School Lunchroom Case File: Stopping Pests at the Source in Cafeterias & Classrooms

A principal texts a photo of ants marching across a tray and a custodian reports roach sightings by a broom closet—this episode treats that familiar school call as an operations win. Mikey narrates a field-style case from a typical K–12 cafeteria: traffic patterns, trash staging, student food habits, and custodial schedules that unintentionally feed pests. Dana breaks down likely visitors (sugar-foraging ants, pantry/pest beetles, scavenging roaches and opportunistic mice), photo‑ready clues staff can log, and how the building’s rhythms create repeat hotspots. The IPM Playbook translates into a short, facility-friendly SOP emphasizing inspection, timed sanitation, secured storage, exclusion of common entry points and passive monitoring. The XTERMIGATOR DIY Report delivers three weekend-ready moves managers and custodial teams can implement without chemicals—reorder trash staging, institute closed-bin pickup windows, and secure food-distribution zones—plus red flags for licensed pros. Ends with a clear ask: try one change this week and leave an honest review.