The battle against bed bugs has been in full force since students returned to the University from winter break.  First believing that the students must have brought the bed bugs back to campus with them, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln does not likely think that is the case any longer because of how wide-spread their bed bug problem is on campus.

The latest numbers being reported by Inside Higher Ed on February 20, 2012, reveals that the University of Nebraska has 94 dorm rooms with bed bugs hiding inside.  The cost of eradicating the bloodsuckers continues to rise with each passing minute.  Reports are that to date the University has spent more than $150,000 on eradication procedures.

The University has engaged the services of five bed bug sniffing dogs, four of which had to be brought in from other states because there is only one bed bug sniffer dog in the Lincoln, Nebraska area.  Each dog costs the school between $800-900 each day.  The University is reporting that the dogs have only been through about one fourth of the school to date.  The treatment of each bed bug infested room costs the University $1000 in addition to the cost of the dog.  You may read the article here.

Some pest control experts are questioning the results of the bed bug sniffing dogs that are being used at the University.  Jeffrey White is a renowned Entomologist and Technical Director of BedBug Central.  He was just recently hired to showcase his expertise about pests on the Animal Planet cable television show “Infested” as well.  NonpareilOnline.com reported on February 20, 2012, that Jeffrey White is questioning the accuracy and results of the bed bug sniffing dogs that have been used at the University.  He is concerned that the dogs are giving “false positives.”

Please check back on Wednesday for the conclusion.