Bed Bugs in my UM Guesthouse accommodation:
This flyer will explain the necessary steps for you to take as tenant and the actions our housing officer/ the UM Guesthouse will take to control this vermin. For further questions or issues regarding the bed bugs, you can contact the UM Guesthouse by calling (043) 388 53 00 or by sending an email to:
housingofficer-ssc@maastrichtuniversity.nl.
One of the drawbacks of international travel is that you and/or other tenants can come back with uninvited guests in your suitcase. We are referring to bed bugs. These insects are found throughout the world and are now increasingly common in the Netherlands as well.
What do bed bugs look like?
Size: 4,5 – 9 mm
Color: Ranges from reddish brown to dark red
development from egg to adult: 2 months (depending on the temperature)
Preferred habitat: Places where people sleep
Adverse effects: Skin irritation and itching
What to do?
To enjoy living in your accommodation it is essential that you notify the UM Guesthouse/ your housing officer immediately when you see bed bugs in order to take steps to eradicate the infestation. It is very important that you sleep in your own room to prevent the bed bugs from spreading to another accommodation. Please make sure to follow all the steps as indicated in the checklist below:
Steps:
- Notify the UM Guesthouse about the bed bug problem
- The UM Guesthouse / housing officer contacts the exterminator and informs you about the following steps.
- Make sure that you do NOT move any items from your room before they have been treated.
- Exterminator does treatment (takes around 4 hours):
- Steam- and chemical treatment in the room.Chemical cleaning, sauna treatment or laundry (minimum 60° C) of clothes and other personal belongings of fabric material.Non-washable items should be placed in a plastic bag in the freezer for at least 24 hours.Chemical cleaning of curtains, mattresses and beds. Possible follow-up treatment.
- Four hours after the treatment you can return to your room. After the treatment make sure to:
Replace the bed linen. Guesthouse will provide you new ones. - Keep the UM Guesthouse/ housing officer informed about the situation (whether or not the bed bugs are gone)
FAQ:
How can I see if there are bed bugs?
If you notice droppings in the form of dark brown spots on sheets, skirting boards or around picture frames and wall sockets, your room may be infested with bed bugs. You may also notice small dark flakes of shed skin near their hiding spots.
How do bed bugs spread?
Bed bugs spread easily because they move quickly, also on ceilings. They find their way into adjacent rooms through cracks and joints in walls and pipes. They also spread easily through luggage, furniture and bedding.
How are you likely to be affected by bed bugs?
Bed bugs feed on human blood and on the blood of pets and other animals. Bites cause itching and swelling.
Do bed bugs pose any health risks?
Symptoms associated with bed bug bites range from no reaction to severe skin inflammation, which can arise several days after exposure. Bites generally heal relatively quickly. Some bites can cause skin infections. If scratched, the bites van leave scars. It takes several weeks for the inflammation to completely disappear. Bed bugs do not spread infectious diseases.
What can I do to prevent the spread of bed bugs?
Bed bugs can spread by crawling into human possessions that are moved from one place to another by humans (bags, suitcases etc.). Bed bugs can only be eradicated by pest control specialists. Whatever you do, do not remove any items from your room. It is not possible that you change to another room. Leave everything in your room to prevent the bed bugs from spreading and causing a more serious infestation.