Advisory For Students Returning To School About Bedbugs

Bed bugs were typical in the United States before World War II and became rare after widespread use of the pesticide DDT began in the 1940s and 1950s.  They remained rampant in other areas of the world and, in recent years, have been increasingly found  again in the United States  Increases in immigration and travel from the developing world as well as restrictions on the use of stronger pesticides may be factors that have led to the relatively recent increase in bed bug infestations.  While bedbugs are often reported to be found when sanitation conditions are poor or when birds or mammals (particularly bats) are nesting on or near a home, bed bugs can also live and flourish in clean environments.  Crowded living quarters also help the spread of bed bugs.

With the end of the summer travel season, college students (and others) should be aware that they may be bringing some uninvited guests with them as they travel back to school.  Students should carefully inspect their luggage, especially if they have been traveling this summer.  Places where students may have picked up bedbugs may include hotels, hostels, resorts, or other places where there is a potential for many people to rest or sleep over time.  Places where large amounts of luggage are stored may also enable bed bugs to spread.

When purchasing used beds, mattresses and other furniture, students should confirm that an inspection for bed bugs was done by someone who is knowledgeable with finding bed bugs on these items.  If buying from a private vendor, make sure you have an opportunity to inspect the items.  If purchasing from a place of business, verify there is a policy about inspecting and preventing bed bug infestations on the used furniture.

Students are strongly cautioned against “scavenging” beds and furniture that have seemingly been discarded and left by the curb for removal , or behind places of business.  Bedbug infestations are not limited to beds and mattresses, and they can be found on tables, drawers, and even electronics if these items were located in a bedroom or other place that could support an infestation.

If a bedbug infestation is observed , a professional pest management expert should be consulted for accurate control measures.   Control practices against these secretive pests must be detailed and exhaustive , because of some unusual behaviors that have been encountered with some infestations.  Many of the bed bugs will be located around areas where people rest , but a percentage of bugs will move away from these sites to “hide” in more remote areas.  If people do not deal with these “remote bugs”, an infestation will persist .

Bed bugs may in fact be the most difficult pest problem currently facing the pest control industry.  There are many pests that homeowners may decide to try and control on their own but bed bugs should not be one of them.  The bottom line is that bed bug work requires a highly trained professional.  It takes hard work, and follow-up efforts.  Once you are experiencing a bed bug problem you should contact a pest control expert as soon as possible !