Day cares could face fines if pest forms not filed

SPRINGFIELD — Illinois health officials say more than 200 day care centers and schools could face fines for failing to comply with pest management regulations.

The Illinois Department of Public Health announced Friday that it's ramping up its efforts to educate day care centers and schools about the rules aimed at reducing pests like cockroaches.

Schools and day care facilities must document how they plan to control cockroaches and rodents without routine applications of pesticides. The facilities must file forms with the health department to avoid fines.

The health department promotes an approach — called "integrated pest management" — which relies on improved sanitation, monitoring, physical barriers and maintenance to keep pests out. It greatly reduces the chance of accidental exposure of pesticides to children and staff.