A "pest" includes any insect, rodent, nematode, snail, weed, fungus or other form of plant or animal life that adversely interferes with the health, safety, aesthetic, environmental or economic goals of the College.
The purpose of this policy shall be to institute methodologies regarding pest management which are designed to economically manage the impact of structural, greenhouse, landscape and nuisance pests on people, property and the environment.
While no incidents of bed bugs have occurred at Tusculum College, the administration and College community are working to ensure that if an infestation should occur, the situation can be dealt with quickly, thoroughly and with minimum interruption for those affected.
Reports of bed bugs are on the rise nationwide and have been reported in the East Tennessee Region. Although there have been no cases at Tusculum College, the institution is beginning a process to educate the entire College community on how to identify bed bugs and on what to do in the event bed bugs are suspected on campus, particularly in the residence halls.
It is also important, as many students, faculty and staff will be traveling over the holiday season, that all available precautions be taken to ensure that bed bugs are not transported back to campus for the spring semester.
Download a printable Bed Bug answer sheet.
Bed bugs are small nocturnal insects that live by feeding on the blood of humans and other warm-blooded hosts. They are generally active only at dawn, with a peak feeding period about an hour before sunrise.
Bites consist of a raised red bump or flat welt, often accompanied by intense itching.
Bed bugs pose an almost insignificant health threat and are less dangerous than some more common insects such as the flea.
Anyone can pick bed bugs up from a location where they presently exist - someone's apartment, hotel room, movie theaters, etc. Bed bugs are not the result of socio-economic status or cleanliness. Bed bugs have been reported in the area, both in Johnson City and in Morristown. To date there have been no reported cases in Greeneville.
Bedbugs cannot be prevented. However there are steps you can take to minimize risk of infestation.
Contact the Office of Student Affairs immediately at (423) 636-7315, or after regular business hours, Campus Safety at 423-470-2710, to connect with On-Call Student Affairs personnel. Then, stay in your room and professional staff will be right over to assist you regarding a room inspection, possible temporary room re-assignment and other support.