Sightings of bed bugs have been reported in one of Ryerson University’s classrooms.
What Are Bed Bugs?
Bed bugs are the pesky oval-shaped insects that quietly sneak into the bed while you sleep. Because they don’t have wings, they stick onto the clothes of humans or other objects to get to another place. In order to survive, they feed on human or animal blood.
These pesky creatures are very common in places that have plenty of people. That includes hotels, hospitals, shelters, business offices, college dorms, and even classrooms.
Bed Bug Sighting in Ryerson University
A staff of the school’s publication, The EyeOpener, reported that bed bugs were found hiding between the cracks and openings of the tables in one of the classrooms on the second floor. Multiple photos of the pesky critters were taken and a student was said to be bitten by them.
Stefanie Phillips, who co-penned the article, shared with Global News Radio 640 Toronto that she was bitten quite a few times on her hand. She tried to deter the bugs, but many more of them began to show up. She felt itchiness on her hand, so she decided to check it. To her surprise, she saw a small beetle-type of bug. Her initial reaction was to brush it off. Eventually, she just found herself starting to look around for more.
After the incident, Phillips took to social media to ask other students if they had her similar experience. Shockingly, there was an overwhelming response to her post. Many other students came out to share their experience with such creepy crawlies in that particular room.
The Public Affairs office of the university immediately released a statement saying that the university is already aware of the issue and that they are inspecting the room infested. Officials are more than grateful that students are helping them address the issue by bringing up their concerns.
Seems that the reported sighting of bed bugs in the school made students anxious. Gino Amboing, a freshman, said he does not want to take off his jacket because the bed bugs might get inside his clothes.
Another student named felt as if she has no other choice but to face those pesky bugs. She only explained that she cannot afford to miss her classes. Attendance is mandatory at times.
The day after the incident, a notice was posted outside the infested room. It said no classes will be conducted in the room.
CP24 tried to reach out to a local pest control operator to get their opinion about the bed bug sighting in the university. Looking at the photos, they confirmed that the pests were indeed bed bugs.
CBC also spoke with Neetu Gogna, the office manager of another local pest control service provider. She stated that bed bugs are very hard to deal with, considering the fact that they can spread quickly without out us knowing. They can stick to human body or hide in our shoes, bags, and clothes.
Apparently, this is not the school’s first encounter with bed bugs. Last 2012, there were eight confirmed bed bug infestation occurrences at two residence buildings on university grounds as reported by The Star. Also, in the year 1999, it was reported that a residence building on campus was fumigated and cleaned to get rid of the stubborn bed bugs.
Bed Bug Bite Treatment
If you suspect that you have bed bug bites, the first thing you have to do is to wash the area with soap and water. Treat the itchy symptoms with natural solutions like the combination of aloe Vera gel and lemon juice.
If you notice signs of swelling, it is best that you take oral antihistamines. Better yet, use pain relievers to relieve any discomfort. In case the bites have not yet cleared after two weeks, seek medical advice from a health professional.
