Rutgers Battling Bed Bugs In 1 Dorm Hall

NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ — Students who live in a certain Rutgers dorm hall say they have been battling a bed bug infestation since March, and — despite multiple pest control treatment Rutgers paid for — the bed bugs have "escalated."

The bed bugs are specifically in one dormitory: The Kathleen Ludwig Global Village Living and Learning Community (Jameson G), the students wrote on this Change.org petition.

The students who live in "Jameson G," as it is known, said they have seen bed bugs and been bitten. The students say the bed bug infestation started nine months ago, in March 2024 when "a student who had slept in the Jameson G lounge unknowingly transferred bed bugs to her bedding when she moved to her bed."

The students say since March of this year into September "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."

Several students who paid to live at that dorm hall have since moved out, and are now living at home and commuting to Rutgers by train. They say they now have to pay for daily NJ Transit fare "despite paying $4,800 to $5,500 per semester for on-campus housing."

Rutgers spokeswoman Patti Zielinski said Rutgers is indeed aware of the bed bug problem at Jameson Hall.

"Residence Life and facilities staff are working directly with residents at Jameson Hall to eradicate the bed bug problem and prevent future infestations," she said Friday. "Staff members met with residents and parents on Tuesday to hear concerns, answer questions, provide support and share guidance from pest control experts, and will continue to manage mitigation efforts and respond to any new issues that might arise."

The students say Rutgers has paid for chemical treatments done by Cooper Pest Control in the past several months. But the problem of bed bugs throughout the Jameson G dorm rooms has "escalated," the students said.

The students are calling for Rutgers to do a:

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