\u27a1\ufe0f University residences are particularly vulnerable to bed bugs due to the high turnover of students and often dilapidated premises.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u27a1\ufe0f An infestation can have serious health, psychological and organisational consequences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u27a1\ufe0f Professional treatment is the most effective solution: inspection, heat or steam treatment, thorough vacuuming and regular monitoring.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u27a1\ufe0f Students and staff should be made aware of the correct measures to take.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
Universities: places particularly vulnerable to bed bugs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.sereni-d.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/etudiants-1024x683.jpg\")
<\/figure>\nA high turnover of students<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
University residences and campuses are constantly busy places. Every semester, new French and international students arrive, while others leave their accommodation for internships, university exchanges or to finish their studies. This constant turnover makes it easy for bed bugs to take hold. These small insects can easily be carried in students’ belongings, such as suitcases, clothing and bed linen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The situation can quickly escalate, as a single bed bug in a room can cause an infestation throughout the entire building.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\nRemember that a single female bed bug can lay 5 to 15 eggs per day.<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nThe start of the school year is a particularly risky<\/strong> time. With holidays and trips abroad, the chances of bringing bed bugs home with you are multiplied. This is especially true since cases of infestation increase in summer<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n\nDilapidated university premises<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
In France, one third of university premises are in poor condition (source<\/a>). Some buildings, such as those at the Sorbonne Paris Nord University (Paris XIII), are downright dilapidated.<\/p>\n\n\n\nAccording to a report by the Court of Auditors, \u2018many buildings date from the 1960s and are reaching the end of their life cycle<\/em>\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\nThese structures are riddled with cracks in the walls, loose skirting boards, damaged floors and worn furniture. An ideal playground for bed bugs, as these insects love this type of hiding place.<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nThese conditions are particularly problematic in collective residences, where rooms are close to each other and often share common areas. An infestation in a single room can quickly spread to an entire floor or even the entire building<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\u27a1\ufe0f To go further: <\/strong>Understanding the different levels of bed bug infestation<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.sereni-d.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/locaux-vetustes-1024x685.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n![\"Palexpo](\"https:\/\/www.sereni-d.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Palexpo-punaise-de-lit-1024x777.webp\")
<\/figure>\nInsufficient prevention measures<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The State owns 82% of university buildings (source<\/a>). Unfortunately, investment is clearly insufficient.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\nIn many university residences and faculties, the fight against bed bugs is hampered by budgetary constraints.<\/strong><\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nLandlords, CROUS (the French student housing agency) and higher education institutions have limited resources to implement effective prevention policies. Financial priorities generally focus on routine maintenance, urgent repairs and services for students receiving grants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As a result, control measures are often taken too late, once the infestation is well established.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The lack of standardised protocols, regular inspections and staff training exacerbates the problem.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
Serious consequences in the event of infestation<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
A bed bug infestation in a university can turn into a nightmare for both students and the institution. First and foremost, it is a health<\/strong> problem, with itching from bites and sleep disturbances, not to mention the psychological risks such as stress and anxiety<\/a>. The academic success of students can be seriously compromised.<\/p>\n\n\n\nIt is also an economic problem<\/strong> for the institution. Carrying out a complete treatment of the premises is very expensive. Sometimes closure is inevitable, as was the case at the law faculty in Aix-en-Provence<\/a> following the report of a bed bug in a lecture theatre.<\/p>\n\n\n\nFinally, the institution’s image may be tarnished<\/strong>, deterring some French or international students from enrolling.<\/p>\n\n\n\nHow can you recognise an infestation in a university residence?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\nLes signes visibles<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Here are some signs that you may have bed bugs:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- Clustered or aligned bites, often on the arms, legs or back.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Intense itching, worse at night.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Small black marks<\/a> on sheets, pillowcases or mattress covers.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Red or brown spots that may be caused by crushed insects.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Whitish eggs<\/a> about 1 mm in size, stuck in seams or corners.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Translucent skins left behind by young bedbugs as they grow.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Of course, reports made by students must be taken seriously and dealt with as quickly as possible by management.<\/p>\n<\/div>![\"oeufs](\"https:\/\/www.sereni-d.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/oeufs-punaises-lit.jpeg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.sereni-d.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Inspecter-le-matelas-pour-detecter-les-punaises-de-lit-1024x684.jpg\")
<\/figure>\nAreas to inspect first<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Bed bugs hide mainly near their food source and in dark corners. Here are the places to check first:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Bedding<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n- Seams and folds in the mattress.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Slats, gaps and stapled fabric on the bed base.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Pillows, covers and blankets.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Furniture near the bed<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n- Bedside tables, drawers and shelves.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Cracks in desks, wardrobes and chests of drawers.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Fixed structures<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n- Behind skirting boards and cracks in walls.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Under loose wallpaper.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- In electrical sockets and switches.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Personal items<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n- Suitcases, backpacks and folded or stacked clothing.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Curtains, rugs and decorative cushions.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
\u27a1\ufe0f Good to know: <\/strong>canine detection<\/a> is the most reliable and accurate method for detecting bed bug infestations.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\nTreatment solutions tailored to universities<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\nCall in a certified professional<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Exorbitant prices, misleading diagnoses, use of ineffective products… Unfortunately, scams are common<\/a> among service providers.<\/p>\n\n\n\nIt is essential to call in a service provider with the Certibiocide label<\/strong> and, ideally, a specialised certification such as Certipunaise.<\/p>\n\n\n\nAs a university administrator, you can consult the following two resources:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- The map of Prosane-approved professionals<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- The directory of CS3D-certified companies<\/a> (Chambre Syndicale D\u00e9ratisation, D\u00e9sinsectisation, D\u00e9sinfection)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.sereni-d.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/male-disinfector-in-a-protective-clothes-spraying-2021-12-09-04-18-31-utc-1024x683.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nImplementation of professional treatment<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
A qualified professional follows a strict protocol<\/a> designed to eradicate the infestation while minimising disruption to students.<\/p>\n\n\n\nSteps<\/strong><\/td>Main actions<\/strong><\/strong><\/td>Objective<\/strong><\/strong><\/td><\/tr>1. Assessment and mapping of infestation<\/strong><\/strong><\/td>Complete visual inspection, certified canine detection, identification of infestation sites.<\/td> Identify all infested areas to plan targeted and comprehensive treatment.<\/td><\/tr> 2. Preparing the premises<\/strong><\/strong><\/td>Information for students and staff, isolation of items, high-temperature washing, protection of furniture.<\/td> Limit spread and allow full access to areas to be treated.<\/td><\/tr> 3. Thermal and mechanical treatment<\/strong><\/strong><\/td>Dry steam at 120\u00b0C on mattresses, bed bases, skirting boards; vacuuming with HEPA filter.<\/td> Immediately destroy eggs, nymphs and adults to reduce the population.<\/td><\/tr> 4. Targeted chemical treatment<\/strong><\/strong><\/td>Application of approved insecticides (shock + residual effect), drying powders in corners and outlets.<\/td> Ensure continuous action to prevent reinfestation.<\/td><\/tr> 5. Second intervention<\/strong><\/strong><\/td>Repeat treatment 7 to 15 days later, check and reapply if necessary.<\/td> Eliminate bedbugs that hatch from eggs after the first treatment.<\/td><\/tr> 6. Post-treatment prevention<\/strong><\/strong><\/td>Installation of anti-bedbug covers, setting of traps, staff training, and monitoring over a four-week period.<\/td> Prevent infestation from returning and react quickly if you suspect an infestation.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n\nWhat students should do<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
If you are a student and you find bed bugs in your room, the first thing to do is to report it to the administration as soon as possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While waiting for professional treatment to be carried out, here is what you can do:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2611\ufe0f Wash bedding and clothing<\/a> at a high temperature of 60\u00b0C.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\u2611\ufe0f Tumble dry at maximum temperature for at least 30 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2611\ufe0f For delicate clothing, freeze at -20\u00b0C for at least 72 hours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2611\ufe0f Isolate infested items in airtight bags.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2611\ufe0f Thoroughly vacuum the room with a vacuum cleaner with a narrow nozzle along the skirting boards, mattress seams and cracks. Empty the bag into an airtight bag.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2611\ufe0f Avoid carrying suitcases or bags into other rooms or common areas to prevent the spread of bed bugs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For more information:<\/strong> Bed bug treatment protocol<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.sereni-d.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/machine-a-laver.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>A high turnover of students<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
University residences and campuses are constantly busy places. Every semester, new French and international students arrive, while others leave their accommodation for internships, university exchanges or to finish their studies. This constant turnover makes it easy for bed bugs to take hold. These small insects can easily be carried in students’ belongings, such as suitcases, clothing and bed linen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The situation can quickly escalate, as a single bed bug in a room can cause an infestation throughout the entire building.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Remember that a single female bed bug can lay 5 to 15 eggs per day.<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n The start of the school year is a particularly risky<\/strong> time. With holidays and trips abroad, the chances of bringing bed bugs home with you are multiplied. This is especially true since cases of infestation increase in summer<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n In France, one third of university premises are in poor condition (source<\/a>). Some buildings, such as those at the Sorbonne Paris Nord University (Paris XIII), are downright dilapidated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to a report by the Court of Auditors, \u2018many buildings date from the 1960s and are reaching the end of their life cycle<\/em>\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n These structures are riddled with cracks in the walls, loose skirting boards, damaged floors and worn furniture. An ideal playground for bed bugs, as these insects love this type of hiding place.<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n These conditions are particularly problematic in collective residences, where rooms are close to each other and often share common areas. An infestation in a single room can quickly spread to an entire floor or even the entire building<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u27a1\ufe0f To go further: <\/strong>Understanding the different levels of bed bug infestation<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div> The State owns 82% of university buildings (source<\/a>). Unfortunately, investment is clearly insufficient.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In many university residences and faculties, the fight against bed bugs is hampered by budgetary constraints.<\/strong><\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n Landlords, CROUS (the French student housing agency) and higher education institutions have limited resources to implement effective prevention policies. Financial priorities generally focus on routine maintenance, urgent repairs and services for students receiving grants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As a result, control measures are often taken too late, once the infestation is well established.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The lack of standardised protocols, regular inspections and staff training exacerbates the problem.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n A bed bug infestation in a university can turn into a nightmare for both students and the institution. First and foremost, it is a health<\/strong> problem, with itching from bites and sleep disturbances, not to mention the psychological risks such as stress and anxiety<\/a>. The academic success of students can be seriously compromised.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It is also an economic problem<\/strong> for the institution. Carrying out a complete treatment of the premises is very expensive. Sometimes closure is inevitable, as was the case at the law faculty in Aix-en-Provence<\/a> following the report of a bed bug in a lecture theatre.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Finally, the institution’s image may be tarnished<\/strong>, deterring some French or international students from enrolling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here are some signs that you may have bed bugs:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Of course, reports made by students must be taken seriously and dealt with as quickly as possible by management.<\/p>\n<\/div> Bed bugs hide mainly near their food source and in dark corners. Here are the places to check first:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Bedding<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Furniture near the bed<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Fixed structures<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Personal items<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u27a1\ufe0f Good to know: <\/strong>canine detection<\/a> is the most reliable and accurate method for detecting bed bug infestations.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n Exorbitant prices, misleading diagnoses, use of ineffective products… Unfortunately, scams are common<\/a> among service providers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It is essential to call in a service provider with the Certibiocide label<\/strong> and, ideally, a specialised certification such as Certipunaise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As a university administrator, you can consult the following two resources:<\/p>\n\n\n\n A qualified professional follows a strict protocol<\/a> designed to eradicate the infestation while minimising disruption to students.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you are a student and you find bed bugs in your room, the first thing to do is to report it to the administration as soon as possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n While waiting for professional treatment to be carried out, here is what you can do:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2611\ufe0f Wash bedding and clothing<\/a> at a high temperature of 60\u00b0C.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2611\ufe0f Tumble dry at maximum temperature for at least 30 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2611\ufe0f For delicate clothing, freeze at -20\u00b0C for at least 72 hours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2611\ufe0f Isolate infested items in airtight bags.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2611\ufe0f Thoroughly vacuum the room with a vacuum cleaner with a narrow nozzle along the skirting boards, mattress seams and cracks. Empty the bag into an airtight bag.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2611\ufe0f Avoid carrying suitcases or bags into other rooms or common areas to prevent the spread of bed bugs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For more information:<\/strong> Bed bug treatment protocol<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>Dilapidated university premises<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>Insufficient prevention measures<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Serious consequences in the event of infestation<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
How can you recognise an infestation in a university residence?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Les signes visibles<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>Areas to inspect first<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
Treatment solutions tailored to universities<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Call in a certified professional<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nImplementation of professional treatment<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Steps<\/strong><\/td> Main actions<\/strong><\/strong><\/td> Objective<\/strong><\/strong><\/td><\/tr> 1. Assessment and mapping of infestation<\/strong><\/strong><\/td> Complete visual inspection, certified canine detection, identification of infestation sites.<\/td> Identify all infested areas to plan targeted and comprehensive treatment.<\/td><\/tr> 2. Preparing the premises<\/strong><\/strong><\/td> Information for students and staff, isolation of items, high-temperature washing, protection of furniture.<\/td> Limit spread and allow full access to areas to be treated.<\/td><\/tr> 3. Thermal and mechanical treatment<\/strong><\/strong><\/td> Dry steam at 120\u00b0C on mattresses, bed bases, skirting boards; vacuuming with HEPA filter.<\/td> Immediately destroy eggs, nymphs and adults to reduce the population.<\/td><\/tr> 4. Targeted chemical treatment<\/strong><\/strong><\/td> Application of approved insecticides (shock + residual effect), drying powders in corners and outlets.<\/td> Ensure continuous action to prevent reinfestation.<\/td><\/tr> 5. Second intervention<\/strong><\/strong><\/td> Repeat treatment 7 to 15 days later, check and reapply if necessary.<\/td> Eliminate bedbugs that hatch from eggs after the first treatment.<\/td><\/tr> 6. Post-treatment prevention<\/strong><\/strong><\/td> Installation of anti-bedbug covers, setting of traps, staff training, and monitoring over a four-week period.<\/td> Prevent infestation from returning and react quickly if you suspect an infestation.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n What students should do<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
![\"Bedbugs](\"https:\/\/www.sereni-d.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/EN_SOS-100ml-1-600x600.jpg\")