Books, Uniforms, Bed Bugs – What’s Will Kids Bring Home from Boarding School

Boarding schools are among the most elite educational facilities in Australia, and yet they are also the perfect breeding ground for pests!

Just like hotels, hostels and Airbnb properties, boarding schools are vulnerable to pest infestation because of the continuous movement of people and their luggage, clothing, and bedding. The risk is particularly high when students arrive at boarding school after travelling from home. Whether students travel via a flight from overseas or a bus or train from a regional town, pests – especially bed bugs - can be unwanted travel companions who wreak havoc in dormitories.

Common pests that can invade boarding school dorms

Bed bugs

Bed bugs are notorious for popping up in boarding schools and are very difficult to remove. They can attach themselves to just about anything – pillows, luggage, clothing, textbooks – and remain unnoticed until the itchy red welts start to appear.

Bed bugs hide in the seams of mattresses and in box springs, bed frames, old furniture, and underneath baseboards. They also love to hide in the clutter and detritus that accumulates where students live and sleep. They can be transported from one location to another in a student’s luggage, clothing and bedding.

Boarding school dormitories present an ideal breeding ground for bed bug infestations but this can be prevented through effective pest control.

Cockroaches

Cockroaches appear wherever food is – and the snack stashes found in boarding school dorms are especially attractive to these pests! When children bring food into their bedrooms, cockroaches take advantage of the situation and move in. And once an infestation begins, cockroach numbers can escalate very quickly.

Cockroaches are a common allergen and asthma trigger. In addition, they carry bacteria that can cause food poisoning so swift eradication is crucial, especially within boarding school kitchens that provide meals to students. Left unchecked, cockroaches pose a serious health hazard as they can contaminate food, preparation surfaces, utensils and storage spaces.

A mass food poisoning event caused by lax cockroach control upsets distant parents and damages a school’s reputation. By employing the stringent hotel pest control prevention plans implemented by premium hotel chains, Brisbane boarding schools can ensure the health and safety of all boarders.

Fleas

Fleas can be another common pest in boarding school dormitories – particularly those located in Brisbane’s subtropical weather. The tiny pests can settle into floorboard cracks and carpeting, digging in and multiplying. Their unbearably itchy bites are more than merely uncomfortable or irritating – they can result in allergic reactions and hives. They can even transmit tapeworms and certain diseases if left unchecked.

The good news is that with regularly scheduled commercial pest control, boarding schools can get pest-free fast and stay that way, protecting the welfare of their students and staff – and protecting their prestigious reputations, too.