At the same time, the use of pesticides in schools can be challenging because of heightened concerns and misinformation. It is important to remember pesticides can be used safely and responsibly to control pests such as insects, rodents and weeds as part of a balanced program, called integrated pest management. Cockroaches, ants, wasps, head lice and rats are the pests most commonly found in schools, and they do more than disrupt the learning environment. These pests pose increasing health and safety risks to children. They carry germs from filthy surfaces to cafeteria tables and classroom desks.
Cockroaches are the leading cause of asthma incidents in urban youth.
The more children are exposed to cockroaches, the more allergic they become. Mosquitoes carry deadly diseases. Rats and mice are often found living in and under school buildings. Rodents contaminate stored food with their droppings and urine, and spread the deadly hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, an infectious disease linked to more than 27 recent deaths in the United States. Fire ants build their nests on school grounds.