Bed Bugs

FAQs

• What are bed bugs?

  Bed bugs are small nocturnal insects that live by feeding on the blood of humans and other warm-blooded hosts. Bed bugs are generally active between 3 a.m. and 8 a.m., with a peak feeding period about an hour before sunrise. After feeding for about five minutes, the bug returns to its hiding place.

  Bites consist of a raised red bump or flat welt and are often accompanied by intense itching. The red bump or welts are the result of an allergic reaction to the anesthetic contained in the bed bug's saliva, which is inserted into the blood of the host. Bed bug bites may appear indistinguishable from other insect bites, though they tend to last longer. Bites may not become immediately visible and can take up to nine days to appear. Bed bug bites tend to not have a red dot in the center, which is characteristic of flea bites. A trait shared with flea bites, however, is tendency towards arrangements of sequential bites. Bites are often aligned three in a row.

  Extensive testing has been done in laboratory settings that has concluded that bed bugs are unlikely to pass disease from one person to another. So, while bed bugs can be a nuisance, they are less dangerous than some more common insects such as fleas.

• How did we get bed bugs?

  Anyone can pick bed bugs up from a location where they presently exist – someone’s apartment, other residence hall rooms, movie theaters, etc. Bed bugs are equal opportunity pests – they will infest anyone, anywhere.

• What happens when the exterminator comes to my room?

  If your room or suite is confirmed to have bed bugs, the College’s exterminator will come to treat your room. Campus Housing will provide detailed instructions for you to properly prepare your space for treatment. If available, an exterminator will be present to answer questions. 

  A pesticide will be applied to all locations within your room that may harbor the bugs. While this process is taking place (a few hours), you will need to be out of your room. Once you are permitted back in your room, you may bring in your freshly laundered clothing and bedding and un-bag your other items.

• What can I do to reduce my risk of bed bugs?

  When you travel to a new place, look at the room to seek potential hiding places for bed bugs, such as carpet edges, mattress seams, pillowcase linings, headboards, wall trim or other tiny crack-like places bed bugs might hide. If you see signs of bed bug activity inform management immediately.

  Next, look specifically at the mattress seams for signs of bed bug activity: droppings, eggs, bloodstains or even bed bugs themselves – hiding in tiny folds and seam lines.

  Never leave your clothing laying on the bed, or any location of possible infestation. Instead, use hangers or hooks capable of keeping all cloth distant from the floor or bed. It’s also not a bad idea to elevate suitcases off the floor on a luggage stand, tabletop or other hard surface.

  Close your suitcase or travel bag when you're not using it.

  When you return from any travel (especially abroad) it is a good idea to take your suitcase to the laundromat so you can wash ALL items before taking the suitcase to your home, residence hall, etc. If you do your wash in hot water before entering your residence, you will stop the spread of these bugs. It is highly recommended to consider traveling with a bag that can be washed and dried upon your return if possible.

• What should I do (or not do) if I believe I have bed bugs?

  • Notify Facilities Management ASAP by submitting a Work Order.
  • If you see a bug and can trap it, do so by sticking it to a piece of clear tape. That way, the exterminator can see it.
  • Do not remove or wash your bedding. The exterminator will need to inspect your space as-is.
  • Do not panic! Although bed bugs can be annoying, they can be eradicated successfully if you follow all guidelines given to you by Facilities Management and Campus Housing.
  • Do not apply pesticides on your own. The College hires a licensed pest control operator to confirm the infestation and to develop an integrated pest management plan.
  • Do not remove or wash any bedding until after your room has been inspected by an exterminator.
  • Do not move your mattress or any furniture out of your room. Affected furniture can be cleaned and treated. Placing affected furniture (particularly mattresses) into common areas or on the street may simply help spread bed bugs to the rooms and suites of other students.
  • Do not go sleep in a friend’s room or in places off-campus. If you have bed bugs, you will only spread them to others.