A survey taken by the California Department of Pesticide Regulation showed that 90 percent of the California childcare center respondents had at least one pest problem indoors or outdoors. The most common pest problem for indoor and outdoor was ants. The indoor pests that followed the ants were spiders, head lice, and mice/rats and outdoor pests included bees/wasps and spiders.

The purpose of the survey was to follow up on the progress and compliance to the extension of the California Healthy Schools Act of 2000. The act requires notification to parents or staffs before any pesticides are used and to record and post signs in areas where the chemicals will be or have been applied.

DPR Director Mary-Ann Warmerdam stated, “We wanted a snapshot of pest problems and pest management practices at child care centers after the Healthy Schools Act extension took effect in January 2007.”

Exposure to the pesticide sprays and foggers to the children and staff are the main concern for the DPR.  Children and staff can be exposed to pesticides from residue on surfaces or in the air and 55% of the child care facilities have reported to using pesticides and of that number, 47% use spray and foggers.

The surveys have concluded that most of the childcare centers in California are not adhering notification requirements of the act.  The results seem to be comparable to some other areas that were surveyed around the country.

Raising awareness is the primary goal for DPR since most of the pest-management responsibilities are split between multiple workers.

Pro Pacific Pest Control can use botanical pesticides to put all your chemical worries to rest. Our technicians are compliant to regulations and effectively rid your properties of pests. Call today to learn more about our chemical-free pesticides and to schedule an appointment for your pest problem.