In recent years, incidents of bed bugs have become a growing problem for facilities open to the
public including hotels, offices, schools, hospitals, libraries and any other buildings the public
frequents. Bed bugs are not known to transmit diseases, but they can be difficult to eradicate.
These pests do not indicate that the area is unclean, but they can damage materials and are
necessary to eliminate from the library.
Procedure:
- Inspect all materials during check in and seal suspect materials in plastic bags.
- Hold materials away from your body while processing.
- Immediately report suspected infestations to Senior Director, Library Services.
- If bedbugs are found, materials should be frozen at a temperature below zero degrees Fahrenheit for at least 4 days. Alternatively, materials can be heated at 125 degrees Fahrenheit or above for at least 30 minutes.
- Staff who handle infested materials should be advised to wash clothes at the hottest recommended setting. Tumble dry clothes on high heat.
- Materials that are not to be recovered should be disposed of within their sealed plastic bag.
- If furniture becomes infested, report damage of affected areas immediately to the Maintenance Department for possible chemical treatment.
