Failure to Maintain Effective Pest Control Program
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain an effective pest control program, resulting in the presence of ants in the rooms of two residents. During a facility tour, a line of tiny ants was observed crawling on the floor next to a resident's nightstand, where food debris was also present. The resident confirmed having seen ants on his bed. Another resident reported seeing ants in his bathroom by the window, and observation confirmed a line of ants just below the windowsill. The resident stated he had reported the issue previously, but the ants persisted. Interviews with facility staff revealed that the pest control company visits every other Friday and as needed, but complaints about bugs and a rodent in the attic had been ongoing. Review of pest control invoices showed recent treatments focused on exterior areas, kitchen, and common spaces, with no specific mention of ant treatment in the affected rooms. The Environmental Service Manager acknowledged receiving complaints about ants and observing them in a resident's room due to food on the floor, but did not document the sighting in the pest logbook as required by facility policy. The facility's pest control policy mandates maintaining a report system for pest issues between scheduled visits, which was not followed in this instance.