Failure to Maintain Effective Pest Control Program
Penalty
Summary
Multiple observations revealed the presence of flies and gnats in both resident rooms and the kitchen area. Several residents were found in their rooms with flies flying over their beds, landing on their covers, and attempting to land on uncovered, leftover food trays. In the kitchen, gnats were observed flying around a cardboard box containing potatoes, and flies were seen in the prep and cook areas. The Dietary Manager noted that the box was considered garbage due to an overflowing trash can. Maintenance staff confirmed that flies had been a persistent problem for months, despite bi-monthly visits from a pest control company, and acknowledged that damaged window screens could be allowing flies to enter resident rooms. The process of replacing these screens was ongoing at the time of the survey. The Administrator confirmed that flies remained a concern in the facility, even with recent pest control visits, and admitted that no additional pest control services had been sought. It was also acknowledged that leaving meal trays in resident rooms could attract insects. Review of facility documentation revealed there was no specific pest control policy in place, and the existing environmental policy only addressed maintaining cleanliness in food service areas. Residents involved had medical conditions such as dementia, post-traumatic seizures, and amputation, and were observed to be in bed during the incidents.