Keeping nurseries clean for children
If you run a nursery and are worried about pest control in nurseries, it’s important to remember that pests of all kinds enter buildings looking for food, shelter and safety. Nurseries provide all these needs for pests to be able to thrive.
All sorts of pests, from to ants, cockroaches and mice can be found invading nurseries, even when steps are taken to keep these pests at bay. Even the cleanest nurseries contain food, water, and hiding places that provide what these opportunists need to survive. With children and infants playing on the floor and eating on or around where pests thrive, dealing with these issues is all the more important.
How to deal with pest control in nurseries
Nurseries are responsible for providing a safe and clean environment for children in their care, adhering to Ofsted and Local Authority regulations . Seeing insects, rodents, and other pests in a nursery is not only distressing for children and their parents, but they’re also capable of spreading disease and exacerbating any pre-existing conditions like asthma.
What attracts pests to Nurseries?
Food, Crumbs , Storage and Spills
This is the biggest draw for most pests. Kitchens naturally have food preparation, storage, and disposal, all potential feasts for unwanted visitors. In nurseries, crumbs and spills from snacks or dropped food can be easily missed, especially in play areas.
Cluttered Areas
Storage space can often become limited, leading to a build up of clutter, including cardboard boxes, children’s toys, and nappies, which are also attractive to pests who feed on these items or use them for a safe place to harbour. Routine disposal of unused boxes and other items can help to minimise clutter where rodents and insects could hide and nest.
Waste
Waste bins that are damaged and overflowing can attract pests. External waste bins without sealed lids or missing drainage plugs will always attract rats and cockroaches. These opportunists will always take advantage of cracks, gaps, and open doors or windows, in order to access nursery buildings. And let’s be honest, some pests aren’t shy about feasting on those soiled nappies.
Leaks / Area Needing Repairs
Moisture from Leaking pipes or areas that don’t dry out completely can be a big draw for pests like cockroaches and rodents. These areas provide both water and a damp environment that some pests prefer.
People
Nurseries are high traffic areas busy, with people coming and going throughout the day. Parents, delivery workers, maintenance, care staff, and others can act as vehicles for pests to hitch a ride on. Bed bugs and fleas in particular, which can travel on bags, stuffed animals or blankets brought from home, infesting cots in a nursery when children are napping.
Health risks
Nurseries, like any other establishment that deals with food and young children, need to be extra vigilant about pests. Pests can not only be a nuisance, but they can also pose health risks to both children and staff.
Common types of pests in nurseries
Some of the most common pests that can be found in UK nurseries include:
- Rodents such as mice and rats are attracted to food and crumbs, and can contaminate food with their droppings and urine. They can also carry diseases that can be harmful to children.
- Cockroaches are attracted to warm, moist areas, and can be found in kitchens and bathrooms. They can also carry diseases and trigger allergies.
- Ants are attracted to sweet foods and crumbs, and can be a nuisance in kitchens and playrooms.
- Fleas can be brought into nurseries on pets or on children’s clothing. They can cause itchy bites and spread diseases.
- Wasps can be a problem in outdoor areas, and their stings can be painful, especially for children with allergies.
Nurseries can take a number of steps to prevent pests from becoming a problem. These include:
- Maintaining a high standard of cleanliness by regularly cleaning floors, surfaces, and kitchens.
- Storing food properly in sealed containers and disposing of waste food properly.
- Sealing any cracks or holes in walls and floors to prevent rodents from entering.
- Keeping outdoor areas free of debris such as leaves and twigs, which can attract pests.
- Having a regular pest control contract in place with a reputable pest control company.
- Staff training and education on the signs of pest infestations. It’s vital for staff members to identify the early signs of pest infestations, in order to report them to the nursery manager immediately. Early action can help to prevent a pest infestation from becoming a serious problem.
Final thoughts on pest control in nurseries
We currently work with a number of nurseries across North London. Sparta pest control in nurseries understands that children play on floors, rolling around and putting items in their mouths. Their health and safety is paramount.
We always undertake full risk assessments to develop a pest eradication plan. We’ll never place baits or treatments where children spend their time or can access chemicals, focusing on safe pest control methods.
For all your pest inspection plans and treatments, call Sparta pest control. We Don’t Just Treat Pests – We Deliver Peace of Mind
