At least one insect was found and the school is to be inspected.
Any bedbugs at Phillipsburg High School are about to be expelled.
At least one of the small, blood-sucking pests was found at the school, and the district is responding by inspecting the building and treating any affected areas, according to Superintendent George Chando.
"The district is expeditiously investigating it," he said Thursday.
Bedbugs are generally regarded as a nuisance, and their bites can leave large itchy welts. (AP file photo)A letter to parents said the district "recently found a bedbug," but Chando said the actual number won't be known until the inspection is complete.
"Finding a bedbug does not mean that our school buildings are infested," the letter said. "Bedbugs are often unknowingly brought into the school by building occupants and as a result we may have future sightings."
Bedbugs are generally regarded as a nuisance and are not known to spread disease, according to the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services. Their bites, which usually occur at night when people are sleeping, can leave large, itchy welts and sometimes spur an allergic reaction.
Affected areas of the high school will be treated with a low-impact pesticide, according to the letter. The district is not legally required to notify parents of the treatment, it said, but "the district feels that it is important to keep you informed of the steps taken at the school."
Chando said he did not know in what rooms any bedbugs were found.
Parent Rubi Buskirk said she first found out about the situation in a text from her daughter, a high school sophomore.
"I think they should not hold school tomorrow until this situation is resolved," Buskirk said Thursday. "These kids can bring these bugs home."
The superintendent said classes were not affected Thursday, and that the school will continue with its normal schedule Friday.
Steve Novak may be reached at snovak@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @type2supernovak. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.
