Pest & Termite Control Blog

The Presence Of Bedbugs Seems To Be Increasing On College Campuses

When it comes to bugs, bedbugs may be the most talked about. Not a single day can go by without hearing news relating to bedbugs. There is no doubt that populations of these nasty tiny critters are increasing here in the United States, and probably the rest of the world. Not long ago, bedbugs were being found if libraries around the US. Why libraries? The most likely reason has to do with the high amount of human traffic in public libraries. But now several news stories in the media are reporting about bedbugs being found within buildings on college campuses. A student at Vanderbilt University recently experienced a bedbug attack in his own dorm room. And students at Virginia Commonwealth University have reported bedbug sightings at the university’s library.

Apparently more than one student had received bedbug bites while at the university library. The first case was reported to the administration nearly a month ago. But now that a second case has been reported, university officials are starting to fear a large bedbug infestation on campus. The first reported case involved a girl who found bedbug bites on her arm while sitting on a chair that is located on the library’s second floor. The second case occurred a little more than two weeks later. Since then bedbug sniffing dogs have been brought in to locate the infestation. A few chairs were eventually disposed of. According to university officials, bedbug infestations are common in university buildings, but students are displeased, as this incident occurred during finals week. Now students are too afraid to study at the university library.

It has been confirmed that bedbugs have been found in at least one dormitory at Vanderbilt University. However, multiple students within the dormitory have been relocated due to bedbug related issues. The university is following a bedbug-removal protocol but officials have not responded to any further questions relating to bedbug infestations.

Do you think that there is anything that can be done to prevent bedbugs from infesting heavily populated areas?

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Certified Termite & Pest Control shares top signs of a bed bug infestation

Whether at home or traveling for summer vacation, bed bugs could be a key concern. Although named for their habit of feeding on human hosts in bed, they can be found in all types of locations and items. To promote public awareness and to help avoid infestations, the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) has declared June 4-10, 2017 as Bed Bug Awareness Week. Certified Termite & Pest Control is joining NPMA in this important public education effort by sharing common signs of a bed bug infestation to keep an eye out for this summer.

Just like people enjoy traveling in the summer months, so do bed bugs, and they love using personal belongings like suitcases, boxes and shoes as a hiding place, just to be near a food supply. With these biting pests being easily transported, it’s important to know the top signs of an infestation, so proper precautions can be put in place and to know when it’s time to call a licensed pest control professional to assess the situation.

Certified Termite & Pest Control shares the following noteworthy signs and symptoms of a possible bed bug infestation:

• Small red to reddish brown fecal spots on mattresses, upholstery or walls
• Molt bed bug skins, their white, sticky eggs or empty eggshells
• Red, itchy bite marks, especially on the legs, arms and other body parts exposed while sleeping
• Very heavily infested areas may have a characteristically sweet odor

A 2015 study by NPMA and the University of Kentucky found that 99.6 percent of pest control professionals treated for bed bugs in the year prior. The study also found that while bed bug infestations are a year-round phenomenon, six out of ten pest control professionals noted seasonal differences in frequency, with “peak season” tending to be summertime.

During the summer, travel increases and so does the likelihood of encountering bed bugs. We strongly encourage the public to take extra precautions to avoid encounters with these biting pests.

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