One Northeast Kingdom school is taking preventative measures to nix the possibility of having bed bugs in the school.

The Saint Johnsbury school is requiring students to place backpacks and coats in plastic bags to be stored in cubbies and lockers in the hallway.  The school initiated this policy in light of the recent infestation of the Depot Square aparment building.  The small brown wingless bugs feed on blood, they do not spread disease but can cause itchiness, sleeplessness and anxiety.

Saint johnsbury school nurse Louisa Driscoll says that bed bugs are not present in the school, but they are being proactive.  "After doing some research I found from Steve Trammell who is the state entomologist, he said he would recommend that we kept backpacks and outer clothing in plastic bags during the day to prevent a possible spread from bag to bag."