A Safer Way to Keep Schools Pest FreeEvery day school custodians face challenges in their efforts to foster safe, healthy learning environments. Pest control can be one of the toughest challenges. Allowing pests to take up residence in schools is out of the question, so grudgingly, custodians may have to resort to using harsh pesticides to combat the stubborn invaders. These pesticides can settle on desks, books, counters, walls, playgrounds, and playing fields, which could be harmful to children and staff with respiratory problems. And in this prime time of brain and body development, children should be in an environment as free of toxins as possible.