Pest Control Policy and Procedures

Pest Control & Work Orders

Pest control (rodents, insects, etc.) work orders should be requested using the work order system. Pest control work orders are performed on Tuesdays as a standing appointment. Work orders submitted on Tuesday will be considered a following week's request, not the same day. 

Some pests are a relatively common occurrence, specifically on a remote campus surrounded by 800 acres of wooded farmland. Our licensed professionals will do what is possible to resolve issues consistent with industry standards and timelines. The best way to avoid these issues is to personally and communally; take all the appropriate steps to ensure you are not welcoming them into your space. The best way to do this is to keep your space free of clutter, crumbs, dirty dishes, and accumulated waste. To submit a work order, you can sign into Asset Essentials with your Hampshire College credentials. 

If you observe a wild animal (raccoon, possum, etc.) acting strangely, please contact Campus Safety and Wellbeing.

Bed Bug Procedures

In the rare event that you experience bed bugs, please follow the below guidelines for reporting and resolving the issue.

Reporting

• Do not panic, bed bugs are a manageable issue!
• Report immediately by contacting Residential Life staff.
• Residential life staff should email Facilities@hampshire.edu and submit a work order for identification by our provider.
• During the next available business day; facilities will place sticky traps to start the collection process for our provider.

Identification (done on Tuesdays)

• Our provider will conduct an inspection at the next scheduled service date.
• The provider will inspect the room and look for evidence of bugs (bodies, droppings, and larvae). 
• Students should wash their personal bedding, linens, and clothing in hot water and, most importantly, a hot dryer for at least 45 minutes.
• The student will be moved to temporary housing for the duration of treatment and take all needed belongings if confirmed.
• If another species of parasitic insect is identified, we will follow the pest control’s company response protocol.

Treatment Process

• Once a pest is identified, the room will be treated by licensed professionals, including the rooms directly beside the affected room, if the pest control contractor believes it is warranted. 
• This process will take several days to a few weeks to complete and verify.
• A week after treatment, the provider will conduct a follow-up inspection.