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Environmental Infection Prevention and Control in Oral Healthcare Settings

Course Number: 363

Pest Control

Insect habitats are characterized by warmth, moisture, and availability of food. Although, insects carry a wide variety of pathogenic organisms on their surfaces and in their guts, the presence of insects in healthcare facilities is not likely to contribute substantially to the rate of HAIs. Pest control should focus on eliminating food sources, indoor habitats, and other conditions that attract pests, and apply pesticides as needed. A pest-control specialist can implement a regular insect-control program that is tailored to the needs of the setting and use approved chemicals and/or physical methods.1