Waukesha, Wis. – The School District of Waukesha announced that bed bugs have been discovered in two classrooms at Lowell Elementary School. As a precaution, the district is relocating students from the affected rooms today while licensed pest‑control specialists conduct inspections and treatments.

District response and guidance for families

In a statement, district officials explained that bed bugs are a nuisance that can cause uncomfortable bites but are not known to spread disease. “Bed bugs are usually active at night and feed on human blood. The bite does not hurt at first, but it may become swollen and itch, much like a mosquito bite,” the statement read.

Parents are asked to thoroughly inspect all personal items – backpacks, clothing, lunchboxes, and any other belongings that travel to and from school – for signs of bed bugs before children leave for school and when they return home. The district emphasized that the presence of bed bugs does not indicate a lack of cleanliness at the school or at home; the insects can hitch rides on clothing and personal items.

Health considerations

While bed bug bites can be irritating, they are not a health threat in terms of disease transmission. The district advises families with medical concerns to consult their doctors. The bites typically appear in clusters or lines on exposed skin.

County health perspective

Waukesha County’s Environmental Health Manager noted that the county has not been directly involved in the school’s response but stands ready to consult if needed. “Bed bugs are considered a nuisance, like lice. Children cannot be excluded from school nor would a school close because of them,” the manager said.

The manager added that the school likely sent a letter home outlining the steps being taken and that officials are working to determine the source of the infestation while protecting student privacy.

Next steps

The district will continue thorough inspections of the entire school and will treat any additional areas where bed bugs are found. Licensed pest‑control professionals will handle the remediation, and the school plans to keep families updated on progress.

For more information on bed bugs, families can consult the Wisconsin Department of Health Services’ “Bed Bugs in Wisconsin Information Sheet,” the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s resources, or contact the Waukesha County Health Department at 262‑896‑8430.

Original reporting: FOX6 WITI – local news — read the source article.