RICHMOND, Va. — Richmond Public Schools continues to “treat the issue of bed bugs at John Marshall High School,” according to a spokeswoman for the school system.
Viewers first reached out to CBS 6 Problem Solvers last week to ask for help bringing the situation to light.
“This is an isolated case and administrators will continue to work directly with the individual to appropriately address this matter,” the school spokesperson said. “It is important to understand that bed bugs are not a health issue, but instead an environmental nuisance that is best resolved as a collaborative partnership in working with families and community partners in order to provide resources to help us eliminate the problem.”
The school announced it planned to spray the building last weekend.
“As always, the safety and well-being of our students is a top priority and parents can contact school administration with any further questions or concerns,” the school spokesperson said.
General Information from the Richmond Public Schools’ Bed Bug Protocol
The school environment is generally not conducive to bed bug infestations.
Bed bugs prefer an environment where they can hide during the day and come out at night to feed on a sleeping host.
Because most schools do not provide this type of environment, major infestation of schools are rare.
However, bed bugs can “hitchhike” to and from school by hiding in clothing or book bags.
It is important to identify the presence of bed bugs early.
Developing plans, completing inspections, and conducting treatment can help to prevent spreading bed bugs in the school setting.
A bed bug infestation is the presence of multiple bed bugs inhabiting multiple areas of a home.
It is important to note that one bed bug found on a child/student does not indicate an infestation.
