The new school year is almost upon us and that means parents and kids are busy preparing for the upcoming year. With all of the excitement it’s easy to forget that pest populations are still at their peak and they want to go back to school too! The large number of students congregating in small public spaces makes it easier than ever for pests such as ant, mosquitoes and bed bugs to hitchhike rides from person to person or backpack to backpack. We did our homework and put together some tips to help keep “back to school” pests out of schools, homes and backpacks this fall!
Ants are one of the most common back to school pests because they are so small and can easily find their way in through cracks and crevices. They are constantly searching for food, which makes any crumbs left in a lunch box the perfect snack! Teachers and parents can help keep this tiny pest at bay by disposing of old food and making sure lockers, lunchboxes and backpacks are kept crumb free.
The mosquito is one bully that you do not want to find roaming the hallways! Notorious for the painful, itchy welts they leave behind, mosquitoes have recently made headlines because of the increasing number of cases of West Nile Virus and Chikungunya Fever. Parents and teachers should remove any sources of standing water which serve as breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Also, be sure to apply insect repellant containing DEET before heading outdoors for sporting events.
Bed Bugs have become a significant problem at schools and college campuses because of their ability to travel from person to person. They are about the size of an apple seed and often found in boxes, suitcases, backpacks, mattresses and shoes. To keep these hitchhiking pests away we recommend that you clean out backpacks each night and check around the seams to avoid carrying them inside the home or dorm.
If you discover any of these pests you should contact a licensed professional like Stark Exterminators to prevent an infestation.
Hopefully these tips will help you have a happy and pest-free school year!
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