MELBOURNE, Fla. — Exterminators were called to a Brevard County elementary school after officials reported what the district is calling “moderate rodent activity.”
Brevard County Schools officials said the signs of a rat infestation were first noticed in July at Longleaf Elementary School.
Brevard County Health Department records show that evidence of rats in the school's kitchen was recorded as recently as November.
A recent Health Department inspection found the cafeteria clear of rats, but inspectors found a rat nest in a pipe area leading into the building, and rats have been seen in some of the classrooms.
The school’s principal, Dr. Kimberly Bias, sent a letter to parents on Thursday explaining the school’s action plan to eradicate the rats at Longleaf.
“District staff are setting traps nightly, to include weekends, with frequent monitoring before and after school hours,” the letter said. “Our custodial staff is continuing to provide regular cleaning and sanitary practices in all areas of the campus.”
Parent Sushant Dutta was concerned to hear that the school was dealing with a rat problem.
“It’s surprising because you won’t expect that, right?” she said. “You know, it’s a big menace. If it spreads it can cause all sorts of diseases. I’m concerned about that.”
School officials also plan to trim trees that are touching the buildings and have hired an outside pest control company to set traps and install mesh covers to close off openings.
Cox Media Group
