Bedbug Alert
Posted: Fri Oct 23, 2015 7:35 am
Yesterday, parents of Harding Middle School received this letter from Superintendent Jeff Patterson:
October 22, 2015
Dear Parents/Guardians:
On Wednesday, Oct. 21, a bed bug was discovered at Harding Middle School. The student and the student’s belongings were immediately isolated and the room where the student was present was sealed off. A dog handler with a certified bed-bug sniffing dog was brought in to pinpoint any areas of concern. This morning, the two rooms where bed bugs were detected were treated with a high heat process that is completely effective. No chemicals were used.
Attached to this email is information about bed bugs, how they “hitchhike,” and how families can protect their homes and treat the problem when discovered. Bed bugs do not transmit disease, but they are certainly a nuisance and their bites can become infected when scratched. You can find additional information on bed bugs on the Health Center page of our web site.
Bed bugs are becoming more common, and anyone can bring them home from travels or even from visiting public spaces. The best way to control the problem from spreading is checking regularly at home for them. We sincerely appreciate it when families make us aware of a bed bug challenge they face at home so that we can target inspections accordingly and follow up with protocols established by the Cuyahoga County Board of Health. The District will be sending two representatives to the Cuyahoga County Board of Health’s Bed Bug Task Force Conference next month to keep abreast of the latest protocols for addressing this nuisance issue.
If you discover bed bugs in your home at any time during the school year, please contact your school office immediately. Your privacy will be completely respected. Because of school-home cooperation, we were able to catch this instance and get it under control quickly.
Sincerely,
Jeffery Patterson, Superintendent
Two information sheets were included:
BED BUGS:
IDENTIFICATION, INSPECTION &TREATMENT
Public health officials and pest control operators in northeast Ohio and across the country are
responding to a significant increase in bed bug complaints. Bed bugs were once found only on
bedding in homes, apartments, and rooming houses. Now they are found in office buildings, retail
stores, hospitals, dormitories, nursing homes, libraries, movie theaters, buses, or any other place
where people gather. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) and the
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have declared that the bed bug is
now a “pest of significant public health importance.”
Identifying Bed Bugs
• Bed bugs are small, flat, oval, reddish-brown, wingless insects that feed on the blood of
humans and other mammals.
• Adult bed bugs are approximately ¼ inch long, about the size of an apple seed. Young
bed bugs (nymphs) are quite small and when unfed they appear lighter and almost clear in
color.
• Bed bugs do not fly or jump. However, they can crawl very fast.
• Female bed bugs can lay up to five eggs a day and five hundred during a lifetime.
• They are excellent hitchhikers and are easily spread by moving beds, furniture, luggage,
clothes, or other possessions from one location to another.
• Anyone who comes in direct contact with bed bugs or their eggs can unknowingly carry
them into their home or workplace.
Bed Bug Bites
• Bed bugs are primarily a nuisance to humans and are not known to transmit disease.
• Bites can cause welts which may become infected by excessive scratching.
• Bed bug infestations can cause anxiety as well as psychological and emotional stress.
Signs of a Bed Bug Infestation
Usually the first sign of a bed bug infestation is the appearance of red itchy welts on any
bare skin that is exposed while sleeping. Be aware that not every welt or bite is due to bed
bugs. Consult a medical provider with questions about unexplained bites or red welts.
Live bed bugs, eggs and cast skins indicate a bed bug infestation. Small black or rusty
colored spots found on bed linens, pillows, or the mattress may be blood spots and bed bug
droppings.
Inspecting for Bed Bugs
Bed bugs hide close to where people sleep. They prefer fabric, wood, and paper surfaces over metal or plastic. Look for
live bed bugs, eggs, cast skins, and blood or fecal spots in these locations:
□ mattresses
□ box springs
□ head boards
□ bed frames
□ upholstered
furniture
□ recliners
□ baseboards
□ behind pictures
□ under loose wallpaper
□ sleeper sofas
□ electrical outlets
□ telephones
□ radios
□ televisions
□ stacks of books
□ piles of papers
□ back packs
□ luggage
□ futons
□ gym bags
□ draperies &
curtains
□ stuffed animals
□ hollow furniture legs
□ door frames & hinges
□ wall / ceiling junction
□ wheelchairs/walkers
□ bed side tables
□ edge of carpeting
http://www.cuyahogabedbugs.org
Wash sheets and blankets
in hot water and dry them
thoroughly in a hot dryer
before making up the bed
A zippered bed bug proof
cover can help protect against
Do not use foggers
Treating Bed Bug Infestations
Complete elimination of a bed bug infestation can be a difficult process and may require the services of a
knowledgeable and licensed pest management company. It may take several treatments to gain control over an
infestation. If a “do-it-yourself” method is chosen, only use pesticide products that are labeled to kill bed bugs.
Always read and follow the label directions before applying any pesticide product. Here are some additional tips to
help eliminate bed bugs.
• Reduce and eliminate clutter. Do not keep piles of clothes, boxes, toys, shoes, etc.
on the floor, under the bed, or in closets. They are prime hiding places for bed bugs.
• Heat kills bed bugs. Wash clothes at the hottest recommended setting. Tumble dry
the clothes on high heat for at least 30 minutes (120o F or above).
• Encase an infested mattress and box spring in a zippered cover that is labeled and
certified “bed bug proof.” Leave the covers on for at least one full year.
• Vacuum home thoroughly and often. Pay particular attention to the area around the
bed and the bed itself. Sprinkle ¼ to ½ cup of talcum powder on the last section of
floor to be vacuumed. The powder will help dry out and kill bed bugs in the bag or
cup. Place the vacuum cleaner bag or contents in a sealable plastic bag and discard it
in the trash outside.
• Pesticides labeled to kill bed bugs are available over the counter and may provide
effective control. However, if the problem persists or is heavily entrenched, contact a
knowledgeable, experienced, and licensed pest management professional for assistance.
• Since bed bugs are difficult to control, plan on several thorough treatments to eliminate
an infestation.
• DO NOT USE “Bug Bombs”. These products may kill on contact but they are mostly
ineffective against hidden bed bugs. They may make the infestation worse by scattering
the bugs throughout the home or apartment.
• If an infestation is suspected in a rental unit, contact the building manager or landlord
about the problem. Property owners should contact a professional pest control company
for advice and assistance. The local health department can also provide assistance on bed
bug identification, prevention and control options.
• The property manager and pest management professional may provide preparation
guidelines prior to treating for bed bugs. Getting rid of bed bugs is a cooperative effort
and these guidelines should be followed closely.
Preventing Future Infestations of Bed Bugs
• Do not bring discarded bed frames, mattresses, box springs, or upholstered furniture into the home.
• Carefully inspect used or rented furniture prior to bringing it into the home.
• Place any recently purchased clothes, whether new or second hand, into the dryer at a hot setting for at least
30 minutes (120oF or above).
• When traveling, inspect the bed, headboard, and furniture upon arrival. Keep suitcases
off the floor and bed and inspect them before leaving. Wash and dry all clothing, per the
above recommendations, after returning home.
• Caulk and seal any cracks and crevices throughout the home, especially in rooms where
people sleep.
• Be careful of who stays overnight or sleeps at the house. Likewise, be mindful when
staying away from home. Inspect all children’s backpacks, stuffed animals, and other
belongings if they have stayed overnight or spent considerable time at another location.
http://www.cuyahogabedbugs.org
GUIDELINES FOR BED BUG RESPONSE IN A SCHOOL BUILDING
Education is Key: Provide training for custodial, teaching, and nursing staff on bed bug
identification. The training should include the following topics: identification of bed bugs
and bed bug evidence, bed bug hiding spots and the school’s bed bug response protocol. The
training can be conducted by the local health department, an entomologist, or a pest
management professional.
Bed bugs are spreading rapidly within the United States. Contact with bed bugs can occur anywhere, even at
schools. It is important for schools to be informed about how to prevent a bed bug infestation and how to address
the detection of bed bugs.
Since bed bugs are not known to transmit disease, students should not be excluded from school due to bed bugs.
The school nurse or school administration should privately follow these guidelines with the student’s dignity in
mind.
Care for the Student
• Discreetly remove the student from the classroom so the school nurse or a qualified individual can perform
an inspection of the student’s clothing and belongings, including shoes, jackets,
hats, books, backpacks, school supplies, etc.
• Place any of the student’s items that may not be essential to the school day, such as
book bags and coats, into a large plastic bag and tightly seal the bag.
• Heat kills bed bugs. If the school has a washer or dryer, the school may wash the
student’s clothing at the hottest recommended setting. Tumble dry the clothing on
high heat for 30 minutes (120oF or above).
• Check areas where the student sits or where the student’s belongings may have been placed for extended
periods of time. Bed bugs are excellent hitchhikers and can be found on various surfaces in many different
locations.
• Take measures to minimize the amount of attention drawn to the student.
Collect a Specimen for Identification
• Collect a specimen using a tissue or a piece of gauze. Try not to crush the bug. Multiple specimens can be
very helpful in identification of the insect.
• Dispose of additional bed bugs found by placing them in a tightly sealed bag and discarding the bag in an
outdoor trash receptacle or dumpster. VERY IMPORTANT: If a specimen is found on a student or the
student’s belongings, remove the specimen as instructed above, but do not send the student home. The
parents should be immediately notified by the school nurse or the school administration if the specimen is a
confirmed bed bug.
• Contact the local health department, a pest management professional, or utilize the website
(http://www.cuyahogabedbugs.org) to assist in identification. The local health department may also consult with
the Ohio Department of Health as needed.
• An additional service to identify insects is available at the Ohio State University (http://www.ppdc.osu.edu).
• Do not send live specimens via any postal or shipping service. Check the appropriate websites for proper
submission protocols. Once received by the agency, an entomologist will examine the specimen and then
notify the school administration of the bug’s identification, typically within two days of receipt.
http://www.cuyahogabedbugs.org
Positive Identification of Bed Bugs: What to Do Next
After positive identification, the school administration or the school nurse should send the
school community a parent or guardian notification letter and a bed bug fact sheet available
at http://www.ccbh.net or http://www.cuyahogabedbugs.org.
If the bed bug was found directly on a student or the student’s belongings, the school
administration or nurse should make direct contact with the student’s parent or guardian and provide the following
information:
• Instruct the parent or guardian to send the student to school with a sealable plastic bag containing a clean,
freshly laundered change of clothes. The clothes should be washed at the hottest recommended setting and
tumble dried on high heat for at least 30 minutes before being placed in the bag.
• Request that the parent or guardian send only essential items to school with the student. These items should
be inspected upon arrival at school. The school may offer to keep non-essential items overnight to help
ensure the items are bed bug free.
• Suggest keeping school items sealed in a plastic bag at home and limit items going back and forth from
home to school until the infestation is under control.
Treating an Infestation
An Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program should be implemented to help achieve long-term, environmentally
sound pest control. An effective IPM approach incorporates a number of components, including education,
thorough monitoring, identification of both chemical and non-chemical pest management techniques, accurate
record keeping, and periodic program evaluation.
• Ongoing pest management should be overseen by the school administration.
• A properly licensed pest management company should be contracted to apply pesticides. A list of licensed
pest management companies and applicators can be found at the Ohio Department of Agriculture’s web site
(http://www.agri.ohio.gov/apps/odaprs/pe ... index.aspx). Verify the company is experienced in
bed bug treatment.
In addition to following an IPM program, the school administration should implement a protocol to treat areas
where bed bugs are found. The following vacuuming procedures should be incorporated:
• Vacuum areas where bed bugs are found during the normal after-school cleaning schedule. Make sure
floor and baseboards are included.
• Sprinkle about ¼ to ½ cup of talcum powder on the last section of floor to be vacuumed. The talc will help
dry out and kill bed bugs in the bag or cup.
• Carefully remove the vacuum bag or contents of the bag-free vacuum container and place it in a tightly
sealed plastic garbage bag for disposal.
• Dispose of the sealed bag in an outdoor trash can.
• Do not use the same vacuum bag in uninfested areas.
To help minimize the potential transfer of bed bugs or their eggs from one student’s belongings to another, it is
recommended to store each student’s items (coat, backpack, lunch bag, etc.) separate from those of their classmates
or in individual plastic containers labeled with the students’ names. Coats hung next to each other and lunch bags
stored together in a common container provide bed bugs an opportunity to relocate and to be transported home with
an unknowing student.
Note: These guidelines include recommendations of the Central Ohio Bed Bug Taskforce
October 22, 2015
Dear Parents/Guardians:
On Wednesday, Oct. 21, a bed bug was discovered at Harding Middle School. The student and the student’s belongings were immediately isolated and the room where the student was present was sealed off. A dog handler with a certified bed-bug sniffing dog was brought in to pinpoint any areas of concern. This morning, the two rooms where bed bugs were detected were treated with a high heat process that is completely effective. No chemicals were used.
Attached to this email is information about bed bugs, how they “hitchhike,” and how families can protect their homes and treat the problem when discovered. Bed bugs do not transmit disease, but they are certainly a nuisance and their bites can become infected when scratched. You can find additional information on bed bugs on the Health Center page of our web site.
Bed bugs are becoming more common, and anyone can bring them home from travels or even from visiting public spaces. The best way to control the problem from spreading is checking regularly at home for them. We sincerely appreciate it when families make us aware of a bed bug challenge they face at home so that we can target inspections accordingly and follow up with protocols established by the Cuyahoga County Board of Health. The District will be sending two representatives to the Cuyahoga County Board of Health’s Bed Bug Task Force Conference next month to keep abreast of the latest protocols for addressing this nuisance issue.
If you discover bed bugs in your home at any time during the school year, please contact your school office immediately. Your privacy will be completely respected. Because of school-home cooperation, we were able to catch this instance and get it under control quickly.
Sincerely,
Jeffery Patterson, Superintendent
Two information sheets were included:
BED BUGS:
IDENTIFICATION, INSPECTION &TREATMENT
Public health officials and pest control operators in northeast Ohio and across the country are
responding to a significant increase in bed bug complaints. Bed bugs were once found only on
bedding in homes, apartments, and rooming houses. Now they are found in office buildings, retail
stores, hospitals, dormitories, nursing homes, libraries, movie theaters, buses, or any other place
where people gather. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) and the
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have declared that the bed bug is
now a “pest of significant public health importance.”
Identifying Bed Bugs
• Bed bugs are small, flat, oval, reddish-brown, wingless insects that feed on the blood of
humans and other mammals.
• Adult bed bugs are approximately ¼ inch long, about the size of an apple seed. Young
bed bugs (nymphs) are quite small and when unfed they appear lighter and almost clear in
color.
• Bed bugs do not fly or jump. However, they can crawl very fast.
• Female bed bugs can lay up to five eggs a day and five hundred during a lifetime.
• They are excellent hitchhikers and are easily spread by moving beds, furniture, luggage,
clothes, or other possessions from one location to another.
• Anyone who comes in direct contact with bed bugs or their eggs can unknowingly carry
them into their home or workplace.
Bed Bug Bites
• Bed bugs are primarily a nuisance to humans and are not known to transmit disease.
• Bites can cause welts which may become infected by excessive scratching.
• Bed bug infestations can cause anxiety as well as psychological and emotional stress.
Signs of a Bed Bug Infestation
Usually the first sign of a bed bug infestation is the appearance of red itchy welts on any
bare skin that is exposed while sleeping. Be aware that not every welt or bite is due to bed
bugs. Consult a medical provider with questions about unexplained bites or red welts.
Live bed bugs, eggs and cast skins indicate a bed bug infestation. Small black or rusty
colored spots found on bed linens, pillows, or the mattress may be blood spots and bed bug
droppings.
Inspecting for Bed Bugs
Bed bugs hide close to where people sleep. They prefer fabric, wood, and paper surfaces over metal or plastic. Look for
live bed bugs, eggs, cast skins, and blood or fecal spots in these locations:
□ mattresses
□ box springs
□ head boards
□ bed frames
□ upholstered
furniture
□ recliners
□ baseboards
□ behind pictures
□ under loose wallpaper
□ sleeper sofas
□ electrical outlets
□ telephones
□ radios
□ televisions
□ stacks of books
□ piles of papers
□ back packs
□ luggage
□ futons
□ gym bags
□ draperies &
curtains
□ stuffed animals
□ hollow furniture legs
□ door frames & hinges
□ wall / ceiling junction
□ wheelchairs/walkers
□ bed side tables
□ edge of carpeting
http://www.cuyahogabedbugs.org
Wash sheets and blankets
in hot water and dry them
thoroughly in a hot dryer
before making up the bed
A zippered bed bug proof
cover can help protect against
Do not use foggers
Treating Bed Bug Infestations
Complete elimination of a bed bug infestation can be a difficult process and may require the services of a
knowledgeable and licensed pest management company. It may take several treatments to gain control over an
infestation. If a “do-it-yourself” method is chosen, only use pesticide products that are labeled to kill bed bugs.
Always read and follow the label directions before applying any pesticide product. Here are some additional tips to
help eliminate bed bugs.
• Reduce and eliminate clutter. Do not keep piles of clothes, boxes, toys, shoes, etc.
on the floor, under the bed, or in closets. They are prime hiding places for bed bugs.
• Heat kills bed bugs. Wash clothes at the hottest recommended setting. Tumble dry
the clothes on high heat for at least 30 minutes (120o F or above).
• Encase an infested mattress and box spring in a zippered cover that is labeled and
certified “bed bug proof.” Leave the covers on for at least one full year.
• Vacuum home thoroughly and often. Pay particular attention to the area around the
bed and the bed itself. Sprinkle ¼ to ½ cup of talcum powder on the last section of
floor to be vacuumed. The powder will help dry out and kill bed bugs in the bag or
cup. Place the vacuum cleaner bag or contents in a sealable plastic bag and discard it
in the trash outside.
• Pesticides labeled to kill bed bugs are available over the counter and may provide
effective control. However, if the problem persists or is heavily entrenched, contact a
knowledgeable, experienced, and licensed pest management professional for assistance.
• Since bed bugs are difficult to control, plan on several thorough treatments to eliminate
an infestation.
• DO NOT USE “Bug Bombs”. These products may kill on contact but they are mostly
ineffective against hidden bed bugs. They may make the infestation worse by scattering
the bugs throughout the home or apartment.
• If an infestation is suspected in a rental unit, contact the building manager or landlord
about the problem. Property owners should contact a professional pest control company
for advice and assistance. The local health department can also provide assistance on bed
bug identification, prevention and control options.
• The property manager and pest management professional may provide preparation
guidelines prior to treating for bed bugs. Getting rid of bed bugs is a cooperative effort
and these guidelines should be followed closely.
Preventing Future Infestations of Bed Bugs
• Do not bring discarded bed frames, mattresses, box springs, or upholstered furniture into the home.
• Carefully inspect used or rented furniture prior to bringing it into the home.
• Place any recently purchased clothes, whether new or second hand, into the dryer at a hot setting for at least
30 minutes (120oF or above).
• When traveling, inspect the bed, headboard, and furniture upon arrival. Keep suitcases
off the floor and bed and inspect them before leaving. Wash and dry all clothing, per the
above recommendations, after returning home.
• Caulk and seal any cracks and crevices throughout the home, especially in rooms where
people sleep.
• Be careful of who stays overnight or sleeps at the house. Likewise, be mindful when
staying away from home. Inspect all children’s backpacks, stuffed animals, and other
belongings if they have stayed overnight or spent considerable time at another location.
http://www.cuyahogabedbugs.org
GUIDELINES FOR BED BUG RESPONSE IN A SCHOOL BUILDING
Education is Key: Provide training for custodial, teaching, and nursing staff on bed bug
identification. The training should include the following topics: identification of bed bugs
and bed bug evidence, bed bug hiding spots and the school’s bed bug response protocol. The
training can be conducted by the local health department, an entomologist, or a pest
management professional.
Bed bugs are spreading rapidly within the United States. Contact with bed bugs can occur anywhere, even at
schools. It is important for schools to be informed about how to prevent a bed bug infestation and how to address
the detection of bed bugs.
Since bed bugs are not known to transmit disease, students should not be excluded from school due to bed bugs.
The school nurse or school administration should privately follow these guidelines with the student’s dignity in
mind.
Care for the Student
• Discreetly remove the student from the classroom so the school nurse or a qualified individual can perform
an inspection of the student’s clothing and belongings, including shoes, jackets,
hats, books, backpacks, school supplies, etc.
• Place any of the student’s items that may not be essential to the school day, such as
book bags and coats, into a large plastic bag and tightly seal the bag.
• Heat kills bed bugs. If the school has a washer or dryer, the school may wash the
student’s clothing at the hottest recommended setting. Tumble dry the clothing on
high heat for 30 minutes (120oF or above).
• Check areas where the student sits or where the student’s belongings may have been placed for extended
periods of time. Bed bugs are excellent hitchhikers and can be found on various surfaces in many different
locations.
• Take measures to minimize the amount of attention drawn to the student.
Collect a Specimen for Identification
• Collect a specimen using a tissue or a piece of gauze. Try not to crush the bug. Multiple specimens can be
very helpful in identification of the insect.
• Dispose of additional bed bugs found by placing them in a tightly sealed bag and discarding the bag in an
outdoor trash receptacle or dumpster. VERY IMPORTANT: If a specimen is found on a student or the
student’s belongings, remove the specimen as instructed above, but do not send the student home. The
parents should be immediately notified by the school nurse or the school administration if the specimen is a
confirmed bed bug.
• Contact the local health department, a pest management professional, or utilize the website
(http://www.cuyahogabedbugs.org) to assist in identification. The local health department may also consult with
the Ohio Department of Health as needed.
• An additional service to identify insects is available at the Ohio State University (http://www.ppdc.osu.edu).
• Do not send live specimens via any postal or shipping service. Check the appropriate websites for proper
submission protocols. Once received by the agency, an entomologist will examine the specimen and then
notify the school administration of the bug’s identification, typically within two days of receipt.
http://www.cuyahogabedbugs.org
Positive Identification of Bed Bugs: What to Do Next
After positive identification, the school administration or the school nurse should send the
school community a parent or guardian notification letter and a bed bug fact sheet available
at http://www.ccbh.net or http://www.cuyahogabedbugs.org.
If the bed bug was found directly on a student or the student’s belongings, the school
administration or nurse should make direct contact with the student’s parent or guardian and provide the following
information:
• Instruct the parent or guardian to send the student to school with a sealable plastic bag containing a clean,
freshly laundered change of clothes. The clothes should be washed at the hottest recommended setting and
tumble dried on high heat for at least 30 minutes before being placed in the bag.
• Request that the parent or guardian send only essential items to school with the student. These items should
be inspected upon arrival at school. The school may offer to keep non-essential items overnight to help
ensure the items are bed bug free.
• Suggest keeping school items sealed in a plastic bag at home and limit items going back and forth from
home to school until the infestation is under control.
Treating an Infestation
An Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program should be implemented to help achieve long-term, environmentally
sound pest control. An effective IPM approach incorporates a number of components, including education,
thorough monitoring, identification of both chemical and non-chemical pest management techniques, accurate
record keeping, and periodic program evaluation.
• Ongoing pest management should be overseen by the school administration.
• A properly licensed pest management company should be contracted to apply pesticides. A list of licensed
pest management companies and applicators can be found at the Ohio Department of Agriculture’s web site
(http://www.agri.ohio.gov/apps/odaprs/pe ... index.aspx). Verify the company is experienced in
bed bug treatment.
In addition to following an IPM program, the school administration should implement a protocol to treat areas
where bed bugs are found. The following vacuuming procedures should be incorporated:
• Vacuum areas where bed bugs are found during the normal after-school cleaning schedule. Make sure
floor and baseboards are included.
• Sprinkle about ¼ to ½ cup of talcum powder on the last section of floor to be vacuumed. The talc will help
dry out and kill bed bugs in the bag or cup.
• Carefully remove the vacuum bag or contents of the bag-free vacuum container and place it in a tightly
sealed plastic garbage bag for disposal.
• Dispose of the sealed bag in an outdoor trash can.
• Do not use the same vacuum bag in uninfested areas.
To help minimize the potential transfer of bed bugs or their eggs from one student’s belongings to another, it is
recommended to store each student’s items (coat, backpack, lunch bag, etc.) separate from those of their classmates
or in individual plastic containers labeled with the students’ names. Coats hung next to each other and lunch bags
stored together in a common container provide bed bugs an opportunity to relocate and to be transported home with
an unknowing student.
Note: These guidelines include recommendations of the Central Ohio Bed Bug Taskforce