Violation

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

How CCLD inspectors cite this regulation, what providers do to stay clear of it, and where it appears in the public record.

Type B, generalAffects Child Care Centers11 facilities cited in the last 90 days

ℹ️ Educational reference based on public CCLD inspection records. Not legal or compliance advice. Verify requirements with official sources. Full disclaimer →

Regulation text

What California Code § 101238(a)(1) actually says

California Code § 101238(a)(1)

The licensee shall take measures to keep the center free of flies, other insects, and rodents.

From the field

What providers tell us about this citation

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.

By the numbers

11^*CCLD: facilities cited in the last 90 days
8^*CCLD: counties where this citation appeared
39^*CCLD: rank among most-common citations
Trajectory: Steady

11 facilities were cited for this in the last 90 days. See if yours is one of them.

Check a facility

What other providers do

Common practices to stay clear of Pest Control Requirements

Common practices shared by providers. Confirm requirements with your licensing analyst.

Common practices

Take active measures to keep facility free of flies, insects, and rodents
Implement pest prevention strategies (proper food storage, cleaning, maintenance)
Address pest issues immediately when they appear
Maintain sanitary conditions that prevent pest attraction
Document pest control measures when applicable

What to avoid

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.

Regional record

Where this citation appeared in the past 90 days

Citation counts and rates by California county, drawn from CCLD inspection records. Click a county to see its weekly intelligence report.

Regional citations for Pest Control Requirements, last 90 days
County	Citations	Facilities	Citation rate
Orange	2	--	--
San Diego	2	--	--
Los Angeles	2	--	--
ORANGE	1	--	--
Alameda	1	--	--
San Mateo	1	--	--
Contra Costa	1	--	--
San Francisco	1	--	--

SOURCE

*CCLD: California Community Care Licensing Divisionviolation_citations2026-05-14Updated weekly

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Answers based on public CCLD data and regulation text. May not reflect recent changes.

What is Pest Control Requirements?

California Code 101238(a)(1) requires you to take active measures to keep your facility free of flies, insects, and rodents. The standard isn't "mostly pest-free" or "manageable levels." Any visible pest presence during an inspection can be documented as a deficiency. This covers your entire facility: classrooms, kitchen, bathrooms, storage areas, outdoor play spaces, and anywhere children or food are present.

How common is this citation?

According to California CCLD inspection records as of February 08, 2026, 14 facilities have been cited for this violation in the past 90 days across 6 California counties. That's roughly 1 in 2,857 inspected facilities. Orange County leads with 5 citations, followed by Los Angeles with 3, and Alameda and Santa Clara with 2 each. Citations cluster in warmer months and in counties where outdoor pest pressure is higher year-round.

What triggers this citation during an inspection?

Inspectors walk the entire facility checking corners, under sinks, behind appliances, and along baseboards. Based on CCLD inspection patterns, a single ant trail in the kitchen or a few flies near the trash is enough for a write-up. They don't distinguish between a small problem and an infestation in the documentation. Inspectors also note structural conditions that invite pests, like gaps under exterior doors or cracks around pipes. If they see consumer-grade bug spray stored where children can access it, that creates a separate concern.

How can I prevent this citation?

Store all food in airtight containers, including staff lunches in the break area. Empty trash bins daily and clean under appliances weekly. Seal entry points around pipes, windows, and exterior doors. Schedule regular professional pest control treatments and keep a log showing dates and methods. Put fruit away immediately after snack time instead of leaving it out on counters, since flies can appear within hours.

What should I do if I receive this citation?

Address the specific pest issue immediately with appropriate treatment methods safe for childcare settings. Schedule a professional pest control service if you haven't already, and get documentation of the treatment. Seal any entry points the inspector noted, then photograph the repairs. Start a pest control log showing ongoing prevention measures and submit it with your plan of correction. For complex situations, consider consulting a licensed childcare compliance specialist.

Related violations

Other citations in this regulation family

This information is educational and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a licensed child care compliance consultant for guidance specific to your facility. Citation data is sourced from California Community Care Licensing Division public records and is refreshed regularly.

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