The Greene County Health Department has received inquiries regarding bed bugs and have decided to share information regarding the bugs with the public.

According to information provided by the Health Department, bed bugs are small, brownish, flattened insects that feed on the blood of people while they sleep. Although the bite does not hurt at the time, it may develop into an itchy welt similar to a mosquito bite. Bed bugs do not transmit disease, but they can cause significant itchiness, anxiety, and sleeplessness.

Bed bug infestations are also very difficult and expensive to control. Usually, bed bugs will hide during the day and only come out to feed during the night. Unlike head lice, they do not live on a person. However, they can hitchhike from one place to another in backpacks, clothing, luggage, books, and other items.

Bed bug infestation in schools can be a concern. While a few bed bugs will hitchhike to school from an infested home by hiding in a student’s clothing or backpack, actual bed bug infestations in schools are uncommon.

Fore more information, the Health Department recommends visiting: https://www.michigan.gov/-/media/Project/Websites/emergingdiseases/Folder2/Bed_bugs_schools.pdf?rev=65c4dba8abd44918bad3397dfcd898b8.