Why Bedbugs Persist in University of Ibadan Hostels: The Hidden Struggles of Students
By Esther Ilori
Bedbug infestations are a persistent and unpleasant issue faced by many residents in various spaces such as homes, hotels, and public transport. These nocturnal pests, known for their ability to hide in small crevices and feed on human blood, cause discomfort, sleep disturbances, and sometimes emotional distress. Several factors contribute to the spread of bedbugs, including human travel, the reuse of boxes and containers, and overcrowded public spaces. Despite these general causes, the University of Ibadan (UI) hostels have become particularly notorious for their recurring bedbug issues. Students from various hostels have shared their experiences, shedding light on the ongoing battle with these pests.
Samuel Olayisoye, a student at UI, describes bedbug infestation as “the presence of bloodsucking insects that make sleeping in bed uncomfortable.” According to Samuel, one of the primary reasons for bedbug infestations is the lack of proper environmental care, particularly the failure to fumigate rooms regularly and the unawareness of the items students bring into their living spaces. He recounts his personal experiences with bedbugs as “an unpleasant ordeal,” explaining how he sometimes wakes up to the discomfort of being bitten, or even finds a bedbug hanging on his clothes after leaving his hostel.
Similarly, Folabunmi Olose, a 200-level student, defines bedbug infestations as “small parasitic insects that feed on human blood and invade a living space.” She explains that these pests are typically found in sleeping areas like beds, mattresses, and furniture, where they can multiply rapidly, making the infestation difficult to manage. Folabunmi recalls her first encounter with bedbugs in the hostel reading room, where she had decided to take a nap. “I had to wake up due to constant itchiness,” she says. The bites left swollen marks on her lap and hands, and the experience forced her to stop visiting the reading room entirely. “It was not a funny experience,” she admits.
Omolara Aderibigbe, another 200-level student, has not personally experienced a bedbug infestation but considers them a challenging pest to eradicate based on what she has heard from others. She believes that dirty and overcrowded environments contribute to the presence of these pests.
In an interview with Wisdom, a member of the Dentactics press, the ongoing issue of bedbugs in UI hostels is examined from another angle. Wisdom points out that while fumigation is sometimes carried out, it is not always thorough enough to tackle infestations effectively. “Sometimes, when there are bedbugs, everyone is sent home, and rooms and reading rooms are fumigated,” he says. “But unknowingly, the bugs are brought back in luggage.” Wisdom notes that fumigation exercises are often general and typically occur when school is not in session, which means they may miss critical areas like reading rooms where bedbugs often thrive.
He highlights the difficulty of eradicating bedbugs, comparing the challenge to fighting a “many-headed hydra.” “Even fire only works for a short time,” he says, expressing concern that regular fumigation could lead to resistance among the surviving bedbug population.
Additionally, Wisdom stresses the significant health implications of bedbug infestations. “In the tamest scenarios, we have students unable to sleep well,” he explains. “Jambites from cushy accommodations would nearly go mad due to the lack of sleep and the constant pain from bedbug bites. This leads to poor academic performance, which can cause depression and lack of motivation.” In more extreme cases, the distress caused by these pests can significantly affect students’ mental and emotional well-being.
Despite these challenges, some students have adapted to the situation. Wisdom observes that many students resort to airing out their beds in the sun to reduce the bedbug population. He believes that the increasing number of students seen doing this serves as an indicator of the bedbug problem, helping to monitor its prevalence.
Addressing the bedbug issue in UI hostels requires a collective effort from both students and university management. Students interviewed offered several suggestions for preventing bedbug infestations. Folabunmi Olose recommends regular inspection, professional pest control services, and maintaining a tidy living environment to reduce hiding places for bedbugs. Omolara Aderibigbe advises keeping rooms neat, ensuring they are spacious and not overcrowded, and discarding old or damaged items that may harbour pests. Samuel Olayisoye also advocates for better fumigation practices and environmental care, with a focus on being mindful of where students travel and the items they bring back.
However, Wisdom cautions against an over-reliance on fumigation, warning that it could exacerbate the problem by leading to resistance among the bedbug population. “It’s a never-ending cycle,” he states. “More frequent fumigation will not solve the problem in the long run.”
The persistent bedbug issue in UI hostels remains a challenge that calls for more effective and thorough action. While students and staff may have different perspectives on the causes and solutions, the urgency of addressing the problem is clear. Only through consistent efforts, improved pest control strategies, and a heightened awareness of the factors contributing to infestations can UI students hope to finally rid their hostels of these relentless pests.
