Wil-Kil Pest Control: Bed bug back to school survival guide

Contact: Julie Caan
jcaan@vollrathpr.com

Risk of bed bugs on the rise in local schools and college campuses; local pest management company can offer tips and demonstrations for prevention

Sun Prairie, Wis., August 19, 2014…With back to school season just around the corner, many parents are eager to finish up shopping for

school supplies and get the kids out of the house. However, there is one thing that isn’t so exciting about this time of year, and that is the

threat of bed bugs. With infestations on the rise in public places including malls, movie theaters and busses, the risk of bed bugs being

brought to and from school is also increasing.

In addition to being able to quickly and easily transfer from one child’s clothing to the next, bed bugs are also expert hitchhikers, hiding out in
backpacks, books and other school supplies. Student’s living in dorms and multi-unit buildings face an added challenge with new opportunities for
unwanted roommates – AKA bed bugs.

As parents and students prepare for another year, bed bug prevention should be a top priority in every household. From college students all the way down to preschool playmates, the bed bug experts at Wil-Kil Pest Control, headquartered in Sun Prairie, can offer prevention tips to keep homes bed bug free this fall.

Bed bug prevention tips for school-age students:


· Get to know what bed bugs look like and the signs of an infestation.

· Have children change clothes in an enclosed area, like a laundry room or garage, upon arriving home. Check the clothing for signs of bed bugs and immediately put all items into the washer and dryer on high heat to kill any bed bugs.
· Inspect backpacks, books and other school supplies for bed bugs before bringing them into the home. Pay close attention to zippers, seams and folds as well as other areas where bugs could be hiding.
· Wipe down hard items and inspect for bed bugs while cleaning.

Prevention tips for college students:

· Second-hand furniture, especially mattresses and box springs, should be thoroughly examined for signs of a bed bug infestation before being brought into a dorm or apartment.
· Fit mattresses, box springs and pillows with protective covers before putting on linens. These bed bug and dust-mite proof encasements eliminate entry and escape points and can be found in most retail home stores.
· Keep bed linens on the bed and off the floor. While away, students should make a habit of regularly laundering all linens.
· Frequently inspect sleeping areas and check mattresses for pepper-like stains, which indicate bed bug activity.
· Reduce clutter in an effort to allow bed bugs less places to hide.
· Encourage visitors to avoid putting backpacks or personal belongings onto the bed.

About Wil-Kil Pest Control
Wil-Kil Pest Control, founded in 1924, is a regional pest management company that provides quality pest management for residential and commercial properties throughout the Upper Midwest including – Wisconsin, Minnesota, the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, parts of Iowa, Chicagoland and all of Northern Illinois. Earning the reputation as the “Upper Midwest’s Quality Leader” in pest management, Wil-Kil utilizes the latest technologies and techniques of Integrated Pest Management methods while delivering customized programs with personalized service. Wil-Kil is an operating division of Copesan Services, Inc, with offices located in Sun Prairie, Menomonee Falls, Eau Claire and Appleton, Wis. For more information, please visit www.wil-kil.com and follow the company on Facebook and Twitter.