Failure to Maintain Effective Pest Control Program Resulting in Presence of Flies and Gnats
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain an effective pest control program, resulting in the presence of flies and gnats throughout the building, including resident rooms, the dining area, and the kitchen. Multiple residents reported seeing flies and gnats in their rooms and common areas, with one resident stating he had to purchase a fly swatter due to the frequency of pests. Observations confirmed flies flying in the dining room during meal times, with one resident swatting at a fly crawling on his soup bowl and another fly crawling on a dining table near a resident's plate. The facility's pest control policy required the use of various methods to control seasonal pests, but staff interviews and direct observations indicated these measures were not effective in preventing the presence of flies and gnats. Further observations in the kitchen revealed live flies present in the food preparation and kitchen areas on multiple occasions. The Maintenance Director acknowledged awareness of the ongoing issue with flying insects, particularly during the summer months, and described the use of sticky traps as a deterrent. The Dietary Manager also confirmed recent problems with live flies in the kitchen and acknowledged that the kitchen should always be free of pests, but this standard was not met.