TIPS FOR PREVENTING BED BUGS IN DORM ROOMS
Living in a student residence, student apartment, or dormitory can be an exciting experience for college and university students. It also comes with its challenges, one of which is the potential for encountering bed bugs.
These tiny biting insects are a serious concern. They can cause endless discomfort, anxiety, embarrassment, and lack of sleep. They are also notoriously difficult to eliminate once they infest a space.
Having bed bugs can feel like having really bad roommates that just won’t leave you alone…and no one wants that experience.
The good news is that there are steps that can be taken to prevent bed bugs from taking up residence in a dorm room or student apartment. Our bed bug control experts here at Environmental Pest Control have shared helpful advice and practical tips below, so keep reading this post.
5 Tips for Preventing Bed Bugs in Dorm Rooms
1. Inspect & Clean Regularly
Bed bugs often hitchhike into spaces on clothing, bags, books, or used furniture. Regularly inspect your mattress, bedding, and furniture for any signs of bed bugs, such as dark spots or shed skins. Use a flashlight and look closely in seams, cracks, and crevices. Keep your dorm room clutter-free and vacuum frequently, paying attention to baseboards, carpets, and upholstered furniture where bed bugs can hide.
2. Use Mattress, Boxspring & Pillow Encasements
Always use a mattress cover, pillow encasements, and box spring cover. These are proven to prevent bed bugs, and their eggs, from passing or biting through the fabric or special zippers. Learn more about why bed bug mattress covers are so important, and what to look for in a high quality cover. BTW – we sell them at Environmental Pest Control, and they are of exceptional quality.
3. Be Cautious with Second-Hand Items
Avoid bringing in second-hand furniture or mattresses into your dorm room unless you know where they came from and are 100% certain they are free of bed bugs. If you must bring in used items (student life is expensive – we get it!), BEFORE you bring them indoors, thoroughly and carefully inspect them for signs of bed bugs. If you give them the greenlight, use protectors on your mattress, box spring and pillows (see tip #3).
4. Practice Good Laundry Habits
Bed bugs are less likely to infest clothing and bedding that is regularly washed and dried on high heat. Whenever possible, wash your bedding, pajamas, and any potentially infested clothing in hot water and dry them on the hottest setting recommended for the fabric. This helps kill any bed bugs or eggs that may be present.
5. Be Vigilant & Report Early
If you suspect or discover signs of bed bugs in your dorm room, residence, or apartment, report it to your college or university housing immediately. Early detection and intervention are crucial in preventing bed bugs from spreading to other rooms or areas of student housing. Follow the procedures set by your university for dealing with pest infestations to ensure a prompt and effective response.
Expert Bed Bug Control, Management & Prevention
School is stressful enough, so don’t let bed bugs or pest issues add any more stress or worry to your life or spoil your college or university experience.
By following these tips, you can significantly reduce the risk of encountering bed bugs.
Learn more about Bed Bugs and the safe and effective solutions we offer at Environmental Pest Control.
Happy Learning!
