Failure to Maintain Effective Pest Control Program: The facility did not maintain an effective pest control program after staff reported noises in the ceiling and attic, and records showed wildlife inspections identifying multiple entry points for squirrels, raccoons, and birds. Surveyors observed large holes and gnaw marks in the soffit/fascia area, along with additional openings large enough for squirrels to enter. Facility documentation and interviews confirmed trapped wildlife, including raccoons and a squirrel, while the facility policy stated it maintained an ongoing pest control program to keep the building free of insects and rodents.
Failed Pest Control Program Allowed Ant Infestation: The facility failed to maintain an effective pest control program when a resident with multiple chronic conditions and cognitive impairment was found covered in ants during a hospice RN visit. Staff statements and interviews described ants on the resident after spilled ice cream was left uncleaned, and other ants were noted in the facility, including on an overbed table and in the Administrator’s office. The pest control vendor confirmed routine services for ants and other pests had been suspended because of an overdue balance, and routine pest control had not occurred for weeks.
Ineffective Pest Control Program: The facility failed to maintain an effective pest control program, with confirmed mice and ants found in multiple areas including resident rooms, dry storage, windowsills, the soiled linen area, and the special care unit. A resident reported carpenter ants crossing the floor and entering the bathroom, another resident reported ants entering through the window, and the Maintenance Director confirmed ongoing pest issues and dead mice in traps throughout the facility.
Failed kitchen pest control management was identified after surveyors observed multiple fruit flies around trash cans, in the dishwashing area, and on the tray line near brownies being served to residents. The RD also reported fruit flies in the ceiling, lights, and behind wallpaper near the dishwasher area, while the RKD described a rotting, moldy wall and a bad odor. An Orkin report noted food debris and buildup in drains, the door track, and the garbage disposal, with ongoing fly activity tied to these conditions.
An effective pest control program was not maintained when mouse droppings were found in the Memory Care snack cabinet and a loaf of bread showed signs of chewing. An LPN confirmed there were about 42 droppings in the cabinet and was unsure how long they had been there or when the snacks were last served. Exterminator reports showed treatment in other areas of the facility, but not the Memory Care unit, despite the facility policy requiring the building to be kept free of insects and rodents.
The facility failed to maintain a pest-free environment in the kitchen dishwashing area, where staff repeatedly observed cockroaches under and around the dishwasher and on the floor, and multiple glue traps contained live and dead cockroaches. Maintenance staff documented ongoing cockroach activity and performed repeated extra insect treatments, and an external pest control company later identified live cockroaches and cockroach eggs in the dishwashing room, requiring ongoing weekly treatments and trap replacement. A local health department inspection also observed a live cockroach on the dishwasher and additional cockroaches in traps beneath the dishwasher and drying racks, confirming persistent infestation despite the facility’s stated pest control policy.
A facility failed to keep resident rooms, common areas, and the kitchen free of pests. Live cockroaches were observed in multiple resident rooms, including on a toilet seat and on the floor, and staff confirmed the issue had been ongoing. In the kitchen, cockroach-like insects were seen near the walk-in fridge and on a shelf below the steam table, while staff and pest control records documented repeated roach activity throughout the building.
The facility failed to maintain an effective pest control program and a clean, sanitary environment on one hall, where live cockroaches were repeatedly observed in a resident’s room and reported by multiple residents and staff. A resident stated that cockroaches were present all the time, including in the bed and on the walls, and CNAs reported seeing cockroaches on the bedside table and in the bed when delivering meal trays. An LPN had previously documented that the room was treated by an exterminator after insects and bugs were observed throughout the room, and another LPN confirmed the ongoing presence of live cockroaches. Two other residents reported seeing cockroaches in the same hallway. Despite these observations, review of multiple pest control invoices over several months showed no documentation of cockroaches as a target pest, contrary to the facility’s written pest control policy requiring an ongoing program to eliminate insects and rodents.
Pest Control Failure on Secured Lower Level Unit: Gnats were observed throughout the secured lower level unit, including halls, common areas, and resident rooms. Two CNAs confirmed the infestation in resident areas, and two residents reported the gnats were bothersome and everywhere; three gnats were seen flying around one resident while she was lying in bed. The facility policy stated the Administrator or designee was responsible for ensuring adequate treatment for any existing infestation.
Surveyors identified a persistent cockroach and insect infestation throughout the facility, with dead insects observed in dining and common areas and a live cockroach seen in a shower room. Multiple residents reported seeing cockroaches in their rooms, hallways, and near the kitchen, with some killing several roaches daily and describing the building as heavily infested. Staff, including maintenance and dietary leadership, acknowledged ongoing cockroach problems, and a severe infestation was found in the room of a hoarding resident, requiring targeted extermination, while pest control records showed repeated treatments focused on cockroach eradication.
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