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Bed Bug Information

December 1, 2011

Thursday, December 1, 2011 – Letter from Dean concerning Holiday Travel

General facts about bed bugs:

  1. Bed bugs do not transmit human disease and, therefore, do not present a significant health risk.
  2. They are most active after dark.
  3. They are difficult to see as juveniles, small as a grain of pepper and translucent. Adult bedbugs are similar in size to ticks.
  4. Infestations can be eradicated through a high-heat treatment of all personal items including bedding, clothing, personal items, electronics, etc.
  5. Foggers and other liquid chemicals are not recommended and can impede the eradication efforts of the high-heat treatment.

What you can do:

  1. If you develop a rash that you suspect may have been caused by bites from bed bugs, please schedule an appointment at the Student Health Service for an evaluation at 336.758.5218.
  2. If you suspect that you have seen a bed bug or are unsure of what you have seen, please contact Residence Life and Housing at 336.758.5185 to inquire about pest control services for your area. Effective management of bedbugs should begin at the first sign of a problem.

What you should NOT do if you believe you have bedbugs:

  1. Do not panic. Bed bugs can be battled safely and successfully if you follow the guidelines given to you by Residence Life and Housing.
  2. Do not apply pesticides on your own. Contact Residence Life and Housing at 336.758.5185 immediately.
  3. Do not move your mattress, furniture, or personal items (book bags, duffle bags, etc.) out into the hallway or into another room. Infested furniture can be cleaned and treated. Placing infested items (especially mattresses) into common areas may simply help spread bed bugs to other rooms or suites.
  4. Do not sleep in a friend’s room or in places off campus. If you actually have bed bugs, you will only spread them to others.

To learn more about bed bugs:

  1. Bed bugs are a growing, worldwide problem emanating from increased global travel and decreased use of pesticides.
  2. Bed bugs are small, flat, oval, wingless insects (about one-fifth of an inch) that crawl at a steady rate and are visible to the naked eye. Similar to mosquitoes, bed bugs bite humans to feed on blood; however, unlike mosquitoes, they do not transmit disease.
  3. Being nocturnal insects, their daytime hiding places include crevices, bed frames, mattresses and box springs, behind electrical outlet covers and picture frames, inside drawers of furniture, within pleats of curtains, in clothes discarded on the floor, and in other spaces where they are not easily detected.
  4. Bed bugs are not generally carried on individuals but rather personal possessions.
  5. For further information, please visit the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Our commitment to you:

We hope this information provides you with a better understanding of this problem. Providing a safe living environment for our students and visitors is Wake Forest University’s highest priority. Wake Forest is committed to doing everything possible to manage the impact of this worldwide problem on our campus.

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