Are bedbugs in Lubbock?

Bedbugs have recently become a problem throughout the country and have been found in residence halls, motels, hotels, movie theatres, libraries, offices and many other places. Changes in pesticides and an increase in international travel have contributed to the rise of the bedbug. Cases of bedbugs have been reported in Lubbock, Texas. The longer they go untreated, the worse the problem becomes.

What size is a bedbug?

Adult bedbugs are slightly smaller than a ladybug or about 3/8 of an inch long.They are very tiny as the photo of a bedbug on the dime illustrates. They are reddish-brown in color with flat oval shaped bodies.

How do I get bedbugs?

Bedbugs can easily travel on clothing, backpacks, suitcases, linens, boxes and furniture. Infestations of bedbugs do not necessarily indicate poor hygiene. Bedbugs don't travel on people, but hitch hike in bags and clothes.

Can bedbugs hurt me?

Although bites can cause severe itching, they are relatively harmless. When a bedbug bites it releases a salivary fluid that can irritate skin and cause an allergic reaction. Bedbugs are not known to transmit any blood-borne diseases.

Check luggage, clothing, and bedding after trips, especially after trips abroad. If you have been traveling, leave your clothes in the trunk of your car for 1-2 hours or throw them in the dryer for 20-30 minutes right out of your suitcase when you get home. The heat from the car/dryer will kill any bugs that may be alive.

Do not bring infested items into your room. Thoroughly inspect any "freebie" or second hand furniture or accessories before you bring them in.

Clean up and reduce clutter to eliminate some of their favorite hiding spots. Vacuum crevices and upholstery regularly. Pull your bed away from the wall or other furniture and tuck in sheets and blankets to avoid contact with the floor or walls.

If you have contact with a friend who has bedbugs, check your backpack or other items after spending time with them. Be cautious when inviting friends over to sleep or hang out at your place; or spending the night in their bed. Permanently encase mattress in a mattress bag. Red vinyl mattresses in our residence halls currently help to prevent bed bugs.

Contact your Hall Office, Community Advisor or Hall Coordinator (RLC/GHC) as soon as possible so they can contact the appropriate personnel.

Once our staff are notified, we'll examine your room for signs of bedbugs and contact you with more information.

If you see a bug you think is a bedbug, tape it to a piece of paper to show to the responding staff for verification.