California Code § 101238(a)(1): Pest Control Requirements

This regulation requires you to actively maintain your childcare facility free from flies, insects (like ants and roaches), and rodents. It's not just about reacting when you see pests - you need to take proactive measures to prevent them in the first place. This includes proper food storage, regular cleaning, taking out trash daily, and fixing any entry points where pests could get in. The goal is to maintain a consistently clean, healthy environment where children play, eat, and learn.

As of November 23, 2025, 21 facilities have been cited for this violation across 10 counties in California. This represents about 1 in 1,900 facilities statewide (0.28% of the 7,551 facilities inspected in the past 90 days). Los Angeles County had the most citations with 6 facilities, followed by Orange County with 5. While not the most common violation, it's serious enough that inspectors actively look for signs of pest problems during visits.

Inspectors cite this regulation when they observe visible pests during their visit - ants in the kitchen area, flies around diaper changing stations, or evidence of rodents like droppings or gnaw marks. Citations also result from unsanitary conditions that attract pests, such as uncovered food, overflowing trash cans, or food spills that haven't been cleaned up. Don't dismiss 'just one or two bugs' - inspectors know that a few visible pests often indicate a larger problem. They're looking for both active pest presence and conditions that would allow pests to thrive.

Prevention is your best strategy. Clean up all food spills immediately, especially in eating areas and around high chairs. Take trash out daily and use bins with tight-fitting lids. Store all food in sealed containers, never leaving anything out overnight. Walk your facility regularly looking for entry points - seal cracks around pipes, repair damaged weather stripping, and fix holes in screens. Pay special attention to the kitchen and diaper changing areas where food and odors attract pests. If you notice even one or two bugs, address it immediately before it becomes an infestation. Consider working with a licensed pest control company for regular preventive treatments.

Act immediately to eliminate the pest problem. Document what you find and the steps you're taking to address it. If needed, hire a licensed pest control professional and keep records of their treatment and follow-up visits. Deep clean the affected areas and identify what attracted the pests in the first place - was it food storage, sanitation, or structural issues? Fix the root cause, not just the symptoms. Take photos showing the corrected conditions. During your follow-up inspection, be prepared to explain your pest prevention plan and show evidence that the problem has been resolved and won't recur.