Most Common Pest Management Guide & Practices
The following are the guide and practices recommended for Integrated Pest Management (IPM). More information is available at the California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) website.
Ants:
- Observe the ants and note what they are feeding on indoors. If they are in the trash cans, empty the trash
receptacle. Replace the trash can liner. - Remove any food, food wrapper, spilled food, open food containers or beverage that is attracting the ants indoors.
- Wipe up ants after spraying them with soapy water (one tablespoon of dish soap in one quart of water).
- Clean and dry sinks at the end of each day to deny ants access to food and water overnight.
- Reduce clutter and pick up materials which are on the floor.
- Store consumables, including pet food (if pets in the classroom), in sealed containers.
- Clean and throw trash away if food and beverage was consumed in classrooms.
- Clean storage area of recyclables in classrooms.
- Teach and practice sanitation and good housekeeping.
- Vacuum and clean areas of infestation (custodians).
- Find out what they are feeding on and remove it from infested area.
- Do not permit food and beverage consumption in classrooms.
- Store edibles (dry beans, peas, etc) in rodent-proof containers.
- Teach and practice superior sanitation and good housekeeping.
- Make sure trash containers are emptied at the end of each day (custodians).
- Most spiders will bite if they feel threatened.
- Reduce clutter and eliminate unnecessary storage indoors.
- Vacuum and clean the infested area (custodian).
Mosquitoes
- Ensure that standing puddles of water are removed.
- Avoid over watering of planted areas or potted plants.
- Dispose of trash that can hold water, including cans, cups, foil, plastic, etc.
- Place a work order for repair or replacement of window/door screens.
Swarming Honey Bees
- If swarming honey bees are seen on campus, immediately request a work order to check the area to confirm their presence.
- If a honey bee swarm is present, secure the area and add caution tape and keep staff and students away from the area.
- Just a reminder, honey bees foraging on flowers in trees and shrubs are not swarming bees.
Pigeons
- Avoid feeding pigeons on school grounds.
- Encourage everyone to place all food debris in trash cans.
- Have food debris removed from ground and lunch tables immediately after meal service.
- Place a work order to repair leaky outdoor faucets to deny pigeons access to water.
- Ensure that dumpster lids are kept closed.
Feral Cats
- Avoid having food or water available to feral cats on school grounds.
- Place a work order for replacement or repair of building access vents.
- Ensure that dumpster lids are kept closed.