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Simple facility upgrades can discourage pests

In September 2004, the Boston Herald reported that a new $16.4 million early childhood education center in Somerville, Massachusetts, was infested with rodents. Teachers reported mice in classrooms, and the city's mayor became so upset with maintenance at the facility that he had the school custodians placed under city jurisdiction.

This incident shows how pest infestation can have a ripple effect that extends to the entire community. Any publicity about a pest problem could tarnish a child care center's image. But worst of all, an outbreak of pest-related illnesses among children or staff could create a real nightmare.

Child care centers are prime hangouts for pests for a variety of reasons, including:

• Parents and children are always coming and going, creating opportunities for pests to come and go.
• Odors from food preparation and snack storage can attract pests.
• Frequent deliveries of supplies and food give pests the opportunity to "hitchhike."

Although pests can carry diseases and must be eliminated, the overuse or misuse of caustic chemicals can be harmful to young children. Because of their size, youngsters absorb greater concentrations of pesticides than do adults. Also, children tend to put their hands close to their faces and might have pesticide residue on their hands. Although there are no statistics on the exposure of young children to pesticides, the American Public Health Association reported that between 1998 and 2002, 1,425 children became ill from exposure to pesticides in U.S. schools.

There currently are no federal laws that govern the use of toxic chemicals in child care centers for school. About two thirds of states have adopted pesticide acts and regulations that address the protection of children by focusing on pesticide use in, around or near schools. In addition, some states have this protection written into their childcare licensing regulations.

The best approach for pest management in your facility is to use what is called integrated pest management. Instead of relying upon just chemicals alone, this approach uses several methodologies to control pests. These suggestions can be implemented in both new building construction and in existing facilities. Simple modifications discussed below can reduce the chances of pest problems before they start.

• Structural changes: By constructing roof edges at a 45-degree angle, you can discourage birds from perching. Bird droppings, like those of rodents and some insects, transmit diseases. Install a 30-inch gravel strip around the exterior of the building to discourage crawling insects and rodents.
• Positive/negative airflow: Consult your HVAC specialist to create a situation where the air flows out when doors are open, rather than air being pulled in. This will make it difficult for flying insects to enter a school.
• Lighting design: This is the least expensive and more effective pest deterrent. Some insects are attracted to certain kinds of lights. When adding exterior lights in parking lots, one tip is to mount fluorescent lights at least 100 feet away from the center. At entrances, use sodium vapor lights, which are less attractive to flying insects.

The key to any pest management program is education of staff, children and parents. Promoting good sanitation practices among children and staff and making sure that all trash, including diapers, is disposed of in a timely manner, will help your center remain free of pests.

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