New York City pest control professionals know firsthand that bed bug infestations can exist with a school, despite what some people think.  They can easily be transported on students or staff members via backpacks, coats, hats, gloves, shoes, clothing, binders, and books.  Once inside of a school, bed bugs can easily climb out of belongings or drop off a person and scurry off to any crack, crevice, electrical outlet, wall void, locker, book, stack of paper, or into someone else’s belonging.

Proof of bed bug infiltration within schools comes from New York City’s experience over the past few years.  In the 2010-11 school year, there were 3,590 reports of bed bugs within New York City schools.  DOE officials believe that each time the bugs were brought in from an outside source.  One school however was found to have a full-blown bed bug infestation.  Much to the dismay of administration and parents alike, it is now being reported that Astoria’s Public School 70 was found to have bed bugs reproducing in a closet in a classroom.

This week, 9News.com reported on September 29, 2011 that two bed bugs had been found in the hallway of a Denver, Colorado elementary school.  A letter was generated to parents advising them of the presence of the critters, and now parents are worried that their student will bring the bloodsuckers home with them.

An Assistant Professor of Biology and bed bug expert claims that schools are not good environments because “they are too cool, bright and lack cracks and crevasses.”  He also said that, “the likelihood of the school developing an infestation is very, very low. I’ve never heard of a school house infestation.”

You may read the article here.

It is true that the two bed bugs found could have dropped off a child or administrator.  But because nobody knows for certain their origin, everyone is at risk.  There could be more bed bugs lurking.  These two bed bugs could be male and female which have already mated with potential eggs being laid in various locations throughout the school causing a full blown infestation.

All bed bug infestations should be handled promptly by a licensed pest control expert!