Can My Kids Get Bed Bugs from School? And How To Prevent An Infestation

Last Updated on 13/05/2025 by Tony Abrahams

Worried about your child bringing home bed bugs in their school bag? You’re not alone. Many Australian parents search “can my kids get bed bugs from school”—and for good reason. Bed bugs are sneaky hitchhikers that can latch onto bags, jackets, and clothing without being seen.

But here’s the truth: yes, your kids can get bed bugs from school, but it’s not as common as people think. Let’s break down exactly how this can happen, what to watch for, and—most importantly—how to stop bed bugs from turning your home into their next hideout.

What Are the Chances My Kids Get Bed Bugs from School?

While schools aren’t a natural home for bed bugs (there are no beds, after all), they can still be transmission points if one student unknowingly brings bed bugs in their belongings.

Here’s how it can happen:

• A student or teacher has bed bugs at home.
• A bug crawls into their backpack or coat.
• That bug hides out in the classroom and transfers to another student’s belongings.
• Your child brings it home—and boom, an infestation begins.

❗ Bed bugs don’t fly or jump—but they do crawl and cling.

Signs Your Child May Have Been Exposed

So, how do you know if your child has brought home an unwanted pest?

Many kids won’t show bite marks at all—around 20% of people don’t react to bed bug bites—so don’t rely on bites alone.

Can Schools Have Bed Bug Infestations?

Schools can have bed bugs, but they’re rarely the source of full infestations. However, schools can be transfer zones, especially if:

• Students store bags and jackets together
• Lockers are overcrowded
• There’s been a recent report of bed bugs at home
• There’s no pest control or prevention plan in place

If your school follows proper pest control protocols, any issues are usually caught early and resolved quickly. But many schools still don’t have a solid plan.

What Should Schools Do if Bed Bugs Are Found?

Australian schools are expected to act responsibly—but not overreact.

• They don’t usually send kids home.
• The nurse might discreetly check the child’s belongings.
• Parents are informed and advised to check for signs at home.
• If multiple cases are reported, the school may bring in pest control.

A good school will also notify parents (without naming names) and recommend practical steps to prevent the spread.

How to Prevent Bed Bugs from Coming Home

Now for the important part—how to protect your child and your home.

Do this every school day:

• Keep backpacks and jackets separate from others when possible.
• Inspect bags for small bugs or dark spots.
• Store school bags outside bedrooms—in a sealed container if possible.
• After school, have your child change clothes and inspect or heat-treat fabrics.
• If bed bugs are reported, run clothes through a hot dryer for 20+ minutes (heat kills bugs and eggs).

✅ Tip: Add a Bed Bug Barrier floor trap near your child’s bed to stop bugs before they reach the mattress.

What to Do If You Suspect Bed Bugs at Home

If you’re concerned your child may have brought bed bugs home from school, act fast.

Step-by-step guide:

1. Don’t panic. Early action makes a big difference.
2. Have your child change clothes in a safe zone (laundry or bathroom).
3. Bag clothes and wash/dry on hot.
4. Inspect their room—check:
   • Mattress seams
   • Bed frame joints
   • Around skirting boards
   • Inside school bags or jackets
5. Vacuum thoroughly and empty vacuum contents outside.

Now, set up your defense:

• Use Diatomaceous Earth (DE) powder on bed frames, corners, and under the bed.
• Apply Bed Bug Barrier Traps to bed legs—this is where most bed bugs try to climb.
• Cover mattresses and bases with bed bug-proof encasements.

Our Bed Bug Barrier Isolation System gives you both instant and long-term protection—with just one application.

Final Thoughts: Can My Kids Get Bed Bugs from School?

So, can my kids get bed bugs from school? Yes, but with the right prevention and early response, you can stay ahead of the problem.

Remember:

• Bed bugs hitchhike, they don’t jump or fly.
• School isn’t the source—it’s the vehicle.
• Prevention is the best defence.
• Our non-toxic, DIY products are trusted across Australia for safe, effective protection.

Shop the Solutions That Work

✅ Bed Bug Floor Barrier Traps
✅ Bed Bug Killer Dust (Diatomaceous Earth Powder)
✅ Bed Bug Mattress Covers

Three Quick Questions Parents Often Ask Regarding, Can My Kids Get Bed Bugs from School?

1. Can bed bugs live in school books or lunchboxes?
   Rarely. They prefer fabric and tight crevices, but they can crawl inside zippered bags or pouches.
2. Should I keep my child home if their friend has bed bugs?
   No need—just teach them to keep their belongings separate and check their bag and clothes daily.
3. How do I know bed bugs are really gone?
   No new bites or signs for 6–8 weeks usually means you’ve won the battle.

Are You Looking for an Organic DIY Treatment?

Watch Our DIY Treatment Video For An Ensemble Bed

Watch Our DIY Treatment Video For A Bed with Slats

If you have enjoyed our blog, Can My Kids Get Bed Bugs from School?, then you might like to read about the bed bug lifecycle. 

Sources: Can My Kids Get Bed Bugs from School?

• Healthdirect Australia – Bed Bugs
  This government-backed resource offers comprehensive information on bed bugs, including their identification, symptoms, treatment options, and prevention strategies.

• NSW Health – Bed Bugs
  NSW Health provides detailed guidance on bed bug infestations, their health implications, and recommended control measures within New South Wales.

• Australian Environmental Pest Managers Association (AEPMA) – Code of Practice for Bed Bug Control
  This document outlines the industry standards and best practices for managing and controlling bed bug infestations in Australia.