With vaccination in deployment across U.S. nursing homes, visitation is resuming. But before getting back into normal operating rhythm, it’s important to take proactive steps in keeping insects and other critters out, while inviting family and friends in.  

Hopefully, your facility has stayed in contact with your pest control provider throughout the pandemic to develop a strategy to maintain key tenets of Integrated Pest Management: sanitation, exclusion and regular inspections.

During this uncertain time, it’s possible you may have resorted to video inspections in high-risk areas. This work-around technique is still a viable option if your facility remains closed to outsiders, but for re-opened facilities, it’s time to update your provider so they can resume interior inspections. The key is not to ignore any signs of pests in and around your facility, since small problems can quickly escalate.

With much scrutiny around long-term care this past year, it’s critical that you avoid pests, which can spread diseases, lead to infections and cause anxiety for your residents and their families. Here are some of the common pest problems that can be controlled and avoided when your employees know the signs to watch for and report:

  • Cockroaches are disease triggers. Their waste and saliva carry bacteria that can lead to food poisoning, diarrhea, allergies, asthma and staphylococcus infections. They reproduce quickly so it’s important to identify an infestation before the problem gets out of hand. Your team should look for grainy droppings or oval-shaped egg casings behind furniture and equipment. Food prep areas are particular hot spots, along with trash cans and exterior dumpsters.   
  • Flies are filthy creatures associated with at least 100 pathogens — double the trouble exhibited by cockroaches. Keep them out by cleaning all trash cans and food areas daily so that organic matter and spills don’t lure them in. And, if windows must be opened, be sure they have well-fitting screens that serve as a barrier. 
  • Ants are extremely resilient. If they are visible anywhere in your interior, you can bet they have found a food source, which they’ll communicate to the rest of their well-organized colony. The best way to keep ants out is to maintain exterior inspections and remove outdoor harborage sites, like plants or mulch that attract moisture near the foundation. It’s always a good idea to keep landscaping 2-3 feet from exterior walls.
  • Bed bugs feed on human blood. Your housekeeping staff can spot the problem if they see ink-like stains on sheets and pillowcases or tan hollow casings collecting in upholstery or wallpaper seams. These pests often hitch-hike in on clothing or personal belongings, so be especially vigilant as you reopen for visitors. Bedbugs are costly to eradicate, so early detection should be a priority. 
  • Subterranean termites are widespread throughout the U.S. and they feed on anything made of cellulose. Books, cardboard, paper products and drywall are all tasty treats. Watch for discarded wings that indicate termites swarming in the area. Mitigate your risk by eliminating clutter that blocks proper inspections.
  • Spider webs — or the presence of a spider signal other pest pressures. Remember that spiders feed on other insects; If your team spots a spider, they should alert management so your pest provider can find the root cause. 
  • Rodents and mice leave small pellet-like droppings, often behind boxes or shelving. If your team spots these telltale signs, they should leave them in place so your pest provider can assess what type of creature is there. It’s important to remember that stay-at-home orders associated with COVID-19 have reduced food supplies for rodents, so they are working extra hard to find their next meal. And, once they get inside, they can spread germs that cause serious illnesses or damage goods. 

As you reopen all aspects of your facility, consider these seven focus areas:

  • Teamwork and employee education. Many long-term care facilities experienced reduced staffing or employee turnover during the pandemic. Don’t assume that all of your employees know what you know about pest management. Train them and empower them to stay vigilant. 
  • Updated communication with your pest control provider. We’ve all established new routines because of the pandemic. If your facility has reopened for visitors, ensure that your pest provider knows to resume interior inspections. 
  • Routine inspection and maintenance of your building’s exterior. Most pests enter from the outside. The best defense is regular perimeter inspections. Seal any structural faults, such as gaps around plumbing or cracks in the exterior. Check window seals for tightness and keep windows screened and closed. Avoid standing water in gutters and downspouts and keep landscape plants at least two feet away from your building. 
  • Waste disposal zones. Some facilities have experienced a slow-down of waste collection during the pandemic. Nevertheless, you should push for regular disposal and cleaning of these areas so that organic matter doesn’t pile up or spill out. 
  • Loading docks and storage areas. Keep entry points closed and inspect shipments before they enter your building. Install door sweeps. Remove food supplies from cardboard boxes and store in clear well-sealed containers. Ensure that shelving is raised from the floor and away from the wall. 
  • Food prep and dining areas. Anywhere food is prepared or stored there is the chance of pest activity. Trash, food debris and spills attract them, so keep kitchens, break rooms and storage areas extremely clean.
  • Disinfect as well as sanitize. The pandemic has shown that using proper PPE and practicing hand hygiene can make a difference. It’s also reminded us of the difference between cleaning, sanitizing and disinfection. Disinfection is the only total defense against pathogens. Make sure your pest management partner is using disinfection products from the EPA’s “List N.” 

It’s been a year of change, but with pest control much remains constant. Practicing IPM with your pest control provider is smart business during good times and bad. 

Glen Ramsey is a senior technical services manager for Orkin. He is a board-certified entomologist and provides technical support and guidance across all Rollins brands in the areas of training and education, operations, and marketing. Watch Ramsey’s recent McKnight’s webinar, in which he covers varied pests that may be living in long-term care facilities, where they typically hide, and ways you can help keep them out with Integrated Pest Management.