According to the California Department of Education, there are nearly six million students attending classes in 10,000 public school facilities across California. So, it’s no wonder that a forgotten granola bar in a desk or an open snack in a locker can quickly turn into an all-you-can-eat buffet for some uninvited “transfer students.”

And we’re not just talking about the ones who sneak in during lunch hour. Pests can hitch a ride in backpacks, hide in food shipments headed to cafeterias, or slip through open doors and cracks in the building without ever showing up on the enrollment list. These unwelcome guests aren’t there to learn; they’re there to snack, spread germs, and cause problems.

Why Schools Attract Pests

Schools offer pests everything they need to thrive:

• A constant flow of people coming and going
• Plenty of hiding spots and easy entry points
• Daily food prep, storage, and disposal
• Frequent deliveries of food and supplies
• Lots of trash and leftover waste

The Usual Suspects

Some of the most common pests spotted in California schools include:

• Ants – especially Argentine ants, a California staple
• Cockroaches – sneaky, fast, and hard to spot until it’s too late
• Rodents – mice and rats looking for food and shelter
• Flies – drawn to food prep and trash areas
• Bed bugs – hitchhiking from homes or public transportation
• Stinging insects – wasps, yellowjackets, and hornets
• Spiders – often following other pests indoors

Clark’s Pest-Free Lesson Plan

Here’s how students, parents, and school staff can help keep pests off the attendance roster:

1. Keep It Clean

• Clean backpacks, lunchboxes, and water bottles regularly.
• Wipe down desks and lockers; remove crumbs and clutter.

2. Store Food the Smart Way

• Use sealed containers for snacks and lunches.
• Don’t leave food out - ever. Dispose of leftovers promptly.

3. Take Out the Trash (Early and Often)

• Use lidded trash cans whenever possible.
• Empty bins daily, especially if food is inside.

4. Check Your Backpack Before Heading Home

• Look for pests like cockroaches, spiders, or bed bugs.
• Shake it out before tossing it on your bedroom floor.

5. Keep Clothes Fresh

• Don’t leave sweaty gym clothes in a locker or backpack for days. Pests are attracted to funky odors.

6. Speak Up

• If you see signs of pests, tell a teacher or custodian right away so the problem can be addressed quickly.

Have Questions About Pests in Schools?

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If your school’s pest control plan isn’t making the grade, call California’s trusted pest control experts - Clark Pest Control. We’re here to help keep classrooms clean, safe, and pest-free so students and teachers can focus on learning, not swatting.

Call 800/WE-NEED-YOU
Email clarkcares@clarkpest.com

Until next time, thanks for trusting your home to Clark - your neighborly expert in pest and lawn care.