Knox County Health Department offers tip for back-to-school purchases

KNOXVILLE -- According to USA Today, back to school is the second-biggest "season" for retail sales, after the year-end holidays. For students leaving home for the first time, outfitting an apartment or dorm room can be costly, and buying second hand goods may provide many essentials at a more affordable rate.

While the bill may be lower, buyers may be getting more than they bargained for with used clothes, bedding, books and other products. To help prevent problems with unexpected pests such as lice, fleas, and bed bugs that can tagalong on any household item, Knox County Health Department offers the following tips:

Clothing – Some students like to see what's in style on their campuses before committing to a wardrobe. If shabby chic is in, be sure to wash items in the sanitary cycle before bringing them into the dorm room or apartment. Used clothing may contain bed bugs, fleas, lice, rodent feces, insect larva/eggs and other unpleasant residue. NOT bringing these into the living environment is much easier than trying to eradicate them later.

Upholstered furniture – Inspect pieces thoroughly before buying, including underneath the cushions and the bottom side. Furniture has been known to house mice, roaches, bed bugs, bees' nests, termites and flies. Mice and cockroaches present a health risk, and the rest aren't welcome guests anywhere.

Mattresses/bedding – Inspect for signs of bed bugs, which includes dark red or brown spots around the seams. Bed bugs look like apple seeds and are very slow moving. Other sanitary concerns in bedding may be bodily fluids, fleas, lice or other pests. Used mattresses can be sealed in dust mite/bed bug preventing envelopes. A used mattress in its original wrapping may not present a problem. Remember, old mattresses may be disposed of through Knox County's Solid Waste Department. Call 215-5865 for more information.

Electrical appliances/lighting – Electrical shock and fire are the main concerns with these types of items. Be sure to test-run the appliance before buying. Check for frayed cords and wiring.

"Fleas, mice and cockroaches can carry disease and are considered a health hazard, so take some extra time to inspect used items and clean them thoroughly before bringing them inside," said Scott Bryan, KCHD Environmental Health manager. "And, despite the 'yuck factor,'" bed bugs don't present a health threat, but can be very aggravating."

Prevention is the key to keeping unwanted pests out of your dorm room or apartment. If infestation does occur, a professional pest control service is recommended to eradicate fleas, mice and cockroaches. Lice are a nuisance, but the only real health risk is scratching a sore on your head. Lice are very easily spread from person to person and have no bearing on a person's hygiene or cleanliness. Avoid buying used baseball caps, scarves or hats to prevent lice. Over-the-counter treatments for lice may be found at most drugstores.

Bed bugs are currently in the news because they are becoming very commonplace due to some pesticide resistance. Bed bugs are a nuisance, but don't carry disease and aren't considered a health risk.

Approximately 30 percent of the population is allergic to bed bug bites and experience itching following exposure. Bed bugs may be inadvertently carried from place-to-place by unsuspecting people. They have been found in books, clothing, hospitals and hotel rooms, apartments and most public places. Knox County Health Department's Environmental Health Division recently replaced upholstered chairs with plastic ones as a precautionary measure because members of the public were bringing in bed bug samples for identification. After finding bed bugs in returned materials, Knox County Library circulation staff were trained to closely inspect returned books for evidence of bugs, and brought in a professional pest control service to control the insects. Preventing infestation is the key, but, if bed bugs are found, wash all washable items on the hottest possible setting; thoroughly clean all bedding and furniture which cannot be put in the washer (This also may involve covering mattresses in a protective envelope.); and consult a professional pest control service. Continued vigilance and follow-up is recommended to prevent further spread or infestation.

Bugs and pests have been the bane of humankind for centuries. Don't let them ruin your campus experience. If you have questions, contact Knox County Health Department's Environmental Health Division at 865-215-5200.

Published August 16, 2012