Bed Bugs in School: A Growing Problem

03/16/2017

Bed bugs   

School comes with its special collection of bugs and health concerns. Parents think of flu bugs and lice, but bed bugs usually fly under the radar. Bed bugs are good travelers, and chances are they are hitching a ride on a child’s bag to get a ride to school. Bed bugs in schools are a growing problem, but families and schools can take steps to get rid of them.

Learning About Bed Bugs in School

From New York to California, schools across the US are facing bed bugs. But how do they get there? Bed bug infestations begin with one or two travelers that sneak into book backs, teacher totes, and nap mats. Bed bugs do not discriminate and have nothing to do with cleanliness. In most cases families, don’t realize they have bed bugs.

What do Bed Bugs Look Like?

The reason why bed bugs can sneak around undetected is because of their size and body type. Bed bugs are about as big as a crumb or apple seed. Bed bugs are brown and reddish in color. The bodies are oval and flat, and the bugs don’t have wings. A bed bug measures only 4 to 5 mm.

Bed bugs may be small, but they are not completely invisible to the naked eye. You might have seen one without realizing it. Bed bugs resemble cookie crumbs and apple seeds.

How to Prevent Bud Bugs in School

Preventing a bed bug infestation in school is easier when administrators and parents work together.

Tips for Parents:

• Limit the number of items you children take with them to school.

• Wash your child’s backpack often. Make sure you dry it on high for at least 30 to 45 minutes after you wash it to kill bed bugs.

• Inspect your children’s books bags, lunch bags, books, and gym clothes when they come home from school.

• Send a change of clothes in a plastic bag when you send your kids to school.

• Wash your child’s jacket often, and dry it on high.

Tips for Admins and Teachers:

• If you spot a bed bug, put it in a resealable plastic bag for proper identification.

• If there is an infestation, notify all families and provide them with proper care, control, and prevention techniques.

• Have rooms cleaned and vacuumed often.

• Establish rules about to promote effective bed bug management at homes to prevent transmission to school.

• Contact a pest control company right away.

If you suspect bed bugs in your school, contact American Pest Control. Our bed bug services work to identify, prevent, and control bed bugs in homes, businesses, and schools. Bed bug services include heat treatments and bed bug dogs. Call now to benefit from American Pest bed bug removal or a happy and healthy school.

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