Welcome back to Bug Busters Pest Pulse, the podcast where we help you stay one step ahead of pests with practical advice from the experts.

Today's episode is especially timely because thousands of students are packing up and heading to college. Whether it's your first semester in a residence hall, you're moving into an apartment with roommates, or you're returning to campus after summer break, there's one unwanted roommate nobody wants to bring along...

Bed bugs.

Now, before you start panicking, here's the good news: bed bugs aren't a reflection of cleanliness. They don't care if your dorm room is spotless or messy. They're expert hitchhikers that travel with people, luggage, backpacks, furniture—even laundry baskets.

College campuses create the perfect environment for them. Students are constantly moving between home, campus, hotels, airports, and friends' apartments. Every move creates another opportunity for bed bugs to catch a ride.

Today we're going to walk through everything you should know—from packing at home to move-in day, daily habits that reduce your risk, and what to watch for throughout the school year.

By the end of this episode, you'll have a simple game plan that can save you from one of the biggest headaches a college student can face.

Let's get started.