By JAMES BELL
Hays Post

Following the discovery of bedbugs in a student backpack Friday at Hays High School, 2300 E. 13th, treatment is set to commence Tuesday to clear the rooms for use.

Until that time, all rooms possibly affected will remain closed.

“The company that treat bedbugs is in town. They have visited our school, and they are working with the superintendent for a plan right now,” said HHS Principal Martin Straub.

Financial aspects of the plan are being worked out today through USD 489 Superintendent Dean Katt’s office, but Straub believes treatment will begin Tuesday.

“We’ll keep the rooms off limits yet today, bring the company in tomorrow for treatment and should have access to the rooms then,” he said.

The treatment company works throughout the western portion of Kansas.

“They know what they’re are doing, and we’ve got to rely on those professionals to help us,” Straub said.

Clarification: An earlier story regarding the incident incorrectly used the word “fumigation” when referring to pest control treatments. Hays Post apologizes for the error.