Braman Termite & Pest Elimination
shares back-to-school tips to prevent a bed bug infestation
Summer vacation is over and schools and colleges are heading back into session.
While shopping for school supplies and new clothes may take precedence for most, Braman Termite and Pest Elimination, a pest management company servicing southern New England, encourages parents and students to also spend time brushing up on bed bug prevention tips.
“Bed bugs are excellent hitchhikers and thrive in heavily populated places,” said Jerry Lazarus, third-generation owner of Braman Termite and Pest Elimination. “This makes classrooms and dorms the perfect settings for bed bugs to take up residence.”
A study conducted by the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) and the University of Kentucky found that bed bug infestations are on the rise in many different types of dwellings, including school and college settings. According to the survey, 47 percent of respondents had treated for bed bugs in college dorms in 2013, while 41 percent had reported bed bug infestations in schools and daycare centers.
Braman experts recommend the following tips for students in grades K-12 to avoid bringing bed bugs home:
- Ask school administrators whether they have bed bug detection and elimination plans
- Parents should regularly inspect their children’s belongings for hitchhiking bed bugs
- If the school has reported an infestation, segregate all related items in a sealed plastic bin
- Wash and dry cloth items returning from school in hot temperatures
Braman experts also advise college students to take steps to protect against bed bugs, including:
- Familiarize yourself with what bed bugs look like and where they hide
- Inspect suitcases prior to re-packing for a return to school, especially after any summer trips
- Before putting sheets on the dormitory bed, inspect the mattress seams, particularly at the corners, and box springs for telltale stains or spots
- Thoroughly inspect the entire room before unpacking, including behind the headboard and in sofas and chairs
- Avoid “secondhand” furniture if you do not know where it came from
For more information on bed bugs, please visit BramanPest.com .