Pest Control

Taking precautions to prevent pests from entering the residential halls is the first step to safe and prudent pest control. Common pests include but are not limited to cockroaches, mice, rats, bed bugs, flies, mosquitoes, spiders, and so forth) and fungal growths (molds, mildews, and so forth).

Do your part with routine housekeeping

Empty the garbage
Hang up wet towels and clothes
Keep suitcases and backpacks off your bed
Pick up clutter
Seal and store food
Report holes in screens
Vacuum and dust regularly
Wash and dry dirty dishes

Mold Prevention

It is common to find mold spores in the air inside buildings and on most indoor surfaces, including clothes, walls, and furniture. However, unchecked mold growth can damage your furnishings, carpets, cabinets, and clothes and shoes stored in damp closets.

To keep mold from growing, keep your room/unit clean. Cleaning areas of visible mold, such as mold in your shower, is necessary to prevent unsanitary conditions.

If you see discolored patches, cottony or speckled growth on walls or furniture, or if you smell an earthy or musty odor, your unit may have mold. Evidence of past or ongoing water damage should also trigger a more thorough inspection. You may find mold growth underneath water-damaged surfaces or on walls, floors, or ceilings. Mold can often be confused with dirt and dust buildup.

If mold is suspected, call the HRL Facilities and Maintenance Office at 405-744-8510 to investigate. Learn more about mold prevention.

Bed Bug Prevention

Because OSU has been proactive in its bed bug treatment program, we have a low occurrence and reoccurrence of them. Bed bugs are about 0.25 inches in length, similar in size to an apple seed or a ladybug. If you suspect you have bed bugs, call the HRL Facilities and Maintenance Office at 405-744-8510 to report it and include your name, hall, room number, hall and cell phone number. You should also notify your hall staff.

OSU Pest Control will contact you directly and set up an inspection. We can provide a temporary living space during the inspection and potential treatment, or you may decide to remain in your unit. Until the unit can be inspected and treated, limit your movement to other living spaces, lounges, off-campus housing, and so forth It is important to contain the situation as much as possible.

If your unit is found positive for bed bugs, OSU Pest Control will schedule a thermal treatment as soon as possible. The unit's residents must follow specific instructions for the treatment to be successful.

Best practices when traveling

When traveling, check luggage, clothing and bedding when leaving and returning from your trip.
While gone, check mattress seams for signs of bugs or small dark spots on the mattress.
When you return home, take your clothes out of the suitcase and place them in the dryer for 20 to 30 minutes. The heat will kill any bugs that may be alive.

Best practices concerning your living space

Keep your living space clean and reduce clutter to eliminate any bed bug-hiding spots.
Regularly vacuum crevices and upholstery.
Pull your bed away from the wall or other furniture and tuck in sheets and blankets to avoid contact with the floor or walls.
If the mattress does not already have a mattress cover, be sure to use a mattress cover that encases the entire mattress.
Keep infested items out of your living space.
Be cautious and thoroughly inspect any used furniture and clothing.