Failure to Maintain Effective Pest Control Program
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain an effective pest control program, as evidenced by multiple documented instances of cockroach activity and a report of bed bugs within resident rooms and common areas. Service Inspection Reports over a three-month period detailed repeated findings of cockroaches in various resident rooms, a broom closet, and the kitchen, with physical removal of pests occurring on each occasion. The reports also noted that some rooms required repeated treatments, and that cockroach activity was found behind appliances and underneath baseboards. Additionally, a resident reported that their room had been sprayed after finding a bed bug in their bed, and another resident stated they had seen cockroaches in their room about a week prior. A CNA confirmed the presence of cockroaches in the facility. During interviews, the administrator acknowledged that some residents hoarded items or kept belongings in cardboard boxes, which complicated pest control efforts. The administrator stated that pest control services were called whenever pests were found, but that the issue was ongoing and not always confined to the same areas. Despite the facility's pest control policy and ongoing interventions, the repeated findings of pests and resident and staff reports indicate that the pest control program was not effective in keeping the building free of insects and rodents as required.