New York City pest control professionals know first-hand about the risks associated with transferring bed bugs from place to place.  Known for their ability to hitchhike with ease from any local, college students are particularly susceptible to picking up bed bugs.
College students typically live a mobile lifestyle.  Frequent overnight visits in other student’s dorm rooms and apartments, and visits back and forth from home to school, allow for potential bed bugs to hitch a ride with unsuspecting students.

Because college students are often working on a small budget, it is not uncommon for students to regularly purchase used furniture or scavenge previously owned furniture that is owned by other students or area residents.  NYC pest control experts warn that despite their name, bed bugs are not limited to being found solely in beds.  Bed bugs are often times found in other types of discarded furniture such as tables, couches, and dressers.  Because of their size and tendency to hide, bed bugs will also hide in picture frames, mirrors and all types of electronic devices.

What college students can do about bed bugs:

• Refrain from bringing any mattresses, box springs, or furniture in from the street.

• Check backpacks, laptop bags, and other personal belongings after visiting other students homes or dorms.

• Carefully inspect any used or rented furniture for bed bugs prior to bringing it into a dorm or apartment.

• Educate yourself about bed bugs:  Know what they look like, what their habits are, how to find them, how to avoid them, and how to get rid of them.

• Never attempt to treat bed bugs on your own.

• If bed bugs are found, it’s important to immediately notify your landlord or RA that the bugs are present so that a licensed pest control professional can be called to stop the spread of the bloodsuckers.