Rutgers students call on university to deal with bed bug issue at New Brunswick campus
Students living at Jameson Hall - an all-women’s dorm - say bed bugs have been an issue for the past six months.
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Some students at Rutgers University in New Brunswick say they have been dealing with an ongoing bed bug issue.
A student-led petition signed by hundreds led to a discussion with university officials on Tuesday.
Students living at Jameson Hall - an all-women’s dorm - say bed bugs have been an issue for the past six months. The university says they’ve been working to fix the problem, but residents say there hasn't been much progress.
A Rutgers student who wants to remain anonymous told News 12 that the infestation started in the lounge at Jameson Building C and spread to different bedrooms within the Jameson Hall housing area.
"I moved into the building with the bed bugs already there and we reported it. Pest control came and they've been doing treatments and however it hasn't been working,” the student said.
Jameson Hall consists of several buildings that house nearly 280 students. An online petition with over 500 signatures was posted last Monday and demands an immediate bed bug fumigation following multiple reports of sightings, skin irritations and psychological distress.
"It would cause students to have allergic reactions, and their arms swollen and there's that risk of taking it home,” the student told News 12.
Students say despite constant communication with residence life and chemical inspections done by Cooper Pest Control, they're still experiencing bug bites and sightings on bedding, bed frames and walls.
“Residence life and facilities staff are working directly with residents at Jameson Hall to eradicate the bed bug problem and prevent future infestations,” a spokesperson for the university wrote in a statement.
Students say they want the university to conduct a thorough inspection of affected rooms and a comprehensive fumigation service.
