Pest Control

Taking precautions to prevent pests from entering the residential halls is the first step to safe and prudent pest control. Common pests include but are not limited to cockroaches, mice, rats, bed bugs, flies, mosquitoes, spiders, and so forth) and fungal growths (molds, mildews, and so forth).

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Do your part with routine housekeeping

• Empty the garbage
• Hang up wet towels and clothes
• Keep suitcases and backpacks off your bed
• Pick up clutter
• Seal and store food
• Report holes in screens
• Vacuum and dust regularly
• Wash and dry dirty dishes

 

Bed Bug Prevention

Because OSU has been proactive in its bed bug treatment program, we have a low occurrence and reoccurrence of them. Bed bugs are about 0.25 inches in length, similar in size to an apple seed or a ladybug. If you suspect you have bed bugs, call the HRL Facilities and Maintenance Office at 405-744-8510 to report it and include your name, hall, room number, hall and cell phone number. You should also notify your hall staff.

 

OSU Pest Control will contact you directly and set up an inspection. We can provide a temporary living space during the inspection and potential treatment, or you may decide to remain in your unit. Until the unit can be inspected and treated, limit your movement to other living spaces, lounges, off-campus housing, and so forth It is important to contain the situation as much as possible.

 

If your unit is found positive for bed bugs, OSU Pest Control will schedule a treatment as soon as possible. The unit's residents must follow specific instructions for the treatment to be successful.

 

Best practices when traveling

• When traveling, check luggage, clothing and bedding when leaving and returning from your trip.
• While gone, check mattress seams for signs of bugs or small dark spots on the mattress.
• When you return home, take your clothes out of the suitcase and place them in the dryer for 20 to 30 minutes. The heat will kill any bugs that may be alive.

Best practices concerning your living space

• Keep your living space clean and reduce clutter to eliminate any bed bug-hiding spots.
• Regularly vacuum crevices and upholstery.
• Pull your bed away from the wall or other furniture and tuck in sheets and blankets to avoid contact with the floor or walls.
• If the mattress does not already have a mattress cover, be sure to use a mattress cover that encases the entire mattress.
• Keep infested items out of your living space.
• Be cautious and thoroughly inspect any used furniture and clothing.