Bed bugs love to be where there are lots of humans living in close quarters. That means bed bugs love to live in college dorms! Colleges happen to be one of the fastest growing segments of the pest control industry's long list of problematic areas for infestations so how do you avoid bed bugs in college dorms?
When you send your kids off to school, there are lots of worries. Grades, partying, risky behavior, etc. and you hope that all you have taught them up until now is adequate to protect them in this stepping stone to complete independence. But did you really think that parasites would be on the top of the list of worries when moving into the dorm? Well, if it isn't at the top of the list, it should certainly be in the top three major concerns because this is a serious issue that won't be going away.
A quick report on Bed Bugs 101 - they are nocturnal parasites that feed on the blood of mammals, preferably human. They are about the size of an apple seed at maturity, they are incredibly adept at hiding and concealment, and they have the ability to live up to a year between feedings. Yes, an entire year can go by between venturing out to feast on students. They actually do not bite - they suck - utilizing two mouth parts, one injects an anesthetic so you are unaware and the other is a straw-like mouth part that is injected to suck your blood. They are generally considered non-disease carriers but recent scientific studies have concluded bed bugs can carry MRSA. Since there has not been appreciable research on bed bugs in more than 50 years, it seems plausible that a creature that injects a body part into more than one human's blood supply would surely be able to transmit something.
So now that you are facing the empty nest with your son or daughter off to college, what can you do to protect him or her from blood-sucking parasites? Nobody wants bed bugs for roommates!
First of all, educate them on what to look for, where they hide, the importance of ongoing inspections, etc. These monsters love to hide in folds of fabric, on dark clothing, backpacks and luggage, and leave tell-tale signs of light blood streaks (visible on light fabrics) that are excrement trails. Nice. They hide along the backsides of framed art, underneath furniture, in the spines of hardback books, etc. Thoroughly inspect EVERYTHING before bringing it a living space.
Purchase a natural repellent for use on backpacks, luggage and other belongings. Each day as students venture through campus, they are vulnerable to all these pests lurk - classrooms, libraries, public transportation, etc. By repelling them, you have eliminated a great risk opportunity.
Utilize this same natural repellent to create a bug free zone around the bed. The real issue with bed bugs is the emotional and psychological toll that lack of sleep and unsafe bedding can take on even the most level-headed people. Being able to sleep safely and soundly is a gift you can give your child by supplying a safe, natural repellent to protect the bed.
When preparing the supplies for college, make sure a natural bed bug repellent is at the top of the list. When having the dreaded Parent-College Student-Talk, be sure to include parasites in the discussion as your child is far more vulnerable to bed bugs in a college dorm environment than anyone wants to admit.
Education is certainly important both for upper learning as well as how to avoid these monsters - so make sure your child's college experience goes smoothly without having to worry about bed bugs!
Louise Hodges is the owner of Greenbug which offers effective, safe and green pest control products. You can now safely eliminate pests without using toxic chemicals!
Greenbug products kill and repel all the pests you don't want such as Bed Bugs, Ants, Mosquitoes, Fleas, Ticks, Roaches, Stink Bugs, Silverfish, Dust Mites, White Fly, etc. but cause no harm whatsoever to beneficial creatures such as butterflies, lady bugs and honey bees.
For more information, go to http://www.greenbugallnatural.com/ or watch safe pest control solutions at http://www.youtube.com/greenbugallnatural
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