Beating the Bug
Largely eradicated as pests in the 1940s, bedbugs have seen a resurgence over the last several years. Unfortunately, our campus is not immune to this problem. While dealing with bed bugs can be frustrating and exhausting, Wayne State University works closely with a local, licensed exterminator to help us safely mitigate any occurrence of bed bugs from campus.
We are contracted for regular visual inspections and use bed bug sniffing dogs to inspect the Shiffman Library, Mazurek building, Scott Hall lecture halls, MD labs and the student lounge.
We also rely on students to help contain and control bed bugs in our spaces. If a student finds or suspects they have seen a bed bug in the library or school we asked that they "take a picture, kill it, and report it." Report forms are available on line at: Bed Bug Report Form. Paper forms are available at the main desk of the library.
Our pest control company is immediately notified to complete an inspection of the suspected area and either okay it for use or cordon it off until the area is treated. Fixed furniture is taped off and chemically treated, while chairs are removed and heat treated. All furniture is re-inspected after treatment, if there are no additional signs of bed bugs then the furniture is available for use.
For more information on bed bugs, our policy and information from our pest control company, review the information below.
Bed Bug Sighting? Please submit a Bed Bug Report Form here!
Our Responsibility
- Respond quickly to any student bed bug concerns.
- Provide the resources and information to educate students about bed bugs and what students need to do if they suspect they may have bed bugs.
- Take proactive measures to detect and treat any potential bed bug problems and guide students through all necessary bed bug related procedures.
- Hire proven, qualified professional exterminators to help detect and if present, eradicate bed bugs.
- Monitor potential resurgence of infected areas.
Your Responsibility
- Educate yourself about bed bugs! The State of Michigan has created comprehensive manual for guidance on how to identify, treat, manage and prevent bed bugs. Download the Michigan Manual for the Prevention and Control of Bed Bugs (pdf)
- Report immediately if you suspect that you have bed bugs or have seen a bed bug.
- Take precautions when traveling to minimize the chance of bringing bed bugs to campus.
- Bag your belongings so that they can be treated and to aid in the elimination of bed bugs in your room.
- Capture/ take a photograph of any bug you suspect may be a bed bug. This can speed up identification and a remedy can be implemented more quickly.
- Do not attempt to control the problem yourself. Do not treat your room with any chemicals or sprays.
- Understand that bed bugs are a distraction and inconvenience and will require some extra work on your part.