Why Schools Need Pest Control Before the First Bell

When schools close their doors for the summer, attendance drops to zero. But that doesn’t necessarily mean the hallways are unoccupied.

Empty classrooms, quiet cafeterias, and minimal foot traffic create a perfect environment for pests to enroll. And if left undisturbed for summer break, these unwelcome visitors can multiply fast. 

As school districts prepare for a new academic year, pest prevention should be near the top of the back-to-school checklist. If you want to avoid an infestation before students and staff return, here’s why hiring Arrow as your commercial exterminator for schools is a good idea.

Why Timing Matters

Scheduling pest control during summer break is one of the smartest ways to ensure a cleaner, safer environment for the first day of school. Not only does it allow for thorough treatment without disrupting classes, but it also gives our professionals a chance to inspect, identify, and treat problem areas before pests become a distraction or a health hazard.

Certain pests, like cockroaches and rodents, are known to carry allergens and bacteria. A hidden infestation could trigger asthma, contaminate food prep areas, or cause structural damage if left untreated. And let’s be honest — no teacher wants to compete with a mouse sighting in the middle of a math lesson.

Common Pests in Schools

Just like in homes, pests only need to find an unsealed door or window to slip into your school. While a gap or crack is an open invitation for just about any pest, these are the classroom crashers you’re most likely to encounter. 

Ants

Even the smallest crumbs left behind in the cafeteria or teachers' lounge can draw ants in. With less foot traffic and regular cleaning over the summer, these tiny scavengers have the perfect opportunity to set up shop in your school if they find a food source. 

Rodents

Like ants, mice and rats are always on the lookout for food. But empty schools provide them with another important thing — shelter. A quiet classroom is the perfect summer home for a rodent, and if allowed to stay for too long, they can cause damage by chewing wires or using classroom supplies as nesting materials. 

Cockroaches

Damp, dark environments are a cockroach’s favorite, and schools have a few of those. Empty kitchens, locker rooms, and bathrooms can become breeding grounds for cockroaches. Once inside, they’re hard to evict and can multiply quickly, especially when a building is quiet and undisturbed.

How Hughes Helps Schools Stay Pest-Free

With the first day of school right around the corner, now is the time to schedule a proactive pest inspection.

At Hughes, we know that pest control in schools isn’t one-size-fits-all. That’s why we offer customized commercial pest control plans tailored to the needs of each school. Whether it’s a single building or several schools in a district, our technicians are trained to handle treatments with minimal disruption.

We make sure to follow all safety standards, and our STEPS® Total Protection System represents a commitment to providing the most environmentally friendly pest control services. From routine inspection to prevention and treatment, our pest control services will protect your school against pests for the entire year.

Start the Year on the Right Foot

Taking a small step now can help prevent bigger problems later and create a healthier place for students to learn and thrive. Contact us to learn more about our commercial pest control for schools and start the year off pest-free.