• Bed Bug Information for Parents

    Unfortunately, bed bugs have been a problem for centuries -- and from time to time, you may encounter them at home or in public places. 

    Bed bugs are active mainly at night, and during the day they hide -- usually somewhere near where people sleep. They a nuisance, but their bites do not spread disease. Bites may become swollen and itch, much like a mosquito bite. (One way to tell the difference between a bed bug bite and a mosquito bite is to look for clusters of bites, usually in a line, on exposed areas of the body.) If you have medical concerns for yourself or your child, please contact your doctor. 

    The source of bed bugs often cannot be determined, as they can be found in many public places, including hotels, planes, and movie theaters. Unlike head lice, bed bugs do not live on a person. However, they can “hitch-hike” from one place to another in backpacks, clothing, luggage, books, computers, and other items.

    Anytime a MCAS staff member or student reports seeing a bed bug at school (which is rare!) we inspect the classroom. Our inspections to date have found only isolated adult bugs, not an infestation. (An infestation is a more serious situation, occurring when bed bug eggs and nymphs are found in addition to a single adult.) Even though it is unlikely for bed bugs to infest a school, Michigan City Area Schools will continue to conduct regular inspections and, if needed, will implement an integrated pest management plan in the area. MCAS works with licensed pest control specialists to assist with pest management. 

    Please be aware that if a bed bug is found on your child or his/her belongings, you will be notified immediately with additional information. Any personal items suspected to have bedbugs will be secured in plastic bags or containers to prevent spread to others. 

    Below are links to more information about bed bugs:

    Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): http://www.epa.gov/bedbugs/

    Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): https://www.cdc.gov/parasites/bedbugs/index.html

    Purdue University: http://extension.entm.purdue.edu/publichealth/insects/bedbug.html

    Indiana Department of Health (Controlling Bedbugs at Home handout):  https://www.in.gov/health/files/18_Bed_bugs-DIY-ISDH.pdf