Urgent Request for Bed Bug Fumigation

We, the undersigned residents of the Kathleen Ludwig Global Village Living and Learning Community (Jameson G), are writing to express our urgent concern regarding a significant bed bug infestation affecting our living environment. Despite our extensive efforts to address this issue—through numerous communications with the Residence Life Coordinator for Cook/Douglass, Henderson Apartments, Jameson, and Woodbury Bunting-Cobb, Emily Zarych, as well as emails to Douglass Dean Dr. Meghan Rehbein and the “chemical treatments” conducted by Cooper Pest Control—the problem of bed bugs throughout the Jameson G dorm rooms has escalated. This situation impacts the health and well-being of our community and subsequently poses a risk to visitors and the larger Rutgers community.

Bed bugs are known to pose serious health risks, including skin irritations, allergic reactions, and psychological distress. The presence of bedbugs not only diminishes our quality of life but can also lead to further infestations if not addressed promptly and effectively.

In previous testimonies, residents of Jameson G have continually expressed concerns regarding sightings and bites. Notably, seven months ago, in March 2024, a student who had slept in the Jameson G lounge unknowingly transferred bed bugs to her bedding when she moved to her bed. This led to a severe case of cellulitis due to intense itching, requiring a visit to the Hurtado Medical Center on the College Avenue campus. An email was sent to Emily Zarych, who did not respond to the student but instead forwarded a mass email to the Jameson residents urging them "not to spread rumors about biting insects."

In the six months between March 2024 and September 2024, there has been an increase in bed bug complaints from concerned Jameson G residents, many of whom have reported bites on their faces, arms, legs, feet, and backs. This has led some residents to commute by train to the Rutgers University campus, as they felt uncomfortable living in a bedbug infested dorm, resulting in reliance on personal expenses for travel despite paying $4,800 to $5,500 per semester for on-campus housing. 

Despite constant communication with Emily Zarych, the only actions taken have been maintenance requests of bed bug samples for "testing" and Cooper Pest inspections. These inspections have consisted of a series of "undisclosed chemical treatments," and depending on the severity of the infestation, covering mattresses with bed bug encasements and placing bed bug interceptor bowls under each bed. Many recent inspections by Cooper Pest have concluded without finding traces of bed bugs, despite residents' ongoing reports of bites and sightings on bedding, bed frames, and walls.

Our Concerns:

Health Risks: The potential for bites and allergic reactions is increasing among residents. 

Spread of Infestation: As the problem persists, the risk of bed bugs spreading to neighboring units, buses, and across campuses rises, potentially affecting a larger number of residents.

Quality of Life: The stress and anxiety caused by living in an infested environment are taking a toll on residents' mental well-being.
We demand immediate action to address this issue through professional bed bug fumigation services. We believe that a thorough treatment and subsequent fumigation will not only eradicate the existing infestation but also prevent future occurrences of sightings and bites, ensuring a safe and healthy living environment for current and future residents.

The Residents of Jameson G are Requesting:

- A thorough inspection of all affected rooms by a trained bed bug control company, fully equipped with masks, gloves, and shoe covers.
- A comprehensive fumigation service for the entire building, preferably during a holiday or semester break, such as Thanksgiving Break or Winter Break.
- Information provided to residents on preventive measures and post-treatment guidelines.

We Demand Rutgers University Residence Life to prioritize this matter and take swift action.