Bed Bugs Infest Northern New Jersey Schools
Bed bugs have been found in two East Rutherford elementary schools in northern New Jersey. After finding bed bugs at McKenzie School, East Rutherford school officials have alerted parents that bed bugs have also been found at Faust Elementary School. East Rutherford and Bergen County public health officials are on the alert for additional bed bug infestations.
After the initial discovery of the apple-seed sized insects, East Rutherford school officials called in a bed bug dog unit. Classrooms, common areas such as libraries, gym locker rooms, computer centers and learning centers were searched as were administrative offices, faculty lounges and school buses and vans. Bed bugs spread easily and rapidly on clothing, children’s book bags, teacher’s carryalls and inside storage boxes. The tiny bugs and their sticky eggs are easily transported making containment and control of a bed bug infestation problematic. When a school or similar high transit area is infested, it is easy for bed bugs to be carried from room to room, back to homes and then back to school again, with a constant risk of reinfestation.
Seven areas in the two schools were found to be infested with bed bugs. Both schools have been treated, but administrators and parents need to be on guard for additional outbreaks. Parents should inspect mattresses for signs of dark fecal spots or smears and live bed bugs. If your child develops an itchy rash, suspect bed bugs. Call Heritage Pest Control if you are concerned about bed bugs in your home.