Long-term care facilities like nursing homes and rehab centers play an important role in providing comfort and care. Unfortunately, these environments can also attract pests, thanks to their high traffic, food preparation areas, and cozy hiding spots. Pests like cockroaches, bed bugs, and flies aren’t just annoying—they pose real risks to cleanliness and safety. Here’s how to identify and manage these unwelcome visitors to protect residents and staff.
Cockroaches: Stealthy Invaders
Cockroaches are masters of staying out of sight while causing major issues. They’re drawn to kitchens, pantries, and other areas with food and water but can also show up in supply closets, storage rooms, and messy guest spaces.
Telltale Signs: Look for small, dark droppings, musty odors, or sightings in dark, damp areas like under stoves or near water heaters. Quick action is essential to stop an infestation from spiraling out of control.
Bed Bugs: Tiny Troublemakers
With so many beds and personal belongings moving in and out, long-term care facilities are prime targets for bed bugs. These pests don’t spread disease, but their bites can cause discomfort and stress.
Where to Check: Inspect mattress seams, corners, and bed frames regularly. Stains on sheets or dead bugs are early warnings. Prompt attention to any reports of bites or sightings can prevent a widespread infestation.
Flies: Visible and Unsanitary
Flies are not just annoying—they can spread harmful bacteria and diseases. Kitchens, dining areas, and trash disposal spots are common problem areas.
What to Watch For: Flies buzzing around are obvious, but the root causes—unsealed garbage, standing water, or food scraps—are what need addressing. Use traps and maintain strict cleanliness to keep them at bay.
How to Stay Ahead of Pests
Preventing pests starts with proactive management. Regular inspections, proper sanitation, and quick responses to pest sightings are essential. Here are a few strategies:
With a little diligence and the right precautions, long-term care facilities can remain safe, clean, and pest-free, ensuring the well-being of everyone inside.
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Because of the high amount of traffic and the versatility of the facilities, pests are naturally attracted to long-term care institutions. Many nursing homes, rehabilitation centers and other care facilities include on-site kitchens and cafeterias as well as private rooms and common spaces. All of these places are susceptible to attracting pests because of the presence of food, water and viable habitats.
As the weather cools, you'll probably see fewer pests than you did during the warmer months, but that doesn't mean they're all gone just yet. Some insects can actually come out in full force during the autumn, while others might seek refuge in your warm home. Here are some key tips to keep in mind as fall gets underway:
As the middle of summer approaches, you need to be vigilant about keeping your garden free of pests. Many insects breed during the summertime, which means they're on the lookout for great places to lay their eggs. For many bugs, that means near a source of food. In fact, some species of insects will lay their eggs inside budding vegetables and fruit so their larvae have something to eat as soon as they hatch. That's why you have to keep harmful bugs out without damaging the bugs that could help you, such as bumble bees.
You might have noticed that, with the exception of the kitchen, you find more pests in your bathroom than in the rest of your home. This is because insects and rodents see the bathroom as a convenient watering hole. Pests love leaky pipes and standing water because these offer them a hydrating oasis in the otherwise dry biome that is your house or apartment. And if your bathroom develops mold, all the better for pests, who may eat fungus or use it to lay their eggs.
The kitchen is largest gathering place for pests in a residential home. The reason is simple: pests can grab a bite to eat and take a sip of water while they're here. And when they find such a bountiful place, they will return home to their nests and report the finding - before you know it, your whole pantry is a buffet for ants! The problem could get even worse if a piece of food falls somewhere and begins to rot. Similarly, fruit and vegetables you bring into your home may be harboring unseen pests waiting to hatch.
It's finally here - sweet, sweet summertime at last! But has your time outside already been rudely interrupted by swarms of pesky bugs trying to take a stab at you? This season, let's say no more to swatting, slapping or clapping at these insects who seem to be tormenting innocent outdoors enthusiasts every year. Fortunately, the solution isn't as chemical ridden as you might think. As it turns out, some of your favorite scents are insects least favorite.
Not every creature that visits your property is a dangerous nuisance. Many animals actually offer a number of benefits that keep your yard healthy. Predatory animals, in particular, actually offer natural pest control. Here are five common suburban creatures that can help keep more difficult or annoying animals at bay:
Discovering a mouse is loose in your home can be a real headache, and for restaurant owners, such an infestation can be an even bigger problem. Mice may be cute, but they simply do not belong in the kitchen, attic or anywhere else. If you've noticed any of these signs around your house or business, it may be time to call in a professional rodent exterminator:
