Cold weather and winter conditions are times when schools need to prepare for the appearance of critters, according to the president of the Richmond Teachers' Association.
Liz Baverstock raised a question about rodents in schools at a recent Richmond School District facilities meeting and whether there were extra plans to prevent mice in Richmond schools this winter.
Baverstock told the Richmond News there were "noticeably" more than the normal number of critters at schools in the winter of 2022 and she wanted to "know what was done preemptively" by the school district this winter.
"At this time of the year, rodents are trying to come into schools. It's a bit of a cyclical issue," she said.
Baverstock said that seeing a mouse now and then in schools is common and happens everywhere in Richmond and other cities alike.
The school district, she added, said they have increased pest control services and carpentry employees are working to cover up any visible holes in buildings.
"Are we always aware of it? Yes. Do schools have to be aware? Yes. But there are processes, like if you're seeing (mice), this is what you need to do so things can be attended to."
Construction around the city is also one reason that more rodents are appearing, she added.
"Critters have nowhere to go when buildings are being pulled down and they have to find new homes, and schools are one of many places they look for shelter in Richmond."
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