Though discussion about insect issues circulates around campus, Auxiliary Services and Facilities Management are confident that the issue is not more substantial than normal.
Although insect complaints from students fluctuate throughout the semester, complaints have currently reached an average number, said Don Sims, director of auxiliary services. However, this may be due to the fact that students do not file complaints.
“We respond pretty much to people letting us know of issues…You’re living there, we’re here basically 8 to 5,” Sims said.
ANTSY RESIDENTS
The reasons students do not report their insect issues vary. Some students believe that facilities’ efforts lack effect.
“I had a huge huge problem with it last year and facilities came and sprayed my room but it didn’t really do much. So I brought my own spray, and it’s been pretty good ever since — this year and last year,” said Michael Watson, sophomore international business major and Hope resident.
However, other students feel the insects do not pose a big enough problem to report to auxiliary services.
“It doesn’t really bother me too much. If the problem were to increase a lot…like four or five times over, then I would probably say something,” said Lucas Moreno, junior undeclared major and Hope resident.
Alpha resident and freshman business major Kristen Smith reacted similarly when she discovered a lone cockroach in the hall bathroom.
“I didn’t think it was a big deal. I just saw one,” Smith said.
In contrast, students also feel that the issue is preventable if other students became aware of it.
“I’ve seen ants, but only when people leave their food out and they don’t take care of their dishes. If people are personally responsible for their things then I don’t think there’s going to be much of a problem,” said Elizabeth Burns, freshman communication disorders major and Horton resident.
MANAGEMENT TAKES ROUTINE STEPS
Although it may seem to students that the insect issue remains unanswered, auxiliary services and facilities management attempt to control the concerns.
“Any large campus is going to have issues with pests, it’s about managing them. Here at Biola we want to provide a pest-free living situation for all of our residents,” said Jonathan Rowley, assistant manager of residential facilities.
Biola’s contracted exterminator Ecolab does weekly maintenance around the residence halls, which include bait stations for rodents and insects, Rowley said. These stations help control the population of the pests. In addition to the routine maintenance, Ecolab addresses specific rooms that have complaints.
Auxiliary Services encourages students to report insect sightings to their office, so as to effectively address the issue.
“There’s 2,700 pairs of eyes here on campus that are beyond the 3 or 4 of us and the custodial people,” Sims said.
