Community Health

Hunter College has taken unprecedented steps to build a comprehensive plan to support education and critical research both on campus and online during the COVID-19 epidemic. Our strategy is based on the guidance of CUNY and Hunter’s experts, as well as local, state and federal officials.

Hunter College encourages students, faculty and staff to report sightings of any suspicious-looking insects to the Office of Public Safety. The college employs pest management professionals to prevent, inspect and treat issues in accordance with all local, state and federal regulations.

Whenever a potential bedbug sighting is reported to the Office Public Safety, the following steps are taken:

1. Protect – The area is cordoned off to prevent individuals from entering. This allows professionals to address the concern as quickly as possible to limit risk of spreading while minimizing disruption to college activities.
2. Notify – Public Safety notifies the Department of Facilities Management to dispatch Pest Management Services to inspect and treat the reported area.
3. Treatment – The following treatment and prevention methods are used:
   • Heat: Steam is used on various types of surfaces and items including carpets and upholstered furniture.
   • Vacuuming: HEPA vacuums are used. When finished, the vacuum cleaner bags are properly disposed of before leaving the work area.
   • Vinyl or other non-fabric items such as floor mats, desks and classroom chairs are wiped down with alcohol or a similar product, ensuring that all seams and stitching are carefully inspected and cleaned. Surfaces are allowed to dry thoroughly before stacking items or allowing their use.
   • Insecticides: Non-residual insecticides such as those containing essential oils are used. SDS sheets can be made available upon request by contacting the Office of Environmental Health and Safety.
4. Post-Treatment Evaluation – This evaluation should take place within 24 hours, with daily follow-up inspections for a minimum of three days.

If you have a concern about your home or spaces outside the Hunter campus, visit the NYC Department of Health website.

Hunter College provides information to all students, staff and faculty on how to prevent and control Legionnaire’s disease—a serious type of lung infection caused by Legionella bacteria. Learn how to protect yourself from breathing in or swallowing this bacteria and getting sick.