College campuses throughout the United States have begun to accept students from near and far for the new school year this past week. Along with the students come the risk of bloodsucking bed bugs creeping their way into campus dorms, apartments, student centers, libraries, and classrooms.
Some kids may know that they have a bed bug infestation at their home, but may be unaware or embarrassed to admit the problem when they arrive on campus. Because of their tiny stature, their ability to hide with ease, and the fact that not everyone suffers from the allergic reaction to the bite wounds, some people may not even know that they have a bed bug infestation in their home before they leave for college. Some unfortunate people may even pick up bed bugs if they stay in a hotel on their way to their college destination. The simple fact is…bed bugs can be found anywhere!
2News in Tulsa, Oklahoma reports that Oral Roberts University is no longer allowing students to bring futons or couches this school year. Students arriving on campus are being told that their “no outside furniture” rule is being enforced because “it is a health hazard.” The policy was set in place “due to fire safety and the risk of any type of pest.” The article can be viewed here.
Any furniture that is infested with bed bugs that is moved from one location to another will spread the infestation, so there is cause for concern to not allow students to bring their own furniture onto campus. BUT, if a person has bed bugs in their luggage, clothing, or other belongings, that too will quickly cause bed bugs to spread throughout a college dorm. All colleges should provide students with information about bed bugs when they arrive on campus so they can learn how to identify the pests early on so that a pest control expert can be called at the first sign of the bloodsuckers.