College Students: Keep Bed Bugs Off the Syllabus
The National Pest Management Association shares tips to help students avoid bed bugs during the first weeks of the semester
FAIRFAX, Va. (August 18, 2026) – The first few weeks of college bring plenty of activity, with new people from all over settling into dorms and apartments, furnishing living spaces with second-hand furniture and moving between busy shared areas. All of this activity allows an unwanted visitor, bed bugs, to spread.
According to the University of Florida and the National Pest Management Association (NPMA)’s 2025 Bugs Without Borders survey, 36% of pest management professionals reported treating bed bugs in college dorms.
So, with the start of the new school year, NPMA is reminding students to stay alert for these skilled hitchhikers. Bed bugs can travel on luggage, backpacks, clothing, bedding and furniture, making dorms and other shared living spaces optimal spots for potential infestations.
“More than three-quarters of pest professionals say bed bugs are the most difficult pest to eliminate, which makes early detection especially important,” said Dr. Jim Fredericks, senior vice president of public affairs for NPMA. “Knowing what to look for and taking a few simple precautions can help students spot a problem early.”
NPMA recommends students:
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Know the signs. Check mattress seams, bed frames and headboards for live bugs, shed skins or small dark spots that look like ink marks.
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Inspect secondhand furniture. Carefully examine used couches, chairs and other furnishings before bringing them inside.
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Be mindful in shared spaces. Keep backpacks, clothing and other personal belongings off beds and away from other people’s belongings.
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Reduce clutter. Organized spaces provide fewer hiding places and make signs of bed bugs easier to spot.
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Take precautions after traveling. After trips or school breaks, unpack away from sleeping areas and dry washable items on high heat.
For more information about bed bug prevention and identification, visit PestWorld.org and BedBugsExposed.PestWorld.org.
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Learn About Rodents
Rodents invade millions of homes each winter. Learn more about them!
NPMA’s Bugs Without Borders
NPMA’s Bugs Without Borders research uncovers surprising shifts in America’s pest landscape and what homeowners should expect next.
NPMA's Bug Barometer Forecast
The latest Bug Barometer® forecast from the National Pest Management Association reveals what homeowners across America can expect from pest activity this fall and winter.