Pest control in public institutions

After the spraying of insecticides against cockroaches in a kindergarten in secticide residues were detected over several months in spite of extensive decontamination. This prompted measurements in a home for asylum seekers, w here insect pests had been controlled regularly by a commercial firm; here the presence of various biocides was demonstrated. As the insecticides coul d not be sufficiently decontaminated, the further administration was discon tinued and instead cockroach traps and baits were set up. This alternative method which was well accepted by the inhabitants of the home as well as th e administrative staff was subsequently successfully employed in other publ ic institutions, e.g. a school and another kindergarten. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.