Vanishing during the day, rising at nightfall for a taste of blood, the bed bug is a pocket-sized Robert Pattinson or Stephen Moyer.
Over 15 universities including New York University, John Jay College of Criminal Justice, Boston University and the University of Florida have recently reported bed bug issues, according to ABC News. For some, there has also been the hefty paycheck to get the dorms clean. A New York City pest control center approximated the cost to exterminate dorms at $30,000.00.
An Assistant Director for Residence Life at Fairfield, Charles Sousa, assures that he has not heard of any cases of bed bugs on campus. The University plans to work with an exterminator if a problem arises and in nearly all cases, the bill will be taken care of by the University. The cost of such a measure is not Fairfield’s focus, explains Sousa, “Our first priority is the students.”
MyFoxDetroit and thedailystar.com found that universities would prefer to be proactive than pay. Mattresses were replaced at Michigan State University and Massachusetts’s Eastern Nazarene College, for example. Oakland University devoted the summer months to disinfect campus buildings.
As did Hartwick College – in addition to developing a strategy should infestation arise; a similar tactic was taken at the State University of New York at Oneonta.
To date, on the Fairfield University campus, there have been no reports of bed bugs, says Health Center Director Judith Weindling. Additionally, authorities from both Metro-North and Connecticut Rail Commuter Council told NewsTimes.com that they have not had any issues with commuters contracting bed bug bites en route.
Students should still be vigilant.
The name ‘bed’ bug is a misnomer; the creatures linger in cushions, bags, picture frames, books and even laptops in addition to the common mattress and box spring. They are travelers, attaching to items and people, moving wherever the host does and setting up posts along the way. The appearance of blood spots on bed sheets or a red, itchy irritation on the body may suggest parasitic visitors.
Weindling advises students to use plastic bags to contain items while traveling, and to be sure to keep belongings and common living areas clean. The Center for Disease Control has warned that “Anyone who…shares living and sleeping quarters where other people have previously slept has an increased risk for being bitten and for spreading a bed bug infestation.” Some people do not experience a visible reaction, but for others it may be life-threatening and include insomnia and anxiety, reports the Center for Disease Control.
If anyone thinks they may have been bitten by a bed bug, or suspects them on campus, the best thing to do is to go directly to the health center. The earlier the bugs are found, the easier it is to eradicate them.
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