Although bed bugs are known to be in places with beds, they'll go just about anywhere with humans. Bed bugs feed on blood and are attracted to the carbon dioxide humans emit, so just because a place has no beds doesn't mean bed bugs won't be there. Bed bugs love places with lots of people, and one of those places are schools. A school building packed full of students makes it a buffet for these blood-sucking insects. Knowing what to do to prevent bed bugs from getting into a school is vital in stopping a school-wide infestation in our Bettendorf Schools.
How Bed Bugs Spread
Despite their misleading name, you can find bed bugs anywhere there are people, including schools. While most people don't think about it, schools are a great place for bed bugs to stay and feed. There's certainly plenty of food in the form of blood meals and plenty of places to hide.
Bed bugs can't fly or jump, so they hitch rides on whatever is touching the surface they are on. Backpacks are perfect transports for bed bugs, as they spend much of the day on the ground or close together on hooks. When students pick them up, they climb on to the students and hitch a ride home with them. Bed bugs can spread much faster than most think, and being prepared for a possible bed bug infestation can help you keep an infestation under control.
How to Stop Them From Spreading
Bed bugs can be brought into homes from school unknowingly and cause problems from there. Fortunately, there are ways to prevent bed bugs from being brought home. If you are a parent, you can start by checking your child's bags and clothes for bed bugs when they get back from school. Using a mudroom or garage to store school belongings can help keep any potential infestation contained. Don't let your children toss coats or backpacks onto the couch or their beds.
If you are a teacher or other school employee, you can help prevent a bed bug infestation starting with regularly cleaning and checking the classrooms where you work. Offering plastic totes to store personal belongings, or cubbies that divide children's belongings can help. Doing your part in stopping bed bugs from spreading is important.
Handling Bed Bugs
Although it is good for people to be aware of a bed bug infestation, you should be discreet if you are a school worker and discover bed bugs. Just because you find a bed bug in your school building doesn't mean there is a school-wide infestation. It's possible a student or staff member brought bed bugs to school from home. By calling attention to the issue, you may inadvertently cause some students to try and take care of home infestations on their own or hide it, which may lead to the infestation spreading further.
If there is a school-wide bed bug infestation, educating staff and families is paramount to ensuring that the infestation is contained and doesn't reoccur. Professional pest control companies are a fantastic resource for help with this issue.
Professional Help
Both parents and teachers in Bettendorf schools should be aware that bed bugs aren't a reason to stay home from school. If your child brings home bed bugs or your school has an infestation, the best thing you can do is contact the professionals at Quik-Kill Pest Eliminators right away. Our expert pest control technicians can help your school eliminate an infestation safely and effectively.
It's especially important to be vigilant in schools with the upcoming holidays. Many students will be traveling over the holiday breaks, which can increase the risk of picking up bed bugs. Quik-Kill Pest Eliminators is happy to do a free inspection of your home or school if you suspect bed bugs. Contact us today.