Methuen, Mass. Schools Dealing with Mice Problem

There is a mice problem at some schools in Methuen, Massachusetts that has escalated to the point where new food rules will be implemented.

According to NBC10 Boston, the schools impacted are Methuen High School and three grammar schools: Marsh, Tenney, and Timony. Methuen School Superintendent Brandi Kwong sent a letter to faculty and parents stating, "We take these issues very seriously and are committed to doing better. We have implemented a range of measures to address and resolve any building issues at every school effectively."

One of the biggest measures will begin on Jan. 2 and have all food consumed in designated areas depending on a student's grade. All small appliances, including microwaves and coffee makers, will also be removed from classrooms.

Additionally, the district is working with pest experts to best safeguard schools to prevent mice and other rodents from entering. Stronger cleaning guidelines are also being implemented.

News of the mice problem at schools in Methuen comes less than a week after it was announced the AMC Theater in the city was forced to close due to a rodent infestation.

Public Health Director Caeli Tegan Zampach told Boston.com they received a report on Dec. 5 about a rodent being spotted at the AMC Methuen 20. When the theater was inspected, the Public Health department "found evidence of rodents by way of urine, feces, and entry ways believed to have been carved by the rodents."

Tegan Zampach said the theater can reopen once it's back to a "sanitary state." Meanwhile, AMC says they are addressing the rodent issues by having every area of the multiplex receive a deep cleaning and enacting strong pest control practices.

AMC further noted, "We are reviewing this situation with the theatre team and our vendor partners to ensure this does not happen again."