Think You’re Sleeping Alone?

---

Sara Gentry wrote a great article for U Weekly titled “Sleeping Alone? Think Again?” In Gentry’s article she discusses the fact that bed bugs are truly a growing problem and are becoming an epidemic. At Ohio State College both on-campus and off-campus students are having issues with bed bugs like many other colleges are. Because bed bugs have been called hitchhikers before, colleges are another prime location of where infestations are rapidly spreading.

An expert on pest control, Andrew Christman is from Ohio Exterminating Company and agrees that infestations are at an all-time high. Christman has seen over 100 infestations on the campus but recalls one that sticks out in his mind and being the worst. A quote by Christman from Gentry’s article says,

“I walked in, and they were crawling on the walls, all over the dresser, they were swarming the mattress.” He went on to say that other invasions are not so obvious but that there are a couple of telltale signs of their presence.”

Due to the ever growing problem Christman decided that it would be a good idea to meet with the Franklin County Board of Health to discuss ideas on how to solve this bed bug problem. Christman says that the most important thing to do if you stop a bed bug is to act fast and call your landlord or supervisor. Because bed bugs reproduce so quickly you’ll want to take action before you have thousands of more unwanted guests. Christman doesn’t really support do-it-yourself pesticides but offers a few suggestions as a supplement to professional exterminators. Bed Bug Kits are available and range in price from $70 to $200 and are pretty effective. (See our Pest Control section for more ideas on do-it-yourself pest removal)

But of course, the best way to prevent a large infestation of bed bugs is to be aware of your surroundings. When you travel or go to someone else’s house don’t hesitate to double check your clothing or luggage to ensure your own home stays bed bug free. To quote Sara Gentry’s last words: “Sleep tight!”

Full article found here:

http://uweekly.com/newsmag/11-05-2008/9629