additionally, any areas where structural gaps may be present for a period of time should also have extra rodent control measures in place.

Pest prevention tips for schools

Protecting your school from pests is crucial for the well-being of students and staff and the overall learning experience. Whether it's during the academic year or summer break, you can take proactive steps to prevent pests. Below, we’ve laid out a list of things you can do to protect your school all year round. 

During the school year

1. Store food - Keep food areas clean and store food in airtight containers.
2. Inspect common areas - Regularly inspect and maintain proper sanitation in classrooms and common areas.
3. Seal gaps - Seal cracks and crevices in walls, floors, and doors to prevent pest entry.
4. Report pest sightings - Educate students and staff about promptly reporting pest sightings.
5. Work with Rentokil - Implement a routine pest control program with professional assistance.

During summer break

1. Clean - Conduct a thorough cleaning of the entire school building before closing for summer.
2. Eliminate standing water - Remove any standing water sources to eliminate breeding grounds for pests.
3. Seal entry points - Seal all entry points, including windows, doors, and vents, to prevent pest intrusion.
4. Trim vegetation - Trim vegetation around the school to reduce hiding places for pests.
5. Schedule pest inspections - Schedule regular inspections to catch and address issues early.

For expert pest prevention and control services tailored to your school's needs, don't hesitate to contact us. Rentokil offers a wide range of pest control services for educational institutions. Your school's health and safety are our top priorities. 

Contact us online today to learn more about what we can do for your facility.