Over the past month or so, there has been some backlash to an article that was published by the New York Times on December 5, 2012 about bed bugs being found in library books. Some nay-sayers, including bloggers and some entomologists believe that library books are completely safe to borrow and bring home. Patrons who have found bed bugs in borrowed books however are warning that pests hiding inside of books are indeed a real concern for book lovers.
It just seems logical that bed bugs would find their way into libraries. Bed bugs are hitchhikers. People take them home, often reading borrowed books in bed. It would not take much effort for a bed bug or two to find a book on a bed or nightstand and take to hiding among the pages or in the binding of the book. So what’s the hoop-la all about?
It’s no secret that many areas of Canada are having a difficult time gaining control over the bed bug infestation problems. CBC Hamilton reported on January 24, 2013, that a local pest control company claims that “Hamilton is very badly infested. It’s much worse than surrounding areas.” In an effort to remain proactive in the quest to fight bed bugs, library system officials have announced that they are allocating $200,000 of their budget toward combatting the blood sucking critters.
According to reports, officials say that the library has not had any “infestations”, but bed bug sniffing dogs have found evidence of bed bugs in various library locations, which are all published online to keep library patrons apprised of the situation.
The best way to avoid bed bugs in libraries is to look for the pests or evidence of the bugs in the book bindings or pages of the books before you bring them home. If you happen to become infested, call a Monmouth County, NJ pest control professional like Allison Pest Control with experience in bed bug eradication.