Controlling pests which bug schools

PEST control officers were called to Dundee schools 34 times last year in response to a variety of vermin issues.

The two worst affected schools were Braeview Academy and Craigiebarns Primary – both of which had five visits from pest control officers.

By comparison, officers were called to schools in Angus on 90 separate occasions during the year.

Braeview Academy reported infestations of ants, birds, mice, gulls and wasps, while Craigiebarns Primary reported bees and wasps.

The Dundee City Council figures, which were released following a freedom of information request, cover 11 months of the year from January to November.

The next most visited premises was the North East Campus, which includes Longhaugh and St Francis primaries and Quarry View Nursery.

Officers attended the campus a total of four times in response to reports of problems with flies and pigeons.

The West End Campus, which houses St Joseph’s and Victoria Park primaries and Balgay Hill Nursery, was visited three times to tackle incidents involving birds, silverfish and wasps.

St John’s RC High School was also visited three times by pest control for biscuit beetles and wasps.

Officers attended three reports of wasps at St Ninian’s Primary and a further three reports of ants and wasps at Barnhill Primary.

Forthill Primary received two visits from officers after reports of wasps and mice and Craigie High also called pest control on two occasions for reports of mice.

Claypotts Castle, Tayview and St Fergus primaries all recorded one visit each due to wasps.

Meanwhile, pest control officers were called to Morgan Academy to deal with an infestation of moths.

A Dundee City Council spokesman said: “The council monitors its buildings and any infestations that are discovered are dealt with quickly.”

In Angus, pest control officers paid five visits to Grange Primary, in Monifieth, after reports of flying ants, gulls and wasp bikes.

Officers also attended Monifieth High on four occasions for issues of gulls, two wasp bikes and further report of wasps.

Seaview Primary, also in Monifieth, had pest control officers visit twice to tackle issues relating to gulls and pigeons.

An Angus Council spokesman said: “We respond promptly to any reported pest control issues within our schools and deal with them accordingly.”