Bed Bugs and Schools: Quick Response Guide for School Staff

What You Need to Know

Bed bugs:

• Are small insects that feed on blood and can be seen without a microscope.
• Are not caused by poor hygiene or cleanliness.
• Do not spread disease but their bites may cause itching or skin irritation.
• Can affect anyone.
• Are carried on backpacks, clothing or personal items.
• Do not live on people.
• Sightings do not usually mean that there is an infestation in the school.

Students can continue to attend school if a bed bug is found on them or their belongings. Exclusion is not recommended, and reporting to Ottawa Public Health is not required.

If a Bed Bug is Found

Step 1: Capture & report

• If a bed bug is found on a student or their belongings, speak with the student privately and take appropriate steps to manage the situation discreetly.
• Capture the bug in a container or sealed plastic bag (using tweezers, tape, or a tissue).
• Label the container with:
  • Date
  • Location found
  • Staff member who found it
• If identification is uncertain, contact the appropriate school board lead, pest management professional or visit: Ottawa Public Health – Bed Bugs

Step 2: Limit movement of personal belongings

If the bug is associated with a student’s belongings:

• Place backpacks, coats, hats, lunch bags, or other items in a sealed plastic bag until the end of the day.
• Avoid moving items between classrooms unnecessarily.
• There is no need to discard belongings. 

Step 3: Inspect and clean the area

Focus on the immediate area where the bug was found.

Areas to pay particular attention to include:

• Backpacks, coats, clothing, and other personal belongings
• Lockers, cubbies, and coat storage areas
• Chairs, desks, and nearby student belongings
• Upholstered furniture, such as couches and soft chairs
• Staff lounges and other shared spaces with soft furnishings

Take the following steps:

• Inspect the area and nearby belongings for signs of additional bed bugs.
• If cleaning is required, vacuum the area where the bed bug was found. Vacuuming is preferred to sweeping.
• If a vacuum is used, dispose of the vacuum bag or emptied contents immediately in a sealed plastic bag and place it in an outdoor garbage container.
• Continue routine cleaning practices.

Do not:

• Spray pesticides.
• Remove furniture unless advised by a pest management professional.

Supporting the Student and Family

If there is reason to believe the bed bug came from a student’s belongings:

• Contact the parent/guardian privately.
• Be respectful and non-judgmental.
• Provide educational information on bed bugs and available community resources if needed.
• Avoid discussing a student’s situation with other students, families, or staff who do not need to know.

Remember:

• Bed bugs can affect anyone and are not related to cleanliness.
• Students should not be excluded from school because of bed bugs. 

Should Families be Notified?

Every situation is different. The suggestions below may help schools and school boards decide whether communication with families is needed.