510.00 - Bed Bugs

Actual bed bug infestations in schools are uncommon, more often a few bed bugs will hitchhike on possessions from an infested site or home. Bed bugs are not associated with uncleanliness or socioeconomic status, but this insect has a substantial social stigma. Insecticides that are available over the counter are not effective against bed bugs.

 

Guidelines if bed bugs are in a school

1. If a suspected bed bug is found on a child’s clothing or in a school:

   1. Collect a specimen without crushing the bug with a clear piece of tape, or tissue. 

   2. Place unknown bug in a clear covered container and or sealed plastic bag, ziplock or seal with tape; do not staple the bag.

   3. Pictures cannot be used to identify a suspected bed bug – only actual bug specimens can be analyzed.

2. Conduct an inspection of the classroom where the specimen was collected; if no other insects are found, it is not necessary to vacate the space prior to pest management consultation/service. 

3. The school principal or designee (custodian) will contact the environmental specialist for the South Tama Public Schools.

4. The school nurse will provide educational information to the classroom teacher(s) on bed bugs.

5. Hard surfaces may be cleaned with hot soapy water to reduce the risk of bed bugs.

6. Insecticides that are available over the counter are not effective against bed bugs.

7. Only upon confirmation that the specimen is a bed bug and a classroom infestation is identified will other parents/guardians be notified. 

Responding to bed bugs found on a student in the school

1.  Collect the specimens for positive identification.  Keep specimens as intact as possible.   The school principal or designee (custodian) will contact the environmental specialist for STC.

2. Do NOT send the student home or isolate from other students.

3. Temporarily remove the student from the classroom so that the school nurse or a qualified individual can perform an inspection of the student’s clothing and other belongings including; hat, shoes, jacket, backpack, and school supplies.

4. The school nurse will notify the parent/guardian and provide the student and their family with educational materials that include references and resources in treating bed bugs at home.

   1. CDC Factsheet [FAQ]

5. If bed bugs have been found on a student’s belongings, discreetly:

   1.  Provide the student with plastic bags or plastic bin to store belongings while in school.

   2. Isolate student’s belongings.

   3. Reduce the number of items that the student has to transport between school and home.

   4. Discreetly do regular inspections of the student’s desk and/or locker for bed bugs.

6.  The student should change into temporary clothing, if possible.

• Place all of the student’s clothes (including shoes) into a plastic bag/container and send home for laundering.

• If the school has a dryer, the clothes may be dried on high for 30 minutes after which the clothes may be worn and the student may return to class. 

7.  Remaining belongings should be placed in a large zip lock plastic bag or plastic container.

 

Preventing and Minimizing bed bugs in the classroom and the school:

1.  Keep the classroom, especially coat and backpack closets, as clean and free of clutter as possible.   A non-cluttered area makes it easier to detect bed bugs before an infestation can get established.

2. Regularly inspect and clean areas where clothing and bedding items are stored; e.g., coat closets, lost-and-found, napping areas, and upholstered furniture.

3. Reduce the use of blankets and pillows and the accumulation of clothes and shoes in the classroom.

4. Store items (bedding, clothes, coats, bags, costumes and uniforms) in clear plastic containers when possible.

 

Approved: September 21, 2026

Reviewed: September 21, 2026

Revised: September 21, 2026