It’s that time of year again. Schools and universities are back in session. While shopping for school supplies and a new wardrobe might take precedence over the next few weeks, FL Bed Bug Experts, a bed bug extermination company servicing the Tampa Bay and surrounding areas, encourages parents and students to also spend some time brushing up on bed bug prevention tips.
Bed bugs are excellent hitchhikers and thrive in heavily populated places. This makes classrooms and dorms the perfect settings for bed bugs to take up residence.
A study conducted by the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) and the University of Kentucky found that bed bug infestations are on the rise in many different types of dwellings, including school and college settings. According to the survey, 47 percent of respondents had been treated for bed bugs in college dorms, while 41 percent had reported bed bug infestations in schools and daycare centers.
FL Bed Bug Experts recommend that parents learn a few bed bug prevention tips to help avoid bringing bed bugs home.
Bed Bug Prevention for Grades K-12:
- Parents should regularly inspect their children’s belongings for hitchhiking bed bugs
- If the school has reported an infestation, consider housing all related items in a sealed plastic bin
- Wash and dry cloth items returning from school in hot temperatures
- Ask school administrators whether they have bed bug detection and elimination plans
Bed Bug Prevention for College Students:
- Fully inspect suitcases before re-packing for a return to school, especially after any summer trips
- Before putting sheets on the dormitory bed, inspect the mattress seams, particularly at the corners, and box springs for telltale stains or spots
- Thoroughly inspect the entire room before unpacking, including behind the headboard and in sofas and chairs
- Inspect any “secondhand” furniture for bed bugs before bringing it into dormitory rooms or off-campus housing
Educate Yourself and Others
Stay informed about bed bugs and share information with family and friends. Awareness and knowledge can help prevent the spread of bed bugs and reduce the risk of an infestation. Listed below are a few steps to help you become well-informed:
1. Understand Basic Information
- What They Are: Learn about bed bugs—small, reddish-brown insects that feed on human blood. They are nocturnal and can be difficult to spot.
- Life Cycle: Study their life cycle, which includes eggs, nymphs, and adults. Understanding their stages can help in identifying and treating infestations.
- Signs of Infestation: Familiarize yourself with common signs like bite marks, blood stains on sheets, dark spots of fecal matter, and actual bugs.
2. Read Reputable Sources
- Books and Guides: Look for books or comprehensive guides on bed bug management.
- Online Resources: Visit trusted websites like the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and university extension services for up-to-date information.
3. Take Online Courses and Webinars
- Educational Platforms: Many organizations offer online courses and webinars on pest management. Websites like Purdue University’s Entomology Department often provide valuable resources.
- Professional Organizations: Check resources from professional pest control associations like the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) or The Entomological Society of America.
4. Consult Experts
- Pest Control Professionals: Talk to pest control experts such as FL Bed Bug Experts who can provide detailed information and insights based on real-world experience.
- Local Health Departments: They may offer guidance and resources specific to your area.
5. Join Forums and Communities
- Online Forums: Participate in forums or online communities dedicated to pest management. Reddit, for example, has communities where you can ask questions and share experiences.
- Social Media Groups: Join social media groups or pages focused on pest control or bed bug management to stay updated and learn from others’ experiences.
6. Stay Updated
- Recent Research: Follow recent studies and research on bed bugs to keep up with new treatment methods and emerging trends.
- News and Alerts: Subscribe to newsletters or alerts from pest control organizations or health departments for updates on bed bug-related news.
By combining these resources and approaches, you’ll gain a thorough understanding of bed bugs and be better equipped to prevent and manage infestations.
For more information on bed bugs, please call FL Bed Bug Experts to speak with a knowledgeable expert.
