Keeping Your Dorm Pest-Free

 

Keeping Your Dorm Pest-Free

Pests at the University

While homeowners are often very aware of pest control needs, college students typically don’t consider pest control unless it becomes an issue. Unfortunately, pest problems in dormitories are exceedingly difficult to deal with as they can typically spread quickly from room to room, and, as such, putting a precedence on pest prevention is very important for dorm students. Here are some key tips to preventing pests in your dormitory:

Careful Moving In!

Bed bugs are one of the most prolific pests in existence today. They hitchhike from place to place using various methods including luggage, purses, backpacks, briefcases, and clothing. This can be of particular concern when you are moving as rented moving blankets are notorious for passing bed bugs. Either utilizing your own blankets or ensuring any blankets you do rent are properly cleaned and inspected can greatly help reduce the risk of pest infestations in your new apartment. Just like how they are often present on moving blankets, bed bugs can also hide in all kinds of secondhand furniture. While bed bugs are usually the most common culprits for this behavior, roaches, spiders, earwigs, and other pests have also been known to occupy used furniture. So, if you are ever considering purchasing used furniture, it is extremely important to inspect the items carefully prior to bringing them into your new dorm room.

Inspect Your Room

There are a number of conducive conditions that can lead to pest problems and, by simply identifying them and addressing them as soon as possible, you can avoid a whole host of potential pest issues. Some of these conditions may be present prior to you and your roommate occupying your dorm, so it’s important to perform a quick inspection of the room. Specific things to look for include:

• Any cracks or gaps in your walls
• Door sweeps, window screens, or weatherstripping that is damaged or worn
• Any excessive webbing around your building
• Leaking or dripping faucets, shower heads, or pipes (as moisture attracts pests)
• Any current bug problems (in particular, inspect your mattress and bedframe for any hiding bed bugs)

If any of these conditions are present, inform your resident advisor or building maintenance team to have the proper repairs, replacements, etc. addressed upon move-in.

Your Neighbors Can be More than Noisy

Unfortunately, living in such close proximity with others means you often influence one another’s space. If you have a particularly messy neighbor who leaves food or garbage out, this can attract many different pests to the building including rodents, roaches, ants, and more, putting your dorm room at risk. While you can’t control your neighbors’ actions, you can always raise concerns with your resident advisor and follow some of these other tips to help prevent any pest problems from becoming your problem as well.

Keep Clean and Tidy

By simply maintaining a clean a tidy space within your dorm room, you can play a massive role in preventing potential pest problems. Some of the simple cleaning steps you can take include:

• Reducing clutter
• Do not leave food or dirty dishes sitting out
• Regularly remove garbage (especially when it is odorous or contains food remnants)
• Vacuum, dust, and wipe down surfaces relatively frequently
• Use a mattress cover (this can help reduce the risk of bed bugs)

Get Help When Necessary

Pest infestations are much easier to solve when they are treated at the onset of the problem as opposed to later, when the problem has escalated. As such, it’s important to report any problems to the proper dormitory officials immediately for professional treatment. Stay safe, stay pest-free, and have an amazing school year!