The Fight Against Bed Bugs [POSTER]

A study was conducted to consider whether the knowledge base of East Carolina University students would be sufficient to provide identification and proper control of bud bugs, or if a more formal educational curriculum should be established to better protect the area, staff, and students from a potential infestation. The survey was completed voluntarily by 1837 students. Despite widespread media coverage of bed bugs in major department stores, homes and institutions in 2010, the study showed that students have a limited scope of bed bug knowledge. Approximately 40% of respondents believed that a bed bug would be the size of a dime, and over 60% considered that in the event of an infestation they would choose to use a bug “bomb” every night until the issue subsided. The study has shown that students lack knowledge in the identification, prevention, and mitigation techniques that would be used in defending the campus against future bed bug infestations. A formal educational approach for incoming students may provide a more adequately prepared East Carolina University population against the rise of bed bugs in the area.