Dan Mizer, Texas A&M University's associate director of residence life, said his school is among a growing number of colleges and other public locales facing the rising problem of the pesky insects, USA Today said Thursday.

"They're taking off right now," Mizer said.

"They're finding these things in public transit, in movie theaters, in cruise ships, in all the hospitality accommodations."

Other universities that have faced similar infestations include Ohio State University and the University of Florida, USA Today reported.

Mizer, whose school paid $37,000 to hire trained dogs to hunt the bedbugs down during the last year, told the newspaper the key to controlling the insects is immediate response to any sightings.

"When we get a report, we get the pest-control staff, and we respond," he said. "These bugs can take over quickly."