Back to School

Yes, the beginning of a new school year can mean stocking up on school supplies, coordinating drop-offs and pick-ups from school, lining up a babysitter, providing lunch money, and lots and lots of homework assignments — plus a much quieter house during the daytime. Parents, please remember that the new school year also means fulfilling requirements for your child's school — such as physical exams, vaccinations, health records and medication administration. Now is a great time to make sure aren’t caught off guard by new requirements!

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Beware of Bedbugs

Many cities and towns across Massachusetts are reporting an increase in bedbugs, not just in places like hotels but also in dormitories, apartments and houses in the suburbs. Why the increase? Several factors could explain the increase, including the fact that more and more people are traveling to and from foreign countries where bedbugs are a problem. In addition, bedbugs have become resistant to bug sprays that have been used to keep them under control in the past.

Adult bedbugs are reddish-brown, flattened, oval, and wingless and are most active at night — biting any exposed areas of skin while an individual is sleeping. They can thrive in a wide range of temperatures. Bedbugs can live in any area of the home but tend to be in areas where people sleep and generally concentrate in beds, including mattresses, box springs and bed frames. Keep in mind that bedbugs can live in any home, even if it is very clean!

Learn more about bedbugs >>