Public Safety has received a report concerning bedbugs in the Digital Lounge and Commons. As a result, they made the decision on April 16 to promptly shut down the DLC and arrange for an exterminator to inspect and, if necessary, treat the room.
Please note that the exterminator, in previous visits to campus, informed us that bedbugs are often hitchhikers, coming in to campus with individuals. Because of this, there is no preventative that can be applied.
What are bedbugs?
Bedbugs are a small, flat, parasitic insect. They feed on blood, but aren’t known to spread disease. They are more of an annoyance. Bites may or may not be noticeable; however, an allergic reaction may occur in some people. If this occurs, seek treatment.
Infestations usually occur where people sleep and bugs tend to live within 8 feet. During the day, they hide in mattresses, box springs, bed frames, headboards, dresser tables, inside cracks or crevices, behind wallpaper, or any other clutter or objects around a bed.
Signs and symptoms of an infestation include:
- bite marks on the body (may not appear for one or more days if at all, but the marks would be similar to a mosquito or flea – a slightly swollen and red area that may itch)
- exoskeletons after molting
- live bugs in the fold of mattresses and sheets
- rusty–colored blood spots
- a sweet, musty odor
To avoid bedbugs, always check seams and folds of luggage, overnight bags, folded clothes, bedding, furniture and anywhere else where they can hide. If you suspect that you have an infestation, get help from a professional pest control company that is experienced with treating bedbugs. If you are bitten, you can apply antiseptic creams or lotions and take an antihistamine.
For more information on bedbugs, visit the Center for Disease Control website at https://www.cdc.gov/parasites/bedbugs/. Facilities and Public Safety will remain vigilant and address situations as they occur. Please notify Public Safety immediately if you become aware of the presence of a bedbug.
