G. Pests and Pesticides
G.1
What pest control methods are
used indoors? May include
sealing entry points, removing
accessible food and moisture,
baits, traps, powders, and
sprays.
Check boiler, storage areas, and
rooms for pesticide brought by
staff (e.g., lice, insect, bought,
lawn care products).
Use integrated pest management to control pests
such as sealing entry points, removing food and
moisture, baits, traps and powders. See
www.mda.state.mn.us/ipm/ipminschools.html
Avoid pesticide sprays – use them as a last
resort.
Remove all pesticides from rooms such as store
bought aerosol sprays, lice and insect pesticides,
and restricted use pesticides.
Staff should report all pest problems to the
director—the director should coordinate pest
management efforts.
OK
See Notes
G.2
When spray pesticides must be
used, at what times are they
applied?
Apply pesticides on weekends or vacations,
when the building is unoccupied.
G.3
When dealing with large pest
problems, do you hire a
professional pest controller? Is
this person licensed by the state
for the specific type of pesticide
used?
Large pest problems should be handled by a
professional pest controller, licensed by the MN
Department of Agriculture for the particular
pesticide application. To verify a license, check
the Minnesota Department of Agriculture
licensing information system website:
www2.mda.state.mn.us/webapp/lis/pestappdefau
lt.jsp
Place powder, baits, and traps in areas that
cannot be reached by children, such as cracks
and holes.
G.4
If pesticide powders, gels, or
baits are used, where are they
applied?
G.5
Have you had cockroach, bee,
wasp, rat or mice problems in
the past year?
OK
See Notes
OK
See Notes
Manage these pest problems by hiring a statelicensed pest controller, and following
Department of Agriculture recommendations
(see www.mda.state.mn.us/ipm/ipmpubs.html).
Check boiler room, storage
areas, building doors, food
storage areas, under sinks,
building exterior for:
 droppings
 rat runs (smears along
wall)
 gnaw marks.
 openings in building
exterior
Thoroughly clean affected areas after
eradicating the pest population,
G.6
Check rooms for food
containers that are not metal or
hard plastic.
Store food in hard plastic or metal containers
with tightly sealed lids.
G.7
Do children play near utility
Keep children clear of areas where pesticides are
applied.
Continue vigilance of this problem; remind staff
to look for pest problems and report them to
building management.
OK
OK
See Notes
See Notes
Pests such as cockroaches and rodents deposit
allergens in the building that may trigger asthma
symptoms. Pests should be managed through
prevention, by sealing entry points into the
building, removing food and water sources,
removing harborage areas, and carefully
applying baits, traps, and powders.
Spraying pesticides releases chemicals into
the air, which may be inhaled and irritate
people’s airways. In some cases, too much of
the spray is used or the product does not target
the pest. Spray pesticides are merely a
temporary solution as pests will return when the
chemicals wear off.
Restricted use pesticides should never be
used in a center—they may not be approved for
indoor use or residential applications. Lice
should not be eradicated by spraying—washing,
vacuuming and cleaning are recommended.
Pest problems can be much bigger than is
visually apparent. A coordinated effort is
necessary to eradicate pests.
Large pest problems should be quickly and
aggressively dealt with, to minimize allergy,
asthma, and other health risks. To learn more
about the laws and licensing requirements,
contact Jeanne Ciborowski at Minnesota
Department of Agriculture
(jeanne.ciborowski@state.mn.us or 651-2973217).
Pesticide powders may be toxic if sniffed or
eaten, which may trigger respiratory problems.
Childcare rules require toxic chemicals to be
kept out of children’s reach.
Many insects are generally harmless, and the use
of pesticide sprays is an unnecessary and
excessive measure when there are only a few
insects present. However, certain pests are more
significant to allergies and asthma. Cockroach
droppings are potent allergy and asthma triggers.
Mice, rats, and other rodents leave behind
allergens in their dander, feces and urine. Some
insects and their stings may also trigger allergic
reactions and possibly asthma attacks. These
types of pest problems should be dealt with
more aggressively than other pest problems.
Cleaning should be done after pests are
eradicated because allergens can linger for many
months.
Food crumbs can attract pests. Many pests can
chew through cardboard and plastic wrappers,
even if sealed. Pests such as cockroaches and
rodents produce allergens, which may trigger
asthma symptoms.
Insecticides and herbicides may contain
chemicals that are toxic to children, and
poles, or near any other areas
where pesticides may be
applied (including landscaping
herbicides)?
G.8
Are parents routinely notified
about the application of
pesticides?
exposure should be avoided.
OK
See Notes
Notify parents at least once a year, to give them
an opportunity to provide comments that may
help protect children’s health.
OK
See Notes
2
Many parents are concerned about children’s
exposure to pesticides. Some parents would like
to be aware of pesticide applications so that they
may provide constructive suggestions to protect
their children from both pests and pesticides.
Rev 8/07