By: LaJaunie's Pest Control 
October 10, 2025 
Rodents in Louisiana schools pose significant challenges for students, staff, and maintenance personnel. Across Baton Rouge, New Orleans, and Calcasieu Parish, reports of rats and mice inside classrooms and cafeterias continue to grow. Once inside, these pests multiply rapidly and contaminate everything they come into contact with.
Rodents sneak into schools through small openings, unsealed trash cans, or poorly maintained storage rooms. They chew through insulation, wires, and even books to build nests. Whether it’s a roof rat in the ceiling or a Norway rat under the gym bleachers, infestations spread fast if not addressed through consistent rodent control.
Louisiana schools are required to follow strict Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices as outlined in EPA and state guidelines. A solid IPM plan reduces pesticide use while maintaining a safe learning environment for children and teachers. Working with a trusted pest control company like LaJaunie’s ensures that prevention starts before the first rat trap is ever set.
Key Takeaways
• Rodents spread disease and damage property in Louisiana schools if not controlled early.
• Roof rats, Norway rats, and house mice are the main culprits.
• Following an IPM plan limits pesticide use and focuses on prevention and control.
• Professional pest control keeps schools safe for students and staff.
How Rodents Enter Louisiana School Campuses
Rodents in Louisiana often enter schools through damaged doors, broken vents, and unsealed pipe openings. Roof rats climb trees to reach attics, while Norway rats burrow beneath buildings. Once inside, they search for food sources such as crumbs, cafeteria waste, or pet food used in science labs.
In Calcasieu Parish and other coastal regions, flooding drives rodents indoors, especially during storm season. House mice fit through holes the size of a pencil, so even a minor gap can lead to an infestation. Local parish school boards must stay proactive by scheduling regular inspections and maintaining sanitation around dumpsters and playgrounds.
Health and Safety Concerns in Louisiana Schools
Rodent droppings and urine can carry harmful diseases such as hantavirus and rat-bite fever. In cafeterias and storage areas, these can contaminate food surfaces and utensils. Airborne particles from dried feces or droppings can also trigger asthma or allergies among students and teachers.
Rats and mice often bring fleas and other parasites into the building. These pests move from classrooms to locker rooms and even gym bags, spreading fast. Louisiana’s EPA-approved pest control methods require schools to report sightings and issue notifications before any treatments, keeping families informed.
Rodent Behavior Inside School Buildings
Once rodents have established a presence, they reproduce rapidly. A pair of Norway rats can produce more than 20 offspring in just a few months. Roof rats build nests in ceilings and vents, while house mice prefer to nest in classrooms and storage closets. These rodents use books, paper, and insulation as nesting materials, spreading signs of infestation throughout the school.
Students and teachers might notice scratching noises at night, chewed cables, or greasy marks along walls. Cafeteria workers often spot rodent activity first due to leftover food or crumbs near trash cans. Quick reporting enables maintenance staff to respond promptly, preventing damage from escalating.
Integrated Pest Management in Louisiana Schools
Every Louisiana school district is required to have an IPM plan approved by the EPA. The plan emphasizes prevention, sealing gaps, improving waste storage, and reducing clutter before turning to pesticide applications. When products are needed, certified exterminators apply them safely and in compliance with regulations.
Proper pest control methods go beyond setting traps. For example, identifying whether the culprit is a Norway rat, a roof rat, or a house mouse determines the appropriate strategy.
Technicians use targeted baits or rat traps while limiting pesticide use around children. Staff can also learn more about fall pests to watch for in schools in Louisiana to prepare for potential infestations before they begin. Regular follow-ups and sanitation inspections ensure lasting results.
How School Staff Can Help Prevent Infestations
Preventing rodents in Louisiana schools starts with awareness and teamwork. Custodians should inspect storage rooms, boiler areas, and kitchen spaces every week to ensure they are clean and safe. Teachers can report droppings, gnaw marks, or any strange odors. Principals should coordinate with the parish school board and pest control providers to schedule inspections and maintain accurate records.
Keeping food sealed, managing clutter, and cleaning up after snack time also make a difference. Staff training through integrated pest management workshops helps everyone understand their role in preventing pest issues. Even simple steps, such as replacing damaged weather stripping or storing supplies off the floor, can dramatically reduce the risk.
Making Louisiana Schools Rodent-Free with Professional Help
Rodents in Louisiana schools threaten both health and property, but prevention is achievable with the right approach. Working with a reliable pest control company like LaJaunie’s Pest Control ensures your campus stays clean, safe, and compliant.
Our team serves Baton Rouge, New Orleans, and across Calcasieu Parish with family-safe, EPA-approved treatments and professional rodent control services in Louisiana.
We help schools develop stronger IPM programs that prioritize prevention, safety, and long-term outcomes. If your public school is dealing with rats, mice, or nutria around the property, contact LaJaunie’s Pest Control today. Our licensed technicians understand local conditions and deliver same-day service when you need it most.
FAQs
How do rodents get into Louisiana schools?
Rodents enter through small gaps, vents, or damaged walls. Roof rats climb into attics, while Norway rats dig under buildings to reach food and shelter.
Are rodents dangerous to students?
Yes. Their droppings and urine can spread diseases like hantavirus and rat-bite fever. Contact with contaminated surfaces may cause illness or allergic reactions.
How can schools prevent rodent infestations?
Follow an IPM plan, seal entry points, empty trash cans daily, and schedule inspections with a licensed pest control provider to stop rodents from returning.
