Sara Gentry wrote a great article for U Weekly titled “Sleeping Alone? Think Again?” In Gentry’s article she discusses the fact that bed bugs are truly a growing problem and are becoming an epidemic. At Ohio State College both on-campus and off-campus students are having issues with bed bugs like many other colleges are. Because bed bugs have been called hitchhikers before, colleges are another prime location of where infestations are rapidly spreading.
An expert on pest control, Andrew Christman is from Ohio Exterminating Company and agrees that infestations are at an all-time high. Christman has seen over 100 infestations on the campus but recalls one that sticks out in his mind and being the worst.
A quote by Christman from Gentry’s article says,
“I walked in, and they were crawling on the walls, all over the dresser, they were swarming the mattress.” He went on to say that other invasions are not so obvious but that there are a couple of telltale signs of their presence.”
Due to the ever growing problem Christman decided that it would be a good idea to meet with the Franklin County Board of Health to discuss ideas on how to solve this bed bug problem. Christman says that the most important thing to do if you stop a bed bug is to act fast and call your landlord or supervisor. Because bed bugs reproduce so quickly you’ll want to take action before you have thousands of more unwanted guests. Christman doesn’t really support do-it-yourself pesticides but offers a few suggestions as a supplement to professional exterminators. Bed Bug Kits are available and range in price from $70 to $200 and are pretty effective. (See our Pest Control section for more ideas on do-it-yourself pest removal)
But of course, the best way to prevent a large infestation of bed bugs is to be aware of your surroundings. When you travel or go to someone else’s house don’t hesitate to double check your clothing or luggage to ensure your own home stays bed bug free. To quote Sara Gentry’s last words: “Sleep tight!”
Laura,
Check out our Bed Bug checklist, it will help you see if there are any of the bugs in your home.
https://www.badbedbugs.com/bedbug-checklist/
I have got some bites but not sure if they are bits from something else or bed bugs… I have not seen any in my bed or around the bed so can u help me… what should I do to see if I have any?
Hi there
I have a strong suspicion that I have bed bugs. I have many bites mostly on my legs and thighs and very few on my arms and feet. Some are random single bites and others are in clusters or lines spaced fairly far from eachother. I just came back from vacation in puerto rico last Sunday and I’m afraid I brought back these bugs. I started feeliing itchy the day before I left but thought they were mosquito bites so didn’t pay much attention to them or how many I had. I am pretty sure I have new bites now but its hard to tell how many. Could these be sand fleas?I also can’t find any bed bugs in my room or mattress. I have vacuumed and even had the first treatment by a pest control company just to be on the safe side. Can you please tell me how long before I should see evidence of bed bugs on matress or anywhere else. I have both matress and box spring covered now but shouldn’t I see something on my sheets pillow etc?? Please help me I can’t sleep and the not knowing what I have is driving me nuts!!!