Bed Bugs Surface In Pittsburgh-Area High School

PITTSBURGH, PA - Bed bugs were found in a classroom at Mars Area High School in Butler County north of Pittsburgh. Superintendent Wesley Shipley stated in a letter on the district website that the classroom will remain closed through the weekend, at which time it will be treated by an exterminator and cleaned.

Shipley advised that any students who were in or around Room 140 at the high school should removed and seal all clothing for 24 hours and then thoroughly wash the items to rid themselves of any bugs that might be present.

For those checking their clothes, bed bugs are reddish brown, wingless and are roughly the size of Lincoln’s head on a penny. They feed solely on the blood of sleeping people and animals and can live for several months without a meal.

“Mars Area School District already takes the necessary steps to thoroughly clean and disinfect all furniture, equipment and areas in our schools,” Shipley stated in the letter. “However, the District would like to assure all parents that it is doing everything possible to provide a safe and healthy school environment for all students and staff members.”

Photo via Getty Images.

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