With so many kids attending school each day, it’s easy for them to bring home all sorts of unwanted problems. Most people think of sicknesses and lice as the main concerns, but many people don’t pay as much attention to bed bugs. Unfortunately, kids can bring bed bugs home from school, which can sometimes lead to a full-blown infestation. To catch it before it becomes a problem, follow these tips:
Avoid Setting Backpacks on the Floor
Bed bugs are expert hitchhikers. Since they’re so tiny, we don’t notice when they hop onto our clothes or belongings to hitch a ride to our homes. Backpacks act as free taxis for these insects, so make sure your child is careful about where they store them both in school and at home.
In school, encourage your child to hang their backpack on the back of their chair, instead of setting it on the floor. You should also tell them to avoid storing them on top of or near other students’ backpacks. At home, keep backpacks away from beds and upholstered furniture, and store them off the floor, either on a shelf, on a table or hanging from a hook.
Be Careful About Where You Place Jackets
Although it’s common for kids to carry a jacket or sweater with them to school, it’s rare that they wear it all day. In the warmer weather, they may leave their jacket inside, while in the colder weather, they may take it off once they enter the heated building. Whatever the case, encourage them to be mindful of where they place their jacket when they’re not wearing it. As with their backpacks, encourage them to hang their jacket on the back of their chair. Explain to them the importance of not leaving their jacket on the floor or in a pile with other students’ jackets.
Inspect Backpacks
Since bed bugs are expert travelers, the best way to avoid an infestation is to prevent them from entering your home once they’ve already hitched a ride. To avoid giving them any opportunities to infest your home, it’s good practice to inspect your child’s backpack at least once a week. Carefully search the seams, compartments and other tiny crevices. If you see these sneaky insects, shed skins or droppings, empty everything out of the backpack, and wash and dry it on high heat.
Communicate With the School and Other Parents
Communication between parents and the school is vital when it comes to preventing the spread of bed bugs. You can reach out to your child’s school and ask about what proactive measures they have in place. Always be on the lookout for communications from your child’s school about bed bug concerns.
You can also communicate with other parents about bed bugs. If you have a concern, express it to other parents. Educating each other and working together is an extremely helpful way to protect everybody’s families and homes against bed bug infestations.
What to Do if Bed Bugs are Found at School
If your child’s school notifies you that bed bugs have been discovered at the school, it’s important to take action to protect your child and your home. Immediately wash backpacks, soft lunchboxes and clothes. If your child brings stuffed animals or any other fabric items to school, thoroughly clean these as well. Make sure to get in all the seams and small nooks and crannies. Then, inspect their bedroom for signs of bed bugs, wash their bedding in hot water and thoroughly clean carpets and nearby furniture.
Prevention is the best form of pest control. But if your child brings home bed bugs, despite your best efforts, reach out to the trusted Omaha bed bug control team at Pro-Staff! With our expert bed bug control process, we’ll eliminate bed bugs from your home and prevent them from returning. Give us a call at (402) 819-7378 or contact us online for a free inspection.
