The University of Nebraska-Lincoln may have to spend $100,000 on pest control services to eradicate a bed bug infestation on campus. Every residence hall throughout the university will be inspected in the next few weeks to make sure they are bed bug free, and any pests will be eliminated promptly.
The university has been dealing with the bed bug outbreak since early January when students returned to their dorms after winter break. The school has spent more than $20,000 so far on professional pest control treatments, which is expected to increase significantly as the pests are being spotted in new facilities throughout campus.
In an interview with the source, Amanda Wekesser, a resident assistant who found bed bugs in her dorm room, said the school instructed her not to inform students about the outbreak when it first occurred. Instead, the school attempted to handle the situation without alarming students. This, however, led many to criticize the housing department's decision to keep students uninformed, arguing more information could have prevented the bugs from spreading.
The Journal Star reported bed bugs also have been reported elsewhere in Lincoln. As a preemptive measure, Pastor Tom Barber, executive director of the People's City Mission in Lincoln, said all people staying at the mission are required to wash their clothes and possessions before entering to prevent repeat cases of bed bug infestations.