|
Receive the latest Shorthorn
updates in your e-mail inbox.
Enter your Email address below
STUDENTS
LOCAL
|
Health
Bedbug infestation sweeps across campus
Officials say pest-control service instructions must be followed exactly.
The Shorthorn staff
University officials are reacting to a bedbug infestation in campus
housing by posting fliers and offering pest control services.
But don’t bolt out the door if you’re bedding with bedbugs.
Panic will only spread the creatures, which can’t be stopped by
over-the-counter pesticides. These little pests cling to furniture, clothing,
mattresses and other textiles.
They’ve been found in buses, movie theaters, high-end hotels, apartments
and Arlington residence halls.
Not everyone reacts to the bites, according to informational fliers recently
distributed to students in campus housing. More of a nuisance than a threat,
humans don’t usually know they’ve been bitten until itchy
or swollen areas develop with multiple small bite marks. Treatment with
prescribed topical antiseptic or antibiotic products usually prevents
infections.
The bugs nearly vanished during the 1950s and ’60s but made a comeback
in recent years.
“We can easily correct the problem if we’re promptly contacted,”
said Larry Harrison, Facilities Management associate director.
The university will send in a contracted pest control service and provide
additional instructions.
Apartment Life coordinator Molly Albart said full compliance with the
contractor’s instructions is very important.
“It’s absolutely critical to solving the problem, or it could
reoccur,” she said.
What to do if you get bedbugs
1. Don’t panic.
2. Reduce clutter to limit hiding places for bugs.
3. Thoroughly clean infested rooms.
4. Wash all sheets and clothing in hot water and dry clean items
as needed.
5. Mattresses and box springs can be permanently encased within
mattress bags so trapped bugs eventually die.
6. Pull the bed frame away from the wall and tuck in sheets/blankets
so they won’t contact the floor for bugs to crawl onto the bed.
7. Call the Facilities Management Office at 817-272-2000 for
pest control.
|
Today
Final withdraw for non-payment -Summer II
Last date to drop or withdraw (Graduate)
Wesley Foundation Event Bible Study: 7 p.m., 311 UTA Blvd. Gospel of John. Free
food. For information, contact Kent Seuser at 817-274-6282 or wesfnuta@swbell.net.
Full Calendar
|
