“Bedbugs 'not a concern' for campus residents” |
| Bedbugs 'not a concern' for campus residents Posted: 04 Sep 2010 09:07 AM PDT
Entomology professor Mike Waldvogel said there's an easy way to fight bedbugs. A growing national concern over the insects, with nearly one in 15 people reporting infestations in some areas such as New York City, has prompted widespread efforts to help control the problem. On campus, there have been two confirmed infestations in the past year. But Waldvogel said fighting bedbugs is about using common sense. "We want people to be smart, not paranoid," Waldvogel said. Both documented cases on campus occurred in Western Manor Apartments, which is on South Campus near the Avent Ferry Complex, and both resulted from residents bringing in used mattresses. There have been no confirmed cases in any residence halls on main campus. "Bedbugs should not be a big concern for students, but we need to be careful to understand how outbreaks occur, and how to prevent them," said Tim Blair, university housing associate director. There are some basic steps everybody can take to help reduce the risk of an infestation. "You really shouldn't buy used mattresses," said John Ashley, university housing pest technician. "And be sure to thoroughly inspect any used furniture." Bedbugs can be picked up while traveling, especially from hotel rooms. "They are very efficient hitchhikers, even more so than most college students," said Waldvogel. He said the best thing to do is to be careful. When traveling, check your hotel bed for tell-tale signs like black spots around seams in the mattress and keep your luggage up off the floor. At home, the simplest step you can take is to keep your place clean. "Clutter is a bedbug's best friend," Waldvogel said. Waldvogel warns against engaging in pesticide use, as commercial pesticides and bug sprays have no effect on bedbugs. Instead, you may want to wrap your mattress in a protective plastic cover, which prevents bedbugs from nesting. The thought of a bedbug infestation may be frightening, but in terms of insects, they're not so bad. There is no evidence to suggest they transmit diseases, according to Waldvogel. Remember to consult a pest expert if you suspect you have bedbug bites. "You can't diagnose a bedbug problem based on a bite alone," said Waldvogel. Medical treatment for bedbug bites might be needed if the bite becomes infected. If you have worrisome skin symptoms, visit your health care provider. "Remember that there are skin problems not due to bedbugs that can have similar symptoms," said Dr. Mary Bengtson, student health services medical director. Some concerned residents have reported bedbugs only to have another problem such as rash from poison oak determined to be the cause. "People tend to get worried about stuff they see on TV," Ashley said. However, if you live in a residence hall and suspect you might have bedbugs, it is important you notify University Housing through your 24-hour desk. As always, it is important to stay informed. "University Housing will be posting some educational outreach pieces on the subject shortly," said Susan Grant, director of University Housing. This entry passed through the Full-Text RSS service — if this is your content and you're reading it on someone else's site, please read our FAQ page at fivefilters.org/content-only/faq.php |
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