Bed bugs are brown, apple seed sized insects in which infestations are becoming more common. They can be found in locations where there is a high turnover of people like apartments, dorms, and hotels. Bed bug infestations usually occur around or near where people or animals sleep. They hide in cracks and crevices of mattresses, box springs, bed frames, headboards, and in clutter near beds.

Bed bugs can also be found behind baseboards, light switches, electrical plates, mirrors and wall hangings. Bed bugs are expert hitchhikers, traveling on suitcases, clothing, furniture, backpacks, and boxes. Bed bugs feed on the blood of humans and animals.

Bed bug bites are red, very itchy, and the discomfort of itching can cause distubances with sleep. The bites usually appear on exposed skin of the neck, face, arms or legs. Not everyone reacts the same way to bedbugs. Some people are not allergic to the bites and will not exhibit any signs of being bitten. Bed bugs do not transmit disease.

When a student complains of itchy bites that appear to be like those of bed bugs, the student's clothing and backpack are discreetly inspected to determine if any bed bugs have "hitchhiked" to school. If bugs are discovered, a bug is bagged for identification confirmation, and parents are notified that they may have an infestation of bed bugs in their home. The student is allowed to remain in school. Clothing is changed and personal belongings are bagged or may be put in a clothes dryer at a temperature that will kill bed bugs. Parents will be asked not to send personal belongings (like backpacks) to school until the infestation is eradicated.

For more information about bed bugs and home treatment, click on the following sites:

Centers for Disease Control "Bed Bugs"

University of Minnesota "Let's Beat the Bug!"

ENID PUBLIC SCHOOLS

ENID PUBLIC SCHOOLS