Failure to Maintain Effective Pest Control Program Following Multiple Snake Sightings
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to implement an effective pest control program to maintain a pest-free environment after multiple sightings of snakes within the building. The initial incident involved a small snake entering through a gap at the bottom of the front entrance doors and subsequently being observed in the admissions office. The gap between the doors, as well as a one-inch space under the admissions office door, provided easy access for pests. Staff members, including a nurse and a housekeeper, observed and reported the presence of snakes, but the maintenance logs did not reflect these sightings, and the maintenance director was not immediately notified after the first incident. Communication regarding the pest issue was inconsistent, with notifications being sent via group text to the Administrator and DON, but not to the Maintenance Director in a timely manner. The Administrator and DON did not become aware of the initial snake sighting until hours after it was reported. Subsequent sightings of snakes occurred in other areas of the building, including a resident bathroom in a hall that was closed for renovations and near the dining room. The contracted pest control company was not notified until after the second snake was found, and their technician reported that their contract did not cover snake removal or treatment, only visual inspection. The wildlife department was eventually contacted to address the issue. Structural issues, such as the open space at the bottom of the front entrance doors and vegetation touching the building exterior, were identified as contributing factors to the pest problem. The facility did not have snake repellent materials on hand and relied on external sources to obtain them, which were not immediately available. The contracted pest control company and wildlife department both conducted inspections, but no further snakes were found during their visits. The wildlife department applied snake deterrent material around the exterior doors, but the structural gap at the front entrance remained unaddressed at the time of the last observation.