NIU has taken steps to ensure that while there is an increase in bed bug incidents across the nation, it will not be a problem in the residence halls.

“Over time we have had spotty incidents of bed bugs,” said Michele Crase, the associate director of Environmental Health and Safety (EHS).

“We have worked with a pest control company as well as with Housing and Dining, and what we have ended up with is a cohesive planthat addresses them quickly.”

In addition to that plan, Housing and Dining has taken additional steps to ensure that students have fewer problems with bed bugs in the residence halls.

“All mattresses that the University purchases come with an inverted seam mattress cover that protects the mattress from liquids and prevents bedbugs,” said Dave LaBancdirector of Residential Operations. “If that cover is damaged or not present at move-in, residents may call the Work Request Office and request another mattress cover.”

If students think they have a problem with bed bugs, they should call the Work Request Office where they will be asked questions about the situation, Crase said.

The students will then meet with a representative from EHS who will inspect their room and determine if there is a need for further treatment or monitoring.

If students get bug bites, they should not automatically assume that it is from bed bugs because more often than not it is from outside insects, Crase said.

“If they think they’re getting bites in the morning, wash your sheets and blankets and use bug spray outside,” Crase said. “Sometimes what happens is that they get bitten outside when walking in the grass, and it doesn’t show up until the next morning.”

The offices of Environmental Health and Safety and Housing and Dining have a guide which provides information and includes more tips for students about how to avoid bed bugs.