RSU 40 Superintendent Daniel Welch told families in a letter that "several" of the insects were found Wednesday. While there is no indication of a full infestation, Welch said the district is bringing in professional exterminators to treat the entire school as a precaution.

Classes will be held virtually until Tuesday, according to the district.

Welch asked parents and guardians to inspect their children's backpacks, coats and other belongings for signs of the pests. "If you have concerns, check bedding, mattress seams, and areas where belongings are stored," the letter said.

Families who find a bedbug are being asked to contact the school directly so officials can track and respond to any further sightings.

Bedbugs are small, reddish-brown insects that feed on blood and are notoriously difficult to eliminate once they establish a foothold. They are not known to transmit disease, but their bites can cause itching and allergic reactions, and infestations can carry significant psychological and financial costs for households. Schools and other shared spaces are common points of spread because the insects hitch rides on clothing, bags and other personal items.

The closure underscores the logistical challenges rural districts face when responding to pest problems: the district must balance the cost of a full-building treatment against the disruption of pulling students out of classrooms, while also managing the stigma that can accompany bedbug reports.

District officials did not say how long the treatment is expected to take or whether the Tuesday reopening date could change. The school is expected to provide updates to families as the week progresses.