Attention College Students: Don’t Let the Bed Bugs Bite

The ever-famous line 'don't let the bed bugs bite' now has a newfound significance. According to data gathered by the National Pest Management Association and the University of Kentucky, bed bugs are biting more than ever before.

The study, which surveyed U.S. pest management professionals, found that bed bug encounters have become much more common in public places than the previous year. In fact, one of the most talked about statistics is that the numbers of professionals who treated college dorms increased to 54 percent, up from 35 percent in 2010.

Since bed bugs thrive in places where there are many people, college dorm rooms and off campus housing can provide a perfect environment for an infestation.

In order to prevent these creepy crawlers from ruining the upcoming semester, we recommend following these tips:

• Fully inspect your suitcases prior to re-packing for a return to school, especially if you have traveled during the summer. Be sure that any clothes that may have been previously packed in the suitcase have been washed in hot water.

• Before putting your sheets on your dormitory bed, inspect the mattress seams, particularly at the corners, for telltale stains or spots. Thoroughly inspect the entire room before unpacking, including behind the headboard and in sofas/chairs. If you see anything suspect, immediately contact a university facility manager.

• If you are considering bringing "secondhand" furniture to campus, properly inspect it to ensure that a pest problem, such as bed bugs, is not the reason for its "secondhand" status. If you see anything suspect, do not bring it to your dorm, apartment or house.

• Repeat these steps after every return trip to and from campus, whether it be for weekend get-aways, trips home and especially when returning from holiday and Spring Break.