Tips for Bed Bugs in Schools

Although bed bugs are typically thought to be a household pest, they can hitchhike with students, teachers and faculty into schools and classrooms. In fact, the 2015 Bugs Without Borders survey conducted by NPMA found that 43% of pest control professionals have encountered bed bugs in schools and day care centers. Here are the NPMA's tips to prevent bringing bed bugs home from school:

Make a habit of inspecting your child's backpack and jacket every day when they return home.
Also have them remove their school clothes and if possible wash them in hot water right away.
Teach your child, if old enough, to be on the lookout for any signs of bed bugs.
Talk to the school administrators and ask them if they have a bed bug detection and elimination plan in place.
Also make sure your children share with you if they know of any friends who report bed bug infestations in their home.
If a bed bug infestation is found, work with a professional pest control company to treat the infestation and perform follow-up inspections.

Check out our other tips for preventing bed bugs in different settings: