Student Accommodation Is A Bed Bug Magnet

Is student accommodation a bed bug magnet? Well, bed bugs are generally associated with cheap accommodation. Now, this isn’t always the case. These bugs are found in even the most expensive hotels. That being said, they are found more often in places with poorer than average hygiene standards. This includes backpackers’ hostels, dodgy hotels and…student digs.

Why is student accommodation a bed bug magnet?

This should come as no surprise to anyone who has stayed or lived in these public places. But why is student housing a bed bug magnet and what can you do about this problem? There are dozens of reasons why these places become infested with bed bugs.

First of all, many students use public transport. In case you didn’t know, most public transport is now heavily infested with bed bugs. It’s quite possible to pick up these pests from going on a train or bus.

Students also visit and sleep at other students’ houses. This means they have a far greater chance of picking up bed bugs (amongst other things) and being bitten. There’s a good chance that your student friends have bed bugs and you’ve brought them home.

Along with this, students come and go more often. Many are rarely at home. This means that they may not actually notice that there is a problem. Most students are also tenants who stay in a flat or room for less than a year. This means they are less likely to do something about the problem. This is actually one of the biggest reasons why student accommodation is such a bed bug magnet.

Compare this to a homeowner, who is far more invested in taking care of this problem. As a tenant, you’re also limited in what you can actually do. You may not own the furniture, or the landlord may not want you dropping bug bombs. Also, most students are strapped for cash. They do not have the resources to hire pest control services.

Is there anything to be done?

What all of this means is that students may end up tolerating the problem for longer. They may be relatively fine with being bitten, because eventually they’re going to go home. Finally, students may not vacuum and clean as often as householders. In fact, students are notorious for not cleaning and living in squalor.

Now, it’s a common misconception that bed bugs are caused by poor hygiene. This isn’t actually the case. The issue is that if you live in a pigsty, it’s only going to make the problem worse and they do like to live in weird and wonderful places. But if you’re living in a bed bug magnet, what can you actually do about this issue? Your best course of action is to contact the landlord. By law, landlords are required to handle pest control issues. Just note that you’ll be required to keep up your end up your end of the bargain. That means keeping the place clean!