"Houston, Texas

-Bed Bug Photos

Exterminators visited the Houston Independent School District's bus facility Thursday after reports of bed bugs.

Eyewitness News learned an employee may have inadvertently brought the blood sucking insects into the Barnett Terminal on Tuesday.

The district released a statement to ABC13, but would not release specifics on how many buses may have been inspected or what students ride those vehicles. They said they do not plan on notifying parents about the possible exposure.

Parents said they felt the district should send out an email or phone call about the matter.

"That's not right," said Stephanie Burton. "We have the right to know as parents."

Calvin Thigpen is with "Bugs Or Us" Termite and Pest Control.

He said across Houston, the problem appears to be getting worse. He said if parents suspect a possible exposure to bed bugs, they should put their kid's backpack and clothes in the dryer to kill the insects with heat.

"Bed bugs are notorious hitch-hikers. It only takes one to cause a major problem," said Thigpen. "Bed bugs don't discriminate. They don't care if you're rich or poor."

HISD statement:
"The Transportation Services administration received reports of bed bugs at its Barnett Terminal on Tuesday. District pest control, who are licensed exterminators, was immediately notified and began treating the facility. Following the extermination process, the terminal will be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized before employees report on Monday morning. As a precaution, we also removed several buses from service to fumigate, deep clean and sanitize them. The pest control team did not identify any bed bugs on any of the buses and have isolated the issue to an employee area of the terminal. Please know the health and safety of our students and employees are always our top priority. We are working diligently to ensure this treatment has a minimal impact on our services and that our drivers have a safe and clean environment in which to work."