California Code § 101238(a)(1): Pest Control Requirements
What Is California Code § 101238(a)(1): Pest Control Requirements?
California Code § 101238(a)(1)
The licensee shall take measures to keep the center free of flies, other insects, and rodents.
💬What Providers Tell Us
Based on community experience — not official guidance
Inspectors walk the entire facility and they're looking at corners, under sinks, behind appliances, and along baseboards. One ant trail in the kitchen or a few flies near the trash is enough for a citation. They don't distinguish between 'a small problem' and an infestation in the write-up. Orange County led citations with 5 facilities in the past 90 days, followed by LA with 3. The standard is that you take active measures to keep the facility free of pests, so inspectors also want to see what you're doing to prevent them. Keep a pest control log showing regular treatments, seal entry points around pipes and windows, and store all food in airtight containers, including staff lunches in the break area.
Source: California CCLD inspection records | Data as of Apr 6, 2026. Last updated April 6, 2026.
9 facilities were cited for this in the last 90 days.
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What Other Providers Do for Pest Control Requirements
Common practices shared by providers. Confirm requirements with your licensing analyst.
✓ Common Practices
❌ Common Mistakes
- Ignoring a few ants because they seem minor. Providers think a small number of insects doesn't count, but the regulation says 'free of flies, other insects, and rodents.' Any visible pest presence can be documented as a deficiency.
- Using consumer-grade bug spray in areas children access. Providers try to handle pest problems themselves with products that aren't approved for use in childcare settings. Inspectors check what chemicals are stored on-site and whether they're applied safely.
- Leaving fruit out on counters or not emptying trash daily. Providers set out fruit bowls for snack time and forget to put leftovers away. This attracts flies within hours, and if an inspector walks in during that window, it's documented.
- Not addressing exterior entry points like gaps under doors or cracks around window frames. Providers focus on cleaning inside but ignore how pests get in. Inspectors note structural conditions that invite pest problems as part of their assessment.
What's Being Cited in Each Region Over the Past 90 Days
Based on facility inspection reports filed with California's Community Care Licensing Division, here's how this citation appears across different regions in the past 90 days.
Orange County
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Riverside County
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Solano County
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San Diego County
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San Mateo County
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Los Angeles County
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San Francisco County
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Data updated weekly from CCLD public records. Last update: 4/6/2026
A single Type A citation can cost $150-$500+ in civil penalties, not counting the follow-up inspection it triggers.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Answers based on public CCLD data and regulation text. May not reflect recent changes.
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Related Violations
This information is educational and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a licensed childcare compliance consultant for guidance specific to your facility. Citation data is sourced from California Community Care Licensing Division public records and is refreshed regularly.