Mice problem at Nashua North raises concerns among students and staff

A growing mice problem at Nashua High School North raised concerns among students and staff, particularly in food-related areas like the cafeteria and cooking classes.

To address the issue, the school implemented stricter food policies, limiting where students can eat and increasing pest control efforts.

“We started seeing mouse activity in the fall, but the problem accelerated after Christmas break,” said head custodian Mr. Belanger.

“The school district hired an extermination company to set traps inside and outside the building, in addition to those placed by custodial staff at night,” Belanger said.

To further contain the issue, food storage areas have been secured with plastic containers, and exterior door sweeps have been replaced to prevent mice from entering. Despite these efforts, some students remain uneasy.

Ema Lerma, a student in a cooking class, said the situation has made her more cautious. “I’m more aware of food storage now. I always check containers, clean everything thoroughly, and make sure surfaces and hands are sanitized,” Lerma said.

Lerma also worries about contamination, stating, “I heard they’re using pesticides, which could also affect food in some way.”

In response to concerns, the school recently introduced stricter food policies, restricting eating to designated areas like the cafeteria. The goal is to minimize food waste in classrooms, which could attract rodents.

“Keeping food contained to the cafeteria should help reduce the problem,” Mr. Belanger added. However, the new rules have led to mixed reactions from students and staff.

Some students find the changes inconvenient, while others see them as necessary. “It hasn’t really affected me much,” said Lerma. “But I understand why they’re doing it.”

Teachers who incorporate food into their curriculum have also had to adjust. Ms. Yates, who teaches Lifespan Nutrition, noted, “We’ve had to be extra cautious with food storage and sanitation. I remind students to double-check ingredients and keep everything sealed.”

She added that while the issue hasn’t drastically changed her lessons, it has increased awareness about food safety.

According to the CDC, mice infestations in schools can pose health risks, as rodents can spread bacteria and contaminate food. Proper sanitation and pest control are crucial in preventing outbreaks.

Other schools facing similar problems have implemented food restrictions and increased extermination efforts to combat infestations.

For now, North’s administration hopes the combination of pest control and new food policies will help resolve the issue.

There is no clear timeline for when the restrictions will be lifted, but staff remain focused on maintaining a safe and clean environment.

“We’re doing everything we can to get the problem under control,” Mr. Belanger said. “It’s a process, but we’re making progress.”