Traveling with small bugs

One of the greatest things about being in college is the freedom of traveling and choosing where to go. Within a week, we can do a tour of the state or a couple of countries. There are always risks when we travel, and we know to be aware of our surroundings and not to talk to strangers. However, we rarely think about anything smaller than our travel-sized shampoo when we go, but the risk might be smaller than that and hiding in our own beds.

Bed bugs are becoming another problem students should worry about when they travel. They live in the mattresses, on the floors and walls of hotels and can easily get into your luggage. You should always check the bed and the floor of the place you are staying whenever you travel, no matter how many stars the hotel may have. Do not place your luggage or any items on the floor. The bugs are tiny, so they are hardly noticeable, but can easily travel back with you and spread in your room.

Bed bugs have been a human pest since the Dark Ages, but have fallen out of literature until recently. A new statistic says one in 15 people reported an infestation in the last year. University Housing has only had two reported infestations, and both of them were in Western Manor and were due to foreign mattresses being brought into the residence. Although bed bugs haven't been a concern in other residence halls or for Housing, that does not mean students cannot bring them back to their dorms.

Students should keep their sheets clean and change them often to reduce the risk of spreading bed bugs. Also, making sure clutter doesn't pile up, especially after traveling, will reduce the availability of spaces where the bugs can reside. It is hard to tell when a colony may have hitched a ride and students can never be too careful. Their roommates will be thankful.

Facts: One in 15 people reported an infestation of bed bugs in the last year in the U.S. University Housing has only had two reported infestations, and both of the instances were in Western Manor, due to foreign mattresses being brought in.

Opinion: Bed bugs easily travel, so students should be aware of where they are staying when they travel and how they manage their belongings. Bed bug infestations can easily be controlled if students keep their beds clean and their rooms clutter-free.