Failure to Maintain Effective Pest Control Program for Flies
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain an effective pest control program, as evidenced by the presence of flies in 5 out of 12 resident rooms observed on the 300 Hall. Multiple observations documented flies landing on residents' beds, overbed tables, heads, arms, and other body parts. Residents, including those with moderate cognitive impairment and those who were cognitively intact, reported being bothered by the flies and were seen swatting them away. Staff interviews confirmed that flies were prevalent in most rooms on the 300 Hall, and the issue was attributed to the frequent opening of the smoking area door, which allowed flies to enter the building. Review of the pest control service inspection report showed that while the facility addressed general pests, rodents, roaches, and wasps, there was no mention of a specific fly control program. The Maintenance Director was responsible for maintaining insect traps, but documentation of trap maintenance was lacking, and not all resident rooms had traps installed. Housekeeping staff did not apply any chemical treatments for flies, and the Director of Nursing acknowledged that the fly problem was worse than in previous years. The facility had identified the need for additional insect traps in resident rooms, but at the time of the survey, the deficiency persisted.