AEPA
EPA 730-F-18-001
March 2018
Reduce School Pests by
Properly Handling Waste
Pests need food, water, and shelter to thrive. Garbage cans, recycling bins, dumpsters, and bagged garbage
in and around schools, if not properly managed, can create areas that meet these needs. When improperly
managed, these areas can be magnets for ants, flies, bees, wasps, cockroaches, mice, rats, birds, and raccoons.
Integrated Pest Management, or IPM, is a smart, sensible and sustainable approach to managing pests. Proper
waste management is an IPM tactic that can prevent and eliminate pests. IPM makes schools cleaner, safer and
healthier for students and staff by reducing unnecessary exposure to pests and pesticides.
PHOTO A
OUTDOOR WASTE FACILITIES
Minimize pest movement into buildings by locating outdoor
waste facilities (dumpsters/trash collection areas) away
from doors and windows. Fifty (50) feet is an ideal distance.
Carrying trash this distance takes additional time, but it
reduces pest problems. (PHOTO A)
RECYCLING AREA
Recycling areas (PHOTO B & C) can
meet the needs of several pests. Keep
them from becoming pest magnets by
rinsing bottles, cans and containers
before placing them into a recycling
bin. This will reduce problems with
flies, bees, and wasps that are attracted
to sugary liquids and food residues.
PHOTO B
PHOTO C

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PHOTO D
DUMPSTERS AND GARBAGE CANS
Dumpsters and garbage cans are commonly overlooked pest
breeding habitats at schools. Selecting the right garbage bags, cans,
lids, and dumpsters is a critical step in pest prevention. (PHOTO D)
Consider a more frequent pick-up schedule or an additional
unit if dumpsters are overflowing or sitting full for days.
Ensure dumpsters have spring-loaded, self-closing lids that are kept closed. Tight lids make garbage less
available to pests including scavenging birds, rodents, and raccoons
Prevent water from accumulating in dumpsters and garbage receptacles to eliminate breeding spots for
mosquitoes and other flies. Use garbage receptacles with drain holes (smaller than a dime or screened) in
the bottom and use rain covers to keep water out of dumpsters.
Ensure waste management contracts provide for rinsing services. Regular washing removes the
sticky build-up and reduces the attractiveness of waste receptacles to pests including flies, wasps, and
cockroaches.
Place dumpsters and other garbage receptacles on a concrete pad or other non-absorbent surface.
PHOTO E

PROPER WASTE HANDLING
PHOTO F
Use high quality, heavy-duty plastic bags to discard wet food or waste.
Wrap wet food waste In newspaper or other absorbent material to prior
placing in garbage bags.
Close garbage bags tightly, with a twist tie or knot, to reduce odors and deny
pests access.
Avoid overloading garbage bags to help prevent rupture during transport.
Carefully place filled trash bags into dumpsters or garbage cans. Tossing
heavy bags can cause them to break, spilling waste around outdoor waste
collection areas or coating dumpsters with debris. A dumpster coated with
food waste is attractive to pests like yellow jackets. (PHOTO E)
Power wash dumpsters, waste holding areas, and garbage
receptacles regularly.
Use child-friendly trash containers with lids for classrooms
with young children. (PHOTO F & G)
Where practical, empty liquids into a sink before putting the
container in the trash to reduce wet residues that attract pests.
PHOTO G
Following these recommendations will make a noticeable difference
in the pest situation at your school. For more information on school IPM
visit www.eoa.aov/manaaina-Dests-schools.

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