College Dorms Attracting Bed Bugs

NPMA Offers College Students Tips to Prevent Bed Bugs from Moving
into Dorms
FAIRFAX, Va.--(Business Wire)--
As college students return to campus, many face a new concern
about dorm living - bed bugs. Research conducted by the National Pest
Management Association (NPMA) finds that bed bug reports have
increased 71% between 2001-2005, and pest management companies that
had received 1-2 calls per year about these pests are now receiving
1-2 calls per week.

"Bed bugs have experienced a resurgence in the past decade, which
can be attributed to an increase in international travel," said Greg
Baumann, senior scientist for NPMA. "Crowded dorms offer a perfect way
for these pests to feed and breed."

A resilient pest, bed bugs are known for their hitchhiking
abilities and travel easily from room-to-room. These pests, resemble
an apple seed in appearance, are nocturnal and feed strictly on blood.
Although they do not transmit diseases, they can cause itchy welts
with their bites.

NPMA offers college students tips to avoid bed bug infestations:

-- Peel back the sheets and mattress pad, inspecting for bed
bugs, stains and shed skins on the mattress. Pull back seams
for a deeper inspection, where bed bug "dirt" collects.

-- If you wake up with welts on your body or see signs of an
infestation, notify a resident advisor or building manager so
that they can have a professional perform an inspection. Ask
to be moved to an alternate room that is not to adjacent the
suspected infested room.

-- After traveling, vacuum suitcases before bringing them indoors
and wash clothes in hot water. Don't bring second-hand items,
including couches and mattresses, into dorms from off the
street as these are often infested.

"Students who suspect infestations in their dorm should
immediately contact campus officials," said Baumann. "Bed bugs cannot
be effectively controlled with do-it-yourself measures and
infestations can quickly spread. Colleges and universities need to
work closely with pest professionals to conduct thorough inspections
and develop strategic treatment plans."

For more information regarding bed bugs or to find a pest
professional visit: www.pestworld.org.

The NPMA, a non-profit organization with more than 5,000 members,
was established in 1933 and in 2008 celebrates its 75th anniversary of
supporting the pest management industry's commitment to the protection
of public health, food and property.

Vault Communications, Inc.
Meg Kane, 610-455-2746
mkane@vaultcommunications.com

Copyright Business Wire 2008