With bed bugs being reported in Adelphi University residence halls, the administration is educating students on how to be aware.
As seen in last year’s news video, bed bugs tend to sneak their way onto Adelphi’s campus and into student dorms. College campuses, movie theatres, hotels and many other public places across the country have dealt with these bugs, and although Adelphi doesn’t have many cases, the bed bugs have been reported several times over the last year.
“Just like many universities across the east coast we’ve had some suspected cases within our residence halls,” said Gareth Shumack, assistant director of the Office of Residential Life and Housing.
According to Shumack, there have been only a few reported cases during the 2012-2013 school year.
“Beyond education we had our exterminator service inspect every room in the residence halls during summer to ensure we clear any issues prior to students moving in,” said Shumack. “We also take any suspected cases very seriously and have an aggressive treatment plan in place to handle these types of situations.”
That treatment plan includes sending students' clothes away for cleaning, a thorough cleaning of the dorm, clearing it of bed bugs and throwing away the bed.
Some residence halls, such as New Hall A, have offered education programs to help students become aware of any possible bed bug situations.
“We taught the students what to do if they suspect bed bugs and cleared up some myths, as well as taught hygiene tips,” said Danielle Aslan, senior RA in New Hall A. “Some students thought only ‘dirty people’ can get bed bugs, when in reality anybody can be a victim."
“I live in Earle Hall, and bed bugs haven’t personally affected me yet, but it always helps to be aware,” said sophomore Adam Deitchman. “My friend had a bed bug scenario in his dorm, and I really wouldn’t want that to happen to me. I try to make sure I don’t leave things like food out and open to do my best and them.”
Adelphi has one major recommendation if there’s any bed bug suspicion.
“Residents should go to health services and have the bites checked immediately,” said Shumack. “They provide instruction on what to do next if necessary.”
Visit http://students.adelphi.edu/sa/rlh/bedbugs.php for more information.
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