Students at the University of New Brunswick Saint John campus are speaking out amid an infestation of bedbugs, and say they’re concerned about a perceived lack of action from the school.
Bee Robertson, a resident of the university, woke up with a rash on their neck in early February and informed the residence co-ordinator about a possible pest problem.
They sought medical help, but the source of the rash remained unidentified.
After turning off their dorm room lights, Robertson used a flashlight and found what they thought was a mature bedbug.
“I captured a close-up photo of it and sent it along with a picture of my neck as evidence. I urged them to take action,” said Robertson.
Feeling troubled, Robertson moved off campus, causing anxiety, stress, and financial difficulties.
“I feel disoriented, betrayed, ignored, and invalidated,” Robertson expressed.
Meren Keith, another resident, had a similar experience. She noticed bites on her body after returning from reading week.
“It’s disgusting and nerve-wracking. I’m worried about bringing bedbugs to class,” she said.
UNB did not provide details on the start of the infestation, but announced in a statement to faculty and students that a recent report was made about suspected bedbugs.
The university indicated that the affected areas were closed for an extended period, then treated and cleaned, as recommended.
According to the university, additional checks revealed no further evidence of bedbugs.
Orkin Canada, an extermination company, explains that bedbugs are drawn to warmth and can travel on items, typically residing in confined spaces or areas where people sleep.
“Once bedbugs become established in a location, they begin to reproduce,” stated spokesperson Sean Rollo.
“They feed on people or warm-blooded animals, leading to population growth that worsens without intervention from an extermination company.”
Rollo noted that recent data suggests bedbugs do not transmit diseases.
