As college students return to school this semester at East Carolina University, it‘s important to be aware of the potential threat of bed bugs. Bed bugs are small, parasitic insects that feed on the blood of humans and animals while they sleep. Although they do not spread disease, they can cause a great deal of physical discomfort and even anxiety.

To avoid bed bugs, students should be on the lookout when choosing a place to live. It‘s important to inspect the premises for any signs of bed bugs, such as brownish–red spots on mattresses, bedding, and furniture. It‘s also important to take steps to prevent bed bugs from entering the home by vacuuming carpets and upholstery regularly and washing bedding in hot water.

If a student suspects they have bed bugs, they should contact a qualified pest management professional immediately. ECU‘s Housing and Residence Life Office is available to provide additional information and resources. By following these simple tips, students can help ensure a safe and bed bug–free living experience as they return to school this semester.

D & D PEst Control Co. offers these important tips to help prevent bed bugs from taking up residence in college dorms:

• Fully inspect your suitcases prior to re-packing for a return to school, especially if you have traveled during the summer. Be sure that any clothes that may have been previously packed in the suitcase have been washed in hot water.
• Before putting your sheets on your dormitory bed, inspect the mattress seams, particularly at the corners, for telltale stains or spots. Thoroughly inspect the entire room before unpacking, including behind the headboard and in sofas/chairs. If you see anything suspect, immediately contact a university facility manager.
• If you are considering bringing “secondhand” furniture to campus, properly inspect it to insure that a pest problem, such as bed bugs, is not the reason for its “secondhand” status. If you see anything suspect, do not bring it to campus.

What Do Bed Bugs Look Like:

Bed bugs are small, flat, and oval–shaped insects with six legs. They are usually a reddish–brown color and are about the size of an apple seed. Their bodies can swell and become brighter in color after feeding. Bed bugs also have two antennae, two claws, and two wing pads, although they are not able to fly. They are typically found in bedrooms, behind baseboards, mattress seams, and in cracks and crevices in furniture.

Where are bed bugs found in your home or room:

Bed bugs are small, parasitic insects that feed on the blood of humans, animals, and birds. They are most commonly found in mattresses, box springs, electrical outlets, bed frames, and headboards, as well as in cracks and crevices of furniture, walls, and floors.

Bed bugs often hide in folds and seams of mattresses, box springs, bed frames, and other furniture, as well as in cracks and crevices of walls and floors. They may also hide in clothing, luggage, and other items stored around the bed. Bed bugs can be found in any place where people or animals rest or sleep.

They are particularly common in hotels, college dormitories, and other multi–unit dwellings. Bed bugs can spread through direct contact “hitchhiking” on clothing, in boxes, packpacks, and through objects such as furniture, bedding, and appliances.

 

For more information and a free bed bug estimate call D & D Pest Control Co. at (252)752-9141.