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Mouse droppings were found in many locations, under and in freezers, refrigerators, office
areas, custodial closets, and in classrooms. Mice are common problems in and around schools.
Rodents can cause fires by gnawing on electrical wires, transmit pathogens, and are associated
with allergens and asthma triggers. Effective, low hazard options are available to eliminate
rodents. Evidence of one mouse justifies setting traps, improving sanitation, and rodent proofing
the building. Our first suggestion inspect, adjust, and or replace all door sweeps leading
to the outside to prevent mice from entering the school. If this is done now, there will
be fewer mouse issues in the fall. Sealing or caulking all holes throughout the school
with copper mesh will block mice movement within the school. Working with a contracted
pest control company is ideal, to ensure an adequate number and placement of snap traps
to eliminate the existing mouse population. We found food throughout the school. Breakfast
is also served throughout the classroom during the school year. We recommend that teachers
and staff store all food in pest proof containers (plastic, glass, or metal with seal tight
lids). Staff told us that cockroaches have been present in the school. Cockroaches are
survivors. They can survive on the glue on cardboard boxes. Some areas had cardboard
boxes piled up. We recommend removing and recycling all cardboard. We also suggest placing
sticky traps in these areas to monitor for cockroaches. We found cleansers and some pesticides
stored in classrooms, under sinks, and in closets. These general use products were probably
brought into the school by the staff. We recommend only using district approved cleansers and
pesticides. In the building. It's also a good idea to seal cracks on the exterior of a building
to prevent ants from moving in. Summer is a good time to reduce clutter and clean up
storage areas. We also recommend removing scented items such as candles and air fresheners
from classrooms. These should be eliminated from classrooms because they are asthma triggers.
Prevention and sanitation are keys to a school integrated pest management program.