Schools in class war on pests

PEST controllers are being called out to city schools every day to deal with infestations, it emerged today.

New figures show mice are the biggest problem in schools across the Capital, closely followed by ants, while wasps also appear to be a major problem.

Other pests which have had to be dealt with in schools over the past three years include hide beetles, fleas, gulls, bees, squirrels, silverfish, snails, cockroaches and flies.

The total number of call-outs to schools during this period was 625, equating to around one pest control visit every term-time day.

Tynecastle High received the most visits from pest control teams - 44 - for a range of pests, including ants, mice, wasps, rats and fleas.

Holyrood High received 23 visits for ants, mice and wasps, while Wester Hailes Education Centre had 20 visits, with pest controllers dealing with ants, mice, wasps, rats and gulls. Primary schools in Dalry, Craigentinny and Gracemount also fell into the top ten worst-affected schools.

Schools must pay for the call-outs from their own budgets.

Tracy Rendall, chair of the parent council at Craigentinny Primary - which received 17 visits for ants, mice and wasps - said schools should be given extra money based on the unique challenges facing each one.

She said: "The council could help with budgets by allocating more money to deal with each school as an individual school.

"For example, if there are issues which arise because of the age of a building, or the location then money should be allocated which is relevant to those things."

Councillor Alison Johnstone, education spokeswoman for the Greens, said that simple steps such as reducing food waste and maintaining buildings could have an impact on pest and vermin problems.

She said: "While I don't think for a moment that Edinburgh schools are any more attractive to pests than any other similar sized public buildings, it's important that we take all steps we can to reduce food waste and to ensure that our schools are properly maintained."

A council spokesman said: "As with any big buildings, especially the older ones, from time to time there are pest problems in schools.

"When these arise they are dealt with swiftly and appropriately."

PLAGUED

Tynecastle High: 44 call-outs for ants, mice, wasps, rats and fleas

Holyrood High: 23 call-outs for ants, mice and wasps

Wester Hailes Education Centre: 20 call-outs for ants, mice, wasps, rats & gulls

Dalry Primary: 19 call-outs for ants, mice, wasps and rats

Craigentinny Primary: 17 call-outs for ants, mice and wasps

Gracemount Primary: 16 call-outs for ants, mice, rats and squirrels

James Gillespie's High: 16 call-outs for ants, mice and wasps

Craigroyston Community High: 15 call-outs for ants, mice and wasps

Balgreen Primary: 15 call-outs for ants, mice, wasps and flies

Boroughmuir High: 14 call-outs for ants and mice