Bed Bugs In Schools…What To Do

Is there is a thing as a “light case of bed bugs?”  Officials at a Glen Ellyn junior high school in the Chicago area believe that there is according to a report from the Chicago Tribune News on November 5, 2011.

Bed bugs were found in the “library media center, locker rooms, several classrooms and the gym”.  The pest control team treated the locker room and gym uniforms before bagging student belongings.  Additionally, all staff and students have been asked to toss out all non-essential items in the school so that any hidden bed bugs can be eradicated.

Students, parents, and staff are surely worried about bringing the pests into their home.  Bed bugs could have hitched a ride into the school on any person via their backpack, library book, coat, gym clothing, etc.  Finding the source of the infestation is nearly impossible.

Chicago is currently listed as having one of the highest levels of bed bugs in the United States.  How can parents help to keep their home bed bug free?  Here are some helpful tips…

  • Immediately place all coats, hats, gloves, scarves, etc. in the dryer on high heat for at least 20 minutes.  Heat kills bed bugs in all life stages.
  • Carefully check backpacks for hidden bed bugs.  Seams, flaps and pockets are easy places for bed bugs to hide.
  • Check all books that your child brings home.  Bed bugs are able to survive between the pages but would most likely be hiding in the binding of the book.

NJ bed bugs can be eradicated by calling an experienced Monmouth County NJ exterminator like Allison Pest Control.