They also can transmit life-threatening diseases to humans. Children are especially susceptible to these diseases. Cockroaches, ants, wasps, head lice and rodents are the main pests found in many schools. Cockroaches, especially the German cockroach, can live and breed by the thousands in classrooms and cafeterias. They can carry germs from filthy surfaces to cafeteria tables and classroom desks.
Cockroaches are the leading cause of asthma in urban youth.
The more children are exposed to cockroaches the more allergic they become. Pest ants, like the Pharaoh ant , build nests in classrooms and cafeterias. Thousands of ants can forage for food in places like dumpsters, cafeteria food disposal areas, and on cafeteria tables and classroom desks. Ants have been shown to be capable of transmitting Staph and Strep in these kinds of environments. Fire ants build their nests on school grounds.