An American cockroach. ProvidedElgin Street Public School has been identified as having a cockroach infestation, along with nine other schools in the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board.
The OCDSB initially announced that 15 schools had cockroach issues, but has since reduced the number to 10.
Robert Anderson, a research scientist specializing in insects at the Canadian Museum of Nature, said cockroaches are commonly discovered under certain conditions.
“Cockroaches are generally found in unclean situations with lots of organic debris hanging around,” he explained. “So a kitchen where lots of crumbs and food particles have ended up under the dishwasher is probably a good place for the cockroaches to develop.”
Sharlene Hunter, a communications and media relations officer with the OCDSB, wants people to know that the school board is taking the removal of the pesky bugs seriously.
“The district is closely monitoring the situation,” Hunter stated via email, adding: “We use glue boards, insect control gels and dust in areas where insect populations can thrive if left unattended.”
These glue boards, gels and dust are being used in locations that are normally inaccessible to students.
“These areas include: darkened or damp places such as around sinks, behind stoves and refrigerators, in drains and cracks,” Hunter said.
According to the school board, all of the products being used to kill the cockroaches are odourless, and are considered safe for indoor use.
While some parents may be concerned about the presence of the insects, Amanda Potts, a parent with two children at Elgin Street Public School, said she’s not concerned.
“I know the school is clean, I know they are trying to keep it clean, but critters are a fact of life when you live in a city,” said Potts. “You do your best to keep it clean, and I’m glad that they’re on top of it.”
Lara Trehearne, a parent of Devonshire Community Public School, which is also confirmed by the OCDSB as having cockroaches, said she isn’t concerned either.
“What is it that cockroaches can do apart from being creepy?” said Trehearne. “There is little to no risk to children, other than, ‘Oh no, a bug!’”
Anderson confirms there’s little risk posed by the insects.
“As far as I know, there have been no documented cases of diseases being transmitted via cockroaches,” he said. “However, since they do live in unclean situations, it is possible.”
The OCDSB has urged parents to stay informed and as vigilant as possible for signs of infestations in their own homes.
“They can be brought into the home or school in the form of egg cases that have been laid in groceries, rugs or used appliances,” stated Hunter. “It is important for parents and guardians to be aware of this so that we can work together at home and at school to manage this issue.”
For more information on how to prevent infestations and on cockroaches in general, Ottawa Public Health has prepared a fact sheet, available on its website.
Potts said she’s content with how the OCDSB has handled the situation, stating: “They sent an email, they’ve been very open, they’re doing everything they can, and I am confident that this is not a problem. They clearly have a well thought-through plan to deal with what is a tiny little problem.”