Bed bugs displace afterschool program

DENVER - A pest control team is spraying inside Lake Middle School after the discovery of a bed bug infestation inside the school's auxiliary gym.

The problem is confined to the gym, according to principal Hans Kayser, who says the space is used solely by the Mi Casa afterschool program.

The program was cancelled Thursday and will not reopen before Tuesday, pending approval from exterminators.

The gym, which contains a game room, office space and a TV room, is being sprayed with pesticides Friday.

"There were several pieces of furniture infested with what they call bed bugs," Kayser said.

Kayser says Mi Casa staffers reported being bitten by the insects, but he was unaware of any such complaints from children.

The Mi Casa program at Lake involves about 85 children. A letter explaining the situation is being sent to parents.