Failure to Maintain Effective Pest Control Program
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain an effective pest control program, resulting in an environment that was not free of pests and rodents. Review of the grievance log revealed a complaint regarding pest control, and pest control logs indicated that mice were being targeted during monthly visits by the pest control vendor. The administrator acknowledged ongoing issues with mice, attributing the problem to the facility's proximity to fields and an abandoned building. Multiple residents reported sightings of mice and rodent droppings in their rooms and hallways, with one resident specifically noting repeated sightings and droppings in her room, which she reported to the administrator. Staff interviews confirmed that residents had reported mouse sightings, and staff had relayed these reports to maintenance. Observations by the investigator included rodent droppings in a resident's room and in water heater closets, as well as a mouse eating bird feed in a bird cage before escaping into the wall. The maintenance staff, who had only recently started working at the facility, was aware of the rodent problem but was not informed about damaged drywall in water heater closets that could serve as entry points for rodents. The pest control vendor confirmed the ongoing rodent issue and stated that damaged drywall in water heater rooms, which had not been repaired despite recommendations, was making pest control efforts ineffective. Observations revealed that five out of six water heater closets had damaged drywall and rodent droppings, providing access for rodents into the facility.