Top 5 Holiday Pest Prevention Tips

A black rat nestled among festive holiday decorations, including red ornaments and glowing string lights, highlighting the importance of holiday pest prevention. Contact Batzner Pest Control to keep your home pest-free this season!

The holiday season is here, filled with festivities, decorations, and family gatherings. But it’s also a time when pests seek shelter in your home’s warmth. From wreaths to Christmas trees, holiday decorations can create an open invitation for pests to sneak inside. Batzner Pest Control offers these five simple pest control steps to keep your home free from pests this season:

1. Inspect Decorations for Pest Activity

Before you start decorating, take a moment to examine your holiday storage boxes. Rodents like mice often hide in undisturbed places, leaving behind telltale signs like shredded material, droppings, or chewed wires. If any decorations appear to be contaminated, it’s best to dispose of them safely. And for safety, replace any frayed or broken lights to reduce the risk of fire hazards.

2. Check Fresh Greenery Carefully

Wreaths, garlands, and live Christmas trees can carry hidden insects and spiders. Shake them out thoroughly before bringing them indoors and inspect branches for any egg sacs or webs. Though many trees are pre-treated, this extra step can help prevent critters from making themselves at home in your living room.

3. Clear Outdoor Debris and Potential Shelters

Pests love the shelter that fallen leaves, shrubs, and firewood piles provide. By removing these potential hiding spots, you’ll discourage pests from setting up near your home. If you keep firewood, store it at least 20 feet away and off the ground to keep spiders and rodents from hitching a ride indoors.

4. Clean Up Food Messes Right Away

Holiday meals can leave crumbs and spills that attract pests like ants, roaches, and even mice. After cooking or eating, take a few minutes to wipe down counters, sweep floors, and store food properly. Even a few crumbs can create a feast for pests, so quick cleanups are crucial.

5. Store Decorations Securely After the Holidays

Once the season wraps up, pack away your decorations in sturdy, pest-proof containers with locking lids. Cardboard boxes are easy for rodents to chew through, but durable plastic bins offer solid protection for your holiday items until next year.

Enjoy a Pest-Free Holiday Season with Batzner Pest Control

At Batzner Pest Control, we’re dedicated to keeping your home protected from pests during the holiday season and beyond. Contact us today for expert pest solutions and enjoy a worry-free holiday!

Late Summer Pests

Cockroaches on wall in New Berlin, WI

Summers are known for warmer days, sunsets, and festivals. It’s a splendid time of the year, brimming with bright sunny days and the creation of wonderful lifelong memories. Regrettably, as summer progresses into its later months, pests can disrupt your seasonal enjoyment. These summer pests share our affection for warm weather and are inclined to infest your property during this cheerful time.

Types of Late Summer Pests:

  • Ants – The latter part of summer plays a pivotal role in ant reproduction and the establishment of new colonies. Their expansive colonies have the potential to result in infestations in your home and businesses. Their small size enables them to enter structures effortlessly, where they pose a risk of structural harm to homes and can transmit bacteria.
  • Stinging Insects – Encounters with wasps, bees, and hornets often become more frequent in the later stages of summer. During this period, these summer pests tend to exhibit heightened aggression because of the decreasing availability of their food sources. 
  • Cockroaches – Cockroach infestations have a tendency to escalate due to the warm weather, which creates ideal conditions for their breeding and movement. Cockroaches are recognized carriers and transmitters of bacteria. They are capable of polluting food and various surfaces within homes. This can give rise to potential health hazards like foodborne illnesses, gastrointestinal issues, and allergic reactions.
  • Fleas and Mites – Late summer is a time of heightened activity among fleas and mites. These summer pests are capable of transmitting a range of diseases through their bites. The resulting illnesses can cause symptoms that span from slight discomfort to serious afflictions, impacting both humans and pets alike.
  • Crawling Insects – Weather with warm temperatures is ideal for spiders, centipedes, and other crawling insects. If the weather gets too hot, crawling insects will seek relief inside. The warm weather will also attract the insects they feed upon. The presence of these summer pests can indicate that there might be an underlying pest issue that is attracting them. 
  • Rodents – Late summer offers an ideal environment for rapid rodent breeding. If left unattended, a small number can swiftly transform into a major infestation. Rodents, such as mice and rats, bring about substantial risks to both our well-being and property.
  • Birds – Certain bird species might display heightened territorial and aggressive tendencies, particularly when they are in the midst of nesting. Birds like pigeons and starlings, for instance, can showcase aggression when they detect potential dangers to their nesting locations. Additionally, some bird species can harbor illnesses that are transferable to humans.

Take Preemptive Action   

Don’t wait for pests to invade your home and disrupt your peace of mind. Be proactive in protecting your property with preemptive measures. Reach out to the experts at Batzner Pest Control for professional action and year-round pest control.

How do you Check for Bed Bugs at Your Airbnb or Hotel

bed bugs in airbnb in New Berlin, WI

Traveling is a wonderful opportunity to explore new places, experience different cultures, and create cherished memories. However, alongside the excitement of travel comes a potential downside that’s often overlooked, the risk of encountering bed bugs in accommodations that are not your own. These tiny, elusive pests can easily hitch a ride back home with you, leading to a nightmare of an infestation. Let’s explore the challenges connected with coming across bed bugs while traveling and the essential measures to stop them from establishing themselves in your household.

Bed Bugs and Travel

Bed bugs have the remarkable ability to hide within tiny cracks and crevices, sustaining themselves for extended periods without food. This ability allows them to remain hidden during travel in your luggage, clothing, and personal items. Whether you’re lodging in hotels, Airbnb accommodations, or visiting friends and family, the prospect of encountering these elusive pests is a genuine concern.

Once these tiny insects infiltrate your belongings, they can effortlessly return to your residence. Bed bugs reproduce at an astonishing pace, and what begins as a minor infestation can swiftly transform into a significant predicament, resulting in irritating bites, and sleepless nights.

Identifying Bed Bugs

When traveling, taking preventive measures and being vigilant can save you from the frightening ordeal of a bed bug infestation. Here are steps you can take to identify the presence of bed bugs in your Airbnb accommodations or hotel: 

  • Before settling in, carefully examine the bedding, mattress seams, and box springs for signs of bed bugs. Look for small reddish-brown bugs, tiny white eggs, shed skins, or small black stains (fecal matter).
  • Inspect upholstered furniture, headboards, and nightstands for the same signs of infestation. Bed bugs can hide in any small crack or crevice.
  • Keep your luggage off the bed and elevated on luggage racks. When you return home, unpack outside or in a dedicated space and inspect your belongings for any signs of bed bugs.
  • Consider using sealed plastic bags for your clothes and personal items. This can prevent bed bugs from infesting your belongings.
  • A flashlight can help you thoroughly examine even the darkest corners for signs of bed bugs.

Preventing Bed Bugs From Hitching a Ride 

It’s essential to prevent bed bugs from hitching a ride home with you. Here are a few steps you can follow to steer clear of transporting these pests back to your home: 

  • Seal clothing and items in plastic bags or packing cubes. This creates a barrier between your belongings and potential bed bugs.
  • Bed bugs can easily hide in the fabric of soft luggage. Consider using hard-shelled suitcases that are less likely to provide hiding spots.
  • Wash all your clothes, even those that were unworn, in hot water after returning from a trip. High heat kills bed bugs and their eggs.
  • Before bringing your luggage inside, inspect it for any signs of bed bugs. Vacuum and wipe down the exterior.

Professional Bed Bug Extermination in Wisconsin

If you suspect bed bugs have infested your home after traveling, seeking professional help is essential. The only way to be sure you haven’t brought bed bugs into your home is to hire expert bed bug exterminators to inspect your home. Pest control companies such as Batzner Pest Control have the expertise to identify and effectively treat bed bug infestations, ensuring your home returns to a pest-free state. 

Protecting Your Dog from Tick Bites with Batzner

Checking dog for ticks in Wisconsin | Batzner Pest Control

Exploring the outdoors of Wisconsin is exciting for everyone, but there are pests in the tall grass that can ruin the fun. Ticks can cause discomfort for pets and pose many health risks. It’s essential to understand how to identify, remove, and prevent ticks to safeguard our dogs effectively.

Identifying Ticks and Where to Find Them

Ticks are small parasites that feed on animal blood. They tend to latch onto areas with less hair and more blood flow, such as the ears, neck, stomach, and legs. Tick bites can transmit diseases within 24 hours, which can cause a range of health issues in dogs. These diseases include: 

Preventing Ticks on Your Dog

It’s best to use a tick-preventive product year-round for ongoing protection. There are different options available, including topical products, oral medications, and collars. Consult with your veterinarian to select the option that works the best for you.

In addition to using preventive products, you can take the following measures to help protect your dog from ticks: 

  • Perform daily tick checks, especially after outdoor activities. 
  • Avoid areas with tall grass, brush, or woods where ticks are commonly found. 
  • Keep your yard clean and well-maintained to reduce tick habitats.

Properly Removing a Tick

If you discover a tick on your dog, it’s crucial to remove it promptly. Follow these steps to successfully remove it: 

  1. Use fine-tipped tweezers to grab the tick by the head. 
  2. Pull directly upward with a steady, even force.
  3. Avoid twisting the tick; this can break off the mouth parts or sections of head of the tick and leave it in the skin. 
  4. After removing the tick, wash and disinfect the area. 
  5. Save the tick in a small jar for reference incase an illness arises. 

Tick Prevention for Your Home

For comprehensive protection against ticks and other pests, Batzner Pest Control is here to help. Our expert team provides thorough inspections, customized treatment plans, and regular service schedules to keep you pest-free. You can enjoy peace of mind knowing that we have the experience, knowledge, and tools to prevent ticks. Don’t let ticks compromise your dog’s health and happiness. Contact Batzner Pest Control today to take proactive measures and ensure a tick-free environment for your furry friend.

Safeguarding Your Pets From Ticks This Summer

Dog running through a field in Wisconsin

Brace yourselves because summer’s approaching, and you know what that means—those dreaded ticks are about to crash the paw-ty. Don’t underestimate these bloodsucking creatures; they have the power to upend your dog’s environment completely. But fear not! You can keep ticks off your dog with these foolproof tips. Get ready to protect your furry friend and ensure their tail wags joyfully!

Why Ticks Are More Than Just Irritating

Forget about just being annoying – ticks are the supervillains of the pet world. These teeny terrors can transmit all sorts of nasty diseases, including the infamous Lyme disease, which Wisconsin knows all too well. Joint pain, fever, and organ damage can be on the menu if your pup falls prey to these villains. So, fighting off ticks is not just about comfort. It’s also about safeguarding your pets’ health and well-being.

Tips for Flea and Tick Prevention for Dogs

The best way to keep your furry friends safe from ticks is to be proactive about prevention. Taking just a few minutes before and after going outdoors could save you both a trip to the vet. Thankfully, tick prevention doesn’t have to be difficult or time-consuming. Follow these steps to keep ticks off your pets this summer:

Go on a Tick Scavenger Hunt

Did you know that a tick can stay on a pet for up to 6 days at a time? That’s why it’s important to check your furry friends (and yourself!) for ticks any time you go on an outdoor adventure. Every time you come indoors after playing outside, perform a tick check. Be sure to thoroughly examine your pet, including areas such as:

  • In or behind their ears
  • Paws or between toes
  • Knees or armpits
  • Belly or tail

If you find any ticks, remove them carefully using tweezers or a tick removal tool. If you don’t feel comfortable performing the removal on your own, contact your veterinarian for assistance.

Find Tick-free Zones

Tick hotspot alert! Tall grass and woodlands are like luxury resorts for these bloodsuckers. But fear not! When exploring Wisconsin’s glorious outdoors, steer clear of these tick-friendly spots. Stick to well-maintained paths and keep your pup on a leash, avoiding shady deals with those tick-infested areas.

Have a Doggie Spa Day

Who doesn’t love a fresh-smelling furball? Regular baths are like kryptonite to ticks. Give your four-legged friend a luxurious scrub with a dog-friendly shampoo, paying extra attention to their paws and belly. A squeaky-clean pup wins in the snuggle department and repels those tick villains like a charm!

Get a Tick-Repellent Dog Vest

Ready to take your pup on a thrilling outdoor mission? Gear up with a tick-repellent dog vest. It is like a superhero suit but more stylish. These vests provide extra protection against those pesky parasites and transform your furry sidekick into the coolest adventurer in town.

Professional Flea and Tick Prevention for Dogs: Batzner Pest Control to the Rescue!

It is time to call the big guns when the tick invasion gets out of control. Batzner Pest Control, the champion of tick annihilation, has your back. We understand how important it is to protect your pets, which is why we go the extra mile to deliver exceptional services that focus on long-term protection. With our team, you can expect:

  • Experience and Expertise: With over 75 years of battling pests, our extermination experts know the ins and outs tick control. 
  • Eco-warriors Unite: Batzner Pest Control fights the good fight for a greener world. We prioritize using environmentally responsible products and techniques to help protect your pets and family.

Ticks may be tiny troublemakers, but they don’t have to spoil your pup’s joyride through life. Armed with these tips, you will keep your furry friend safe and tick-free. Remember to chat with your veterinarian about tick repellants, and if the situation gets out of hand, call Batzner Pest Control today.

Pests that Swarm in Spring

Bees swarming on a hive

With warmer weather and spring rains, insects are starting to reappear. Spring is here in Wisconsin, which means swarming insects are returning: Termites, ants, bees and wasps are some of the most common pests in the Midwest this time of year. These insects can spoil your backyard events very quickly and even lead to indoor infestations. Knowing about the pests that swarm in spring can help you protect your space all year long.

What is a  Swarm?

A swarm is a large group of winged insects that gathers to feed and breed. Swarms are most common in the spring while the weather starts to heat up. Most swarms last for one to a few days, and this process plays an important role in establishing colonies. If insects swarm near your home, they could become a full-blown infestation and lead to a year-long problem.

Common Swarming Insects in Wisconsin

Though swarming is a natural behavior for insects, it can lead to serious problems for property owners. To keep your home and garden pest-free, it’s helpful to look out for these common swarming insects in our Wisconsin: 

Termites

All species of termites swarm. Though termites look very similar to winged ants, you can tell them apart by their straight antennae and equal-sized wings. Since termites typically remain inside of wooden structures, you should also watch for these signs of an infestation:

  • Mud tubes along the walls or floor
  • Droppings, old wings, and dead insects
  • Piles of “frass” (similar to sawdust)
  • Damaged wooden structures

Termites can infest a wide variety of wooden structures, from fences and sheds to attics and firewood. Though termites are not toxic, they can cause extensive damage that may cost hundreds or thousands of dollars to repair. If you suspect that there are termites in your property, it’s crucial to contact a pest professional as quickly as possible to identify and eliminate the infestation.

Ants

If you’ve ever noticed a sudden influx of ants in early spring, then you’re not alone. This time of year brings mild weather, plenty of water, and ample food sources – all of which allow ants to thrive. These pests can be bothersome and persistent, especially if they make it into your home. Though ants can be challenging to get rid of, there are a few steps you can take early in the year to prevent an infestation from forming in the first place:

  • Store your food in airtight containers
  • Clean up after eating outdoors
  • Store trash in lidded bins
  • Regularly sweep floors and wash counters

Bees

Bees are beneficial insects that play an important role in the health of our local environments. That said, they’re still stinging pests that can cause major problems if they settle in too close to your home or garden. Since spring is the time of year that bees swarm to grow or establish their colonies, this is also the time of year to prevent them from infesting your space:

  • Seal any openings that lead into your home: The last thing you want is a bee’s nest indoors. Go around your property and check for any cracks, gaps, or torn screens that could lead them into your house. 
  • Remove sources of standing water: Bees need water to survive, but they don’t need much – even a tiny puddle is enough. Remove sources of water, such as dripping faucets or empty flower pots in your garden.
  • Clean up after eating outdoors: Contrary to popular belief, bees don’t only eat nectar. They also consume protein-based foods and sweets. If you have a barbeque or picnic outside, be sure to clean up all of your leftovers, including crumbs.

Wasps

Though wasps look a lot like bees, they are very aggressive and can pose a safety risk to anybody who enters your property – especially small children, pets, and individuals with allergies. Most wasps are black and have white, orange, or yellow markings with small pinched waists and hairless bodies. To keep wasps off of your property, follow these tips:

  • Keep pet food bowls clean and indoors
  • Clean up leftovers immediately, especially outdoors
  • Remove sources of standing water on your property
  • Check eves, wall panels, and playground equipment for nests
  • Pick up fallen fruit that lands in your garden

If you notice wasps on your property, contact a professional right away. Approaching a nest without the right equipment and expertise could lead to severe stings and injury. An expert will be able to safely eliminate the pests and prevent them from returning to your home in the future.

Pest Control this Spring

As your local exterminators, we know how important it is to keep you and your family safe from pests in the Wisconsin area. The Batzner Pest Control team is dedicated to protecting your home from pests year-round with regular inspections and custom treatment plans. Whether you want a one-time service or ongoing pest protection, we have you covered! Our guarantee is to provide you with pest-free living. Contact us today to get your free quote!

5 Helpful Hints to Prevent Tick Bites

5 helpful hints to prevent tick bites in New Berlin WI - Batzner Pest Control serving Southeastern Wisconsin

With fall quickly approaching, chances are you’re wanting to spend as much time outdoors as possible before the cold months of winter hit! Whether you’re hiking or hosting a party in your backyard, it’s essential to know how to protect yourself from ticks. As tiny as they are, ticks can be dangerous as they may transmit serious illnesses, such as Lyme disease. Even though tick bites don’t always result in an illness, it’s important to understand how you can prevent being bitten in the first place! Read on to learn our top tips on preventing tick bites!

5 Tips to Prevent Tick Bites

  1. Wear protective clothing: When venturing into areas with a lot of vegetation or tall grass, make sure to keep bare skin to a minimum. Dress yourself in light-colored pants and long sleeves, wear closed-toe shoes, and consider tucking your pants into your socks.
  2. Use insect repellent: On areas of the skin that are still exposed, it’s recommended to use an insect spray containing at least 20% deet, as it can help deter ticks. Apply as directed by the manufacturer.
  3. Keep a tidy yard: Ticks love to seek shelter in areas with a lot of vegetation, even in your own backyard. Trim your grass, prune your shrubs and bushes, and remove piles of wood or other debris to keep ticks at bay.
  4. Be cautious when hiking: If you’re walking or hiking in wooded areas or spots with a lot of vegetation, try to stay in the center of the trail. Avoid stepping through areas of tall grass or unkempt vegetation, where ticks could be hiding.
  5. Check pets for ticks: Pets can’t defend themselves against ticks in the same way you can, which is why it’s crucial to check their coats for ticks on a regular basis, especially after they’ve walked through thick vegetation.

Signs of a Tick Bite

Because ticks are so small, it can be hard to know when they’ve hitched a ride on you or your pet. When they’ve found a host to feed on, ticks use their piercing mouthparts to first inject an anesthetic, which is why most people don’t feel the bite of a tick. As the tick fills with blood, it will eventually fall off its host. If a tick is found before it feeds, it can be removed with tweezers. Some signs of a tick bite include the telltale red bull’s eye rash around the spot of the bite. While most bites are harmless, they can transmit dangerous diseases and should always be treated by a medical professional.

How to Protect Yourself from Ticks

Even with tick season coming to a close, you shouldn’t let your guard down. Following the aforementioned tips can help lessen the risk of getting bitten by a tick, but it’s also important to always thoroughly check yourself and your pets after spending time outdoors through the fall. If you suspect ticks have made their way in your yard or home and are spreading, it’s time to call in for professional help. The licensed experts at Batzner Pest Control can keep you and your family safe from these potentially harmful insects!

Bed Bug Facts and Information for Prevention

Bed Bugs are a very real problem in the United States. According to a survey conducted by the National Pest Management Association, 1 in 5 Americans has had a bed bug infestation in their home or knows someone who has.

In the pest control industry, we answer countless questions about bed bugs and consider ourselves “myth busters” when it comes to the tiny, blood-sucking pests. Knowledge is your first line of defense. Simply knowing how to correctly identify a bed bug and its basic behaviors goes a long way in preventing an infestation.

Basic bed bugs facts:
  • Bed bugs primarily feed on humans, but they also feed on warm-blooded animals, including birds, mice and pets.
  • Adults are just under ¼” long, relatively flat and oval in shape compared to most other insects.
  • Bed bugs can lay one to five eggs per day and more than 500 in a lifetime.
  • Bed bugs can survive for several months without eating.
  • Bed bugs can withstand a wide range of temperatures, from nearly freezing to 122 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Bed bugs draw blood for about five minutes before retreating to digest.
  • Bed bug hatchlings are so small they can pass through a stitch-hole in a mattress.

Now that you’re thoroughly disgusted, let’s move on to how you can protect yourself. While there is no 100% guaranteed way to prevent bed bugs, there are steps you can take to greatly decrease your chances of bringing them home.

It’s important to keep in mind that bed bugs can be found nearly everywhere. Hotels, movie theaters, apartment complexes, libraries, public transportation, retail stores, and even offices can all harbor bed bugs.

Quick tips to help keep you bed bug free:
  • Regularly inspect sleeping areas for signs of bed bugs such as pepper-like stains, molted bed bug skins and white, sticky eggs.
  • Never bring second-hand furniture, especially mattresses and box springs, into a home or college dorm without thoroughly examining it for signs of a bed bug infestation.
  • At hotels, thoroughly inspect the entire room before unpacking, including behind the headboard and in furniture. Pull back the bed sheets and check the mattress seams for pepper-like stains that may be evidence of bed bug activity. If you suspect an infestation or problem, notify management and change rooms immediately. Be sure the new room is not adjacent to or directly below or above the possibly infested room.
  • Keep suitcases in plastic trash bags or protective covers during a hotel stay to prevent bed bugs from nesting there. Do not put them on the beds.
  • Upon returning home from a trip, inspect all suitcases and other belongings before bringing them into the house.
  • Wash all clothes – even those that have not been worn – in hot water and dry them using an extra-hot dryer setting.

If you suspect or discover a bed bug problem in your home, it’s best to contact a professional right away. Attempting self-treatment can often do more harm than good.

Prevent Bed Bugs from Coming Home from College

If your child is a college student visiting home for the weekend or moving home for the summer, you should be conscience of protecting your home from bed bugs. They hitch rides to and from campus along with your kids. College dorms and apartment complexes are hot spots for bed bugs. College housing can be prime territory for bed bug infestations to spread rapidly, and it only takes a few hitchhikers on your son or daughter’s belongings to bring that infestation into your home. If you have a child in this position, make sure they aren’t bringing any unwanted guests back with them.

Because bed bugs are excellent hitchhikers, they are easy to carry both to and from campus. Here are a few tips on bed bug prevention in college dorms and apartments:

  • Suit cases and trunks should be fully inspected for signs of bed bugs prior to using for back to school packing, especially if they were used for other travel.
  • Any secondhand or rental furniture should be inspected to ensure that it is free of any bed bugs or bed bug evidence.
  • Dorm rooms should be inspected prior to unpacking – begin with the mattress and check any additional furniture in the room, such as sofas or chairs.
  • Invest in a mattress encasement if your school doesn’t provide them. While a mattress encasement can’t stop bed bugs from getting into your dorm room, they can allow you to see bed bugs that get introduced to your room, since it prevents them from being able to hide on the mattress and box spring. Look for an encasement that promotes “bug proof” zipper locks.

Randy Rupert, Batzner’s Bed Bug Team Leader, recommends the following to prevent the transfer of bed bugs while moving. A visual inspection before packing is always necessary.

  • Look out for blood spots on linens and clothes
  • Check for fecal spotting on and inside the box spring and box spring frame
  • Inspect area around bed for shed skins, eggs, and live bugs

If you find any reason to believe that bed bugs are present, or if you just want to be extra careful:

In the Dorm
BAG EVERYTHING, especially linens, clothes, and shoes and securely tie the bag(s).

At Your Home
Leave the bags/luggage in the garage, complete the following steps before bringing anything inside (if possible)

  • Empty the bag as soon as possible
    • Put contents into the dryer right away, dry for 30 to 60 minutes on HIGH
    • Keep an eye out for black spots in seams, dust skirts, fitted sheets, and other places bed bugs like to live
  • Vacuum all the luggage, bags, etc. as well as the around the bags/luggage
  • Wash canisters and other transferring material that cannot be vacuumed
  • Wipe down hard surfaced items (laptops, TVs, etc.)

Moving day from a college campus can be a tiring, frustrating experience, but these few extra steps are very much worth the effort. Bed bugs in your home are a sure way to ruin what should be an enjoyable time with your child! If by some chance a bed bug infestation still occurs, or if you have any questions on bed bug prevention or management, don’t hesitate to call 866-591-3519 or contact us online.

How to Prevent Bed Bugs in Schools and Avoid Bringing Them Home

Bed bug infestations with sustaining populations in classrooms are rare because schools are generally poor environments for bed bug survival and reproduction. However, periodic introductions of bed bugs into classes occur more often due to the increasing frequency of bed bugs in homes.

Bed bugs can crawl onto or off of a person, or their belongings, at any time making them excellent hitchhikers. In fact, the most common way for bed bugs to enter a school is through “hitchhiking” from an infested site. Usually this is from a student, staff or teacher’s home which has a bed bug infestation. Bed bugs are not associated with uncleanliness or socioeconomic status, but this insect has a substantial social stigma. While teachers and staff can be more easily addressed, dealing with students or parents can be challenging, especially if the family cannot afford proper control measures or their landlord refuses to properly treat their home.

Steps schools can follow if a student’s home is known to have a bed bug infestation:
  • Provide the student with educational materials they can take home with them.
  • Send a letter to the student’s parent or guardian requesting that they take steps to reduce the risk of bed bugs being transported to school.
  • Send a letter to all parents with children in the affected classroom.
  • Provide the student with plastic bags or a plastic bin in which to store their belongings while at school.
  • Isolate the student’s belongings.
  • Reduce the number of items that the student has to transport between school and home.
  • Regularly inspect the student’s desk and or locker for bed bugs.
  • Avoid accumulation of clothes, shoes and boots in the classroom.
Preventing Bed Bugs in the School:

Providing proactive bed bug education is the best way to prevent a bed bug infestation in schools.

  • Provide educational materials to staff and parents/guardians.
  • Keep the facility clean and uncluttered. Bed Bugs are not associated with uncleanliness, but a clean facility makes it easier to detect bed bugs before an infestation gets established.
  • If children take naps at school, regularly put the bedding in the dryer on a high setting for at least 30 min. This will kill all stages of bed bug development. Dress up clothes or theater costumes should also be regularly put through the dryer.
  • Regularly clean and inspect the following: lost-and-found, sleeping areas, upholstered furniture, and wall mounted items (pictures, clocks, signs, mirrors, etc.).
  • Store items (bedding, clothes, coats, bags) in clear plastic containers when possible.
  • Consider periodic inspection by a bed bug detecting canine, if bed bugs are consistently an issue in the population you serve.
Recommendations for parents to follow at home:
  • Parents should regularly inspect their children’s belongings for hitchhiking bed bugs.
  • Limiting the number of items children bring home from school.
  • Regularly checking backpacks, jackets and clothing after kids return home and keeping these items in a separate area of the house.
  • Wash and dry cloth items returning from school in hot temperatures.
  • Inspecting your car for signs of bed bugs, like shed exoskeletons and blood stains.
  • If the school has reported an infestation, consider housing all related items in a sealed plastic bin.
  • Ask school administrators whether they have bed bug detection and elimination plans.

Whether your kids are in school or you work in a school yourself, it is important to keep yourself educated about bed bugs and prevention.

Get more information on bed bugs here.