A case of bed bugs was reported by a student in a dormitory room in Evans Hall on Sunday. According to Erin Ciciora, a resident communications coordinator in University Housing, the problem was immediately addressed – within one hour of the reported incident.

“The student was relocated that evening and the room was treated with pesticide,” Ciciora said.

No other rooms appeared to be affected, however to be safe the rooms immediately surrounding it including above and below were treated as well as a safety measure.

There has been an increased number of bedbugs reported in Champaign-Urbana over the past six to nine months. Cases have been popping up all around campus including fraternities, apartments and now dormitories.

Ciciora said the University tries to avoid situations like this.

“We do take preventative measures during the school year,” Ciciora said. “Over winter and spring break all rooms are treated and that is why we have so few cases.”

Bedbugs are parasites that feed on human blood. They are reddish-brown in color and measure to about one-forth of an inch. Due to their size, bedbugs can easily hide in the cracks of bed frames, headboards, light sockets or the linen seams of mattresses.

The Tenant Union has recommended tenants buy bedbug covers for mattresses, pull their mattresses away from the wall and wrap duct tape around the edges of baseboards.

Dormitory residents who spot bedbugs in their rooms should report to hall staff immediately to ensure proper pest control.