Bed Bugs

Table of Contents

Managing bed bugs can be a major challenge for any school. School nurses are often called upon to provide vital information to learners, parents, teachers, and administrators. These tips will help the entire health service delivery team on identifying and managing learners who experience bed bugs. Below are instructions that will help to effectively respond if bed bugs appear in your school.

Back to top

If You Think You Have Spotted a Bed Bug:

  • Collect and keep it intact for proper identification.
  • Discreetly remove the learner during a time of nonacademic instruction but do not send him/her home or exclude them from school, if you need to gather information.
  • Check the learner’s clothing and belongings for possible bed bugs.
  • Inspect the area around where the bug was found.
Back to top

Have a Positive Bed Bug ID?

  • Oversee the situation until the problem is addressed.
  • Tell the learner’s parents about the bed bug sighting if directly on the student.
  • Provide the parents with information on bed bug control.
  • Be transparent with the school community on routine pest management practices.
Back to top

What to Tell Parents

  • Having a bed bug infestation does not mean their home isn’t clean.
  • A true bed bug infestation is unlikely in the school. Schools and programs have standard routine pest management protocols.
  • It is not necessary for the school to close because of bed bugs.
  • Children should limit the items they bring to school or their program.
  • Learner’s families can store school supplies in protective boxes at home and not under or near beds or couches.
Back to top

Bed Bug Hotspots in Schools

  • Children and school or program staff closets, lockers, coats and backpacks.
  • Faculty lounges, classrooms or other areas with upholstered furniture or cots.
  • Dormitories or other sleeping areas.
Back to top

Bed Bug Facts:

  • You should be able to see adult bed bugs, nymphs, and eggs with your naked eye.
  • There have been no cases or studies that indicate bed bugs transmit diseases between humans.
  • Bed bugs are attracted to warmth, blood and carbon dioxide.
  • Bed bugs are not attracted to dirt or grime.
  • While bed bugs prefer darkness, keeping the light on will not deter them from biting. 
Back to top

Bed Bug School Strategies:

  • Provide education to families and school employees.
  • Routine pest management in accordance with state and local laws.
  • Develop a school or program wide plan for communication, proactive monitoring, early detection, and response.
  • Remembering that finding a bed bug on a learner or their belongings may not mean the home or school is infested.
  • Encourage students and educators to minimize the number of items transported to and from school
Back to top