East Otero School District R-1 Addresses Bed Bug Concerns, Outlines Preventive Measures

Description: Following social media posts about possible bed bugs on one of its campuses, East Otero School District R-1 reassured parents and students of its proactive approach to pest control. Superintendent J. Reece Blincoe outlined the district’s monthly extermination practices, recent targeted treatments, and plans for additional fumigation and professional spraying over Thanksgiving break. He noted that bed bugs are unlikely to multiply in school settings, as they typically require a host overnight to sustain their life cycle. The district continues to collaborate with the Otero County Health Department to ensure a safe learning environment.

EAST OTERO SCHOOL DISTRICT R-1

Central Administrative Office

November 14, 2024

Parents and Students,

We are aware that there have been social media posts regarding the presence of bed bugs at one of our campuses. We take continuous precaution to keep all insects under control at all of our schools through monthly extermination from a professional exterminator. We also spot treat areas when any sight of nuisance insects is spotted and have recently sprayed classroom(s) where reports have occurred. On top of this we, at times, fumigate with "foggers" - this will be occurring this weekend. And we will have the professional exterminators in over the Thanksgiving holidays to spray all buildings.

In researching this topic, I found out that bed bugs must bite warm-blooded animals to continue their life cycle and these bites usually take place at night while you sleep, hence the name bed bugs. It would be extremely difficult for bed bugs to grow in numbers at a facility that does not house people. We believe that bed bug sightings are from the insect being brought in from the outside, and we have no control of this.

We will continue to be vigilant in treating our schools for pests and insects. We also continue to keep an open dialog with the Otero County Health Department.

J. Reece Blincoe, Superintendent

301 Raton Avenue La Junta, CO 81050 719-384-6900719-384-6910 (fax)

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