Bedbugs: an equal opportunist and cosmopolitan creature.

Currently there is a rise in bedbugs seen in schools. The wingless, blood-sucking insects can arrive at school via student book bags, student clothing, or other personal items. If a student presents in the health office with a bite mark, the school nurse will need to differentiate between a bedbug bite and other insect bites, such as fleas, spiders, and scabies in order to provide the most accurate and appropriate intervention measures. This article will further provide school nurses with information about the etiology of the bedbug, mode of transmission, and eradication options for the school and community setting.