Bed Bugs & Back-to-School: What Every Parent Should Know

The start of a new school year usually means fresh pencils, packed lunches, and busy schedules, but it can also mean a higher chance of running into bed bugs.

These pests tend to show up more in late summer and early fall, right when kids are riding buses, sitting on classroom rugs, and sleeping on mats during naptime. A backpack left on the floor, or a jacket tossed onto a pile of coats, is sometimes all it takes for a bed bug to come home with your child.

Knowing where these pests are most likely to spread can help families stop infestation before it starts.

What Do Bed Bugs Look Like?

Bed bugs are small, flat insects about the size of an apple seed. They’re usually reddish-brown, with oval-shaped bodies that can look darker and rounder after they’ve fed. Because of their size and color, they’re easy to mistake for other tiny bugs, which is why it’s important to know where to look.

These pests like to hide in tight, dark spaces where they can stay out of sight. At home, that often means the seams of mattresses, the cracks of bed frames, and behind furniture.

When kids bring them from school, bed bugs may tuck themselves into backpacks, clothing, or even the folds of lunch bags. They’re experts at staying hidden until it’s time to come out and feed, usually at night.

Do Bed Bugs Travel?

Bed bugs can easily travel, even without wings. They move by crawling onto items people use every day, like backpacks, jackets, or lunch bags, and then ride along to the next location. Once there, they can hide in seams, zippers, or fabric folds until they find another chance to move.

Schools, buses, and lockers make it easier for bed bugs to spread because so many kids keep their belongings close together. A backpack set down next to another, or coats piled on a rack, can give bed bugs the perfect chance to switch from one item to another.

Even though they don’t live on people, they can move quickly from place to place when personal items touch or are stored in tight spaces.

How to Prevent Bed Bugs From Following Your Kid Home

While it’s hard to control what happens at school or on the bus, there are simple steps families can take to lower the chance of bringing bed bugs into the house.

A few small habits can make a big difference in keeping pests out of your home:

Don’t Place Backpacks on Beds

Backpacks and lunch bags can carry more than just schoolwork. Keep them off beds and couches so bed bugs don’t have a chance to crawl onto your furniture.

Regularly Wash & Dry Kids’ Bedding & Clothing

Running bedding and clothes through a hot wash and dry cycle helps kill any pests that may have hitched a ride. Heat is one of the most effective ways to stop bed bugs.

Check The Seams of School Bags

Bed bugs like to hide in small, dark spaces. Look over the zippers, seams, and folds of backpacks every so often to make sure nothing is hiding inside.

Inspect & Wash Secondhand Items

If your child brings home a used jacket, chair, or even a stuffed animal, inspect it carefully before letting it into the bedroom. When possible, wash or heat-treat items to avoid bringing pests inside.

Request Bed Bug Control From Home Paramount Pest Control

Bed bugs are tricky to control on your own, and waiting too long can let them spread quickly through your home. The sooner you call for help, the faster the problem can be contained and treated.

With Home Paramount Pest Control’s comprehensive inspections and proven bed bug treatments, families get reliable solutions designed to clear the problem and keep daily life on track.

Call Home Paramount Pest Control today to schedule your free inspection and get bed bug treatment started right away.