Blog
Bed Bugs… Coming To A Dorm Near You
9/12/13
Most people know that bed bugs are a problem in hotels, motels and homes, but it is important to remember especially this time of year that bed bugs can also be a real problem in colleges and dorms. There are a lot of people coming and going each day, professors, students, employees and visitors just to name a few giving bed bugs ample opportunity to make it onto a college campus. Bed bugs do not fly or jump they hitchhike on people and their belongings to a new location making a college the perfect place to come into contact with bed bugs. Not only can dorm rooms become infested but students and faculty could pick up bed bugs and bring them home. As a homeowner if you travel frequently to college campuses or have frequent visitors from a college campus it is important to be vigilant against bed bugs and at the first signs of their presence notify the appropriate people or, if you or your college kid bring them home get professional help to kill bed bugs.
Though it is impossible to completely prevent bed bug infestations, you can take steps to avoid these parasitic insects and annoying bed bug bites. If you are moving into a dorm, here are a few tips to help you avoid bed bugs this school year:
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Before moving your stuff into your dorm room make sure check it over carefully for signs of bed bugs. Places that bed bugs hide include underneath mattresses, in the mattress seams, in the cracks of wooden furniture and also in upholstered furniture as well as behind wall hangings and inside electrical outlets.
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Regularly vacuum and dust your dorm room, including your mattress and box spring.
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Wash clothing in hot water immediately after purchasing and especially if it was bought at a second hand store.
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Try not to introduce used furniture into your dorm, but if you do make sure that you thoroughly inspect it for signs of bed bug activity before bringing it inside your dorm room.
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When out in public environments like libraries and movie theaters keep your purse, backpack or coat up off of the ground; inspect these items for bed bugs when you return to your dorm room.
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When going home for a visit immediately wash clothing that you bring with you, and clean and vacuum out suitcases and bags.
If you think you notice signs of bed bugs in your dorm room or in any of the common areas you should immediately notify your RA so that they can contact administrators to address the bed bug infestations. And if you’ve found that bed bugs have arrived home with your child over a break, contact a local pest control company that specializes in bed bug removal. Bed bugs will not go away without professional treatment so tossing the mattress or other infested items will not be effective. Bed bug elimination is best handled by bed bug control experts who have the knowledge, tools and experience to get rid of bed bugs.
For more information on bed bugs or for bed bug control in Jacksonville, Tampa and Northern Florida, McCall Services can help. Offering pest control services for bed bugs and other insects and rodents since 1928, the Northern Florida exterminators at McCall are ready to help you get rid of bed bugs and other pests common to the Sunshine State.