When students leave for college, they are on their own to maintain their dorm. Here is information on the pests you can expect in a bedroom and some tips to help you control them.

Spiders: Most people jump at the sight of a spider. Spiders are unwelcome guests that always tend to enter a room. Spiders are attracted to two things, moisture and light. You will often see spiders spinning webs in the corners of the room or by the windows. If you see a spider web forming, a handheld vacuum is an easy way to get rid of it. Try not to leave clutter around. Spiders can easily make a web on a pile of papers or a cup lying around.

Stink Bugs: The western conifer seed bug, often called the stink bug, is a bug that seems to burrow into bedroom walls. You are more likely to see stink bugs in the winter months because they will come inside to seek shelter. When you kill them, they give off a foul odor. The only way to prevent them is to seal entry points from the outside, such as windows and doors.

Lady Bugs: If you see a little dot on the wall, don’t be surprised if it’s a ladybug! Ladybugs are about 1/4″ long and are red or yellow with black spots. Like the stink bug, ladybugs will come indoors to seek shelter. The best way to keep them out is to seal all spots input.

Flies: Flies and gnats are a big nuisance in bedrooms. You will find a significant number of mosquitoes in the restrooms. Flies and gnats love moisture and flutter around condensing pipes. If a fly enters your room, the best thing to do is have a fly swatter handy. Flies are very fast and difficult to remove! Flies are attracted to decaying organisms or food. Hopefully a fly will be in your room just from crumbs and not from a dead mouse!

Silverfish: Silverfish look like hairy centipedes. They are typically 1/2″ to 3/4″ long and appear silver to brown in color because of their scales. They are flat and oval in shape, with three long tails and two antennae. Silverfish are attracted to humidity and will thrive in rooms that are 70 to 80 degrees. Silverfish are nocturnal but can be found during the day.

By following these tips, you will ensure that you stay insect-free in your bedroom:

– Make sure your window screens have no rips or holes.
– Often dusty. By dusting areas you rarely use, you will significantly reduce the number of pests you see.
– Try to make sure there is not a big gap between your door and the floor. There will often be a small gap that is large enough for pests to crawl under.
– Do not leave wet clothes or towels around. Hang up all wet clothes before throwing them in your hamper.
– Make sure all food is stored safely. Most people will eat a bag of chips and then leave the room for a while. You’d be surprised how quickly insects can detect food!
– Place the furniture right against the wall or in an area where you can move it. If there’s an inch between a closet and the wall, pests are likely to hang out there.
– If you see pests, try not to kill them. Some insects, like the stink bug, will give off a scent that will attract others to the area. Catch the pest and throw it outside.
– Do not leave clothes lying on the floor. Even if the clothes are not damp, a shirt can create a warm environment for a pest to live in!