Mouse Infestation Shocks Lafayette College Students Upon Return to Marquis Hall After Winter Break
The Unwelcome Return: A Mouse Infestation at Lafayette College’s Marquis Hall
As students returned to Lafayette College after winter break, many were excited to reunite with friends and settle back into campus life. However, for residents of Marquis Hall, the return was marred by an unexpected and unwelcome surprise: a mouse infestation.
A Shocking Discovery
Tehila Bendaat ’28, a resident of Marquis Hall, recounted her shocking experience upon returning to her room. “I opened the door and there was one on my backpack, staring into my soul,” she said. The sight of her bed covered in mouse droppings and her snacks torn apart was enough to send her and her roommate into a panic. They quickly reported the infestation to Public Safety and were evacuated to temporary housing in Watson Hall that same night.
The situation escalated when they discovered a live mouse caught in a glue trap. Fellow resident Sophi Espina ’28 attempted to assist Bendaat but faced an unfortunate incident when she was bitten while trying to release the mouse outside. Thankfully, a visit to Bailey’s Health Center confirmed that the bite did not require further treatment.
A Community Response
In the wake of the infestation, the community rallied to address the issue. Hiya Khan ’28 shared that a residence advisor meeting was held to educate residents on preventing the infestation from spreading. “The RA told us that the reason the mice can get in is through the ventilation,” Khan explained, emphasizing the importance of sealing gaps to deter the little intruders.
The dorm rooms most affected were located near the shared kitchen on the second floor, leading to a night filled with “abrupt screams” as residents spotted mice scurrying about. Tyler Bergsma, the assistant director of residence life, communicated with residents about the steps being taken to resolve the infestation, including setting traps and conducting room inspections with the help of Ehrlich Pest Control.
A Silver Lining
Despite the initial chaos, many residents felt that the situation was being handled efficiently. Nina Qiu ’28 noted, “We’ve had exterminators knocking on our door every day.” Bendaat echoed this sentiment, stating that after returning to her room, she found no evidence of mice or droppings. “I think they took care of the issue,” she said, relieved that the college would compensate her for any belongings destroyed during the infestation.
A Lesson in Resilience
While the mouse infestation was undoubtedly a distressing experience for the residents of Marquis Hall, it also highlighted the resilience of the community. Students banded together to support one another, sharing tips and resources to navigate the situation. As Khan aptly put it, “Every college dorm will have this. But I’m paying a lot, and I have to take this dorm freshman year, and here I am having these issues. It’s just very frustrating.”
As the dust settles and the extermination efforts continue, the residents of Marquis Hall are left with a story to tell—a reminder that even in the most unexpected circumstances, community support and swift action can make all the difference.
Conclusion
The mouse infestation at Marquis Hall serves as a cautionary tale for college students everywhere. It reminds us that while we may face unexpected challenges, it’s how we respond to them that truly matters. As Lafayette College students continue to navigate their academic journeys, they can take comfort in knowing that they are part of a community that stands together, even in the face of tiny, furry adversaries.