The staff of Housing & Residence Life and Facilities Management is committed to an effective and efficient response to students who suspect they may have bed bugs. For the safety and comfort of all students living in the residence halls, all university community members are expected to adhere to the following guidelines:
As soon as any member of the university community suspects that bed bugs may be present in their room, apartment, office or common space the Residence Director (RD) should be informed, so a work order can be submitted to Facilities Management.
Facilities Management will contact the University’s exterminator to perform a thorough inspection of the area in question. Please note that the exterminator can only be dispatched on business days. It is recommended that students report the concern to the RD as early on a regular business day as possible to facilitate the quickest response. It is possible that the exterminator will not be able to come until the next business day. Students may not, at any time, deny the University’s exterminator or Facilities Management staff access to their living space (including their bedroom, suite common space, kitchen, bathroom, etc.)
Inspection: If the technician finds that there are no bedbugs present then no further action will be taken. The student will be asked to continue monitoring the living space and to immediately report any further concerns to the RD. If the technician concludes that bed bugs are present in the room, suite or apartment; Residence Life will provide the affected student(s) with a detailed list of instructions for the removal and laundering of their personal items. A campus laundry card will be provided. The office will not cover the cost of anything a student wishes to dry clean or have laundered by an outside vendor. Shippensburg University is not responsible for personal property that may be damaged due to bed bugs. Only the University’s exterminator can confirm or deny the presence of bed bugs – NOT student health services or any outside person. Bed bugs are a serious community issue, and ALL students are expected to comply with all instructions given to them within 24 hours once bed bugs have been confirmed within their living space.
Bed Bug Reminders:
Don’t panic!
Do not apply pesticides on your own.
Do not move your mattress or any furniture out into the hallway.
Do not go sleep in a friend’s room or in places off-campus. If you actually have bed bugs, you will only spread them to others.
