EGAD! Bed Bugs in the Library?
Dr. Jody Green, Nebraska Extension Julie Beno, Lincoln City Libraries
Katie Murtha, Lincoln City LibrariesJanuary 31, 2017
Hurrah for Nebraska! The land of the free,The land of the bed bug, grasshopper, and flea.
~ lyric from Staving to Death on My Government Claim
Today’s agenda
Short videoThe lifespan and history of the Bed Bug
Challenges for LibrariesPolicies and proceduresStaff trainingPictures
Bed bugs and Libraries!
Jody Green
Everything you need to know about
Bed Bugs
Are you ITCHING yet?
2012: Customer asked if a person could get bedbugs from books
2014: First introduction not infestation
We took the first book to the Extension office for bug identification.
Bed Bug Committee at Bennett Martin Public Library formed
Challenges for Libraries
Policy considerations
Providing training and determining best practices for staff
Treating materials
Determining workflow procedures and notifying customers
Providing information for the public
Policy Considerations
Dealing with customers and bed bug damaged items:
◦Discard or treat the materials?
◦How to contact customer?
◦Ban from using the library?
◦Ban personal belongings?
◦Require proof of treatment for reinstatement?
Staff Training
All staff should be trained:To identify bed bugs and bed bug damageTo know & follow workflow proceduresTo know what to say to the publicTo prevent transporting bed bugs home from the
workplaceTo protect themselves if bed bugs are found in
the workplace:◦Tumble dry clothes on high heat (125° F or above) for
30 minutes or more. Contact County Extension for directions.
◦Clothes that require dry cleaning should be kept in a plastic sealable bag until dry cleaning.
Workflow Considerations
Inspect materials and identify bed bugs or damage at check in
Determine if obviously damaged or suspected as damaged
Quarantine and treat materialsCharge customer and place holds for
outstanding items on customer’s accountContact customerPost treatment inspection – discard or
return to collection?
Treating Materials & Equipment Purchases
Equipment needed for treatment:
◦Heat treatment Oven: 7 hours at 113° F◦Freeze treatment
Freezer: 4 days at 0°F◦Lots of Ziploc bags
& latex gloves!!◦Clorox wipes
Dogs? In the Library?
Spots, the bed bug sniffing dog-quarterly◦Bag identified materials immediately- we put in
freezer◦Move furniture out of building-bag or wrap if
possible
Providing Information to Customers
Draft and publish FAQs:
◦How is the library addressing the threat of bed bugs?
◦What if I return library materials that are found to contain bed bugs or evidence of bed bugs?
◦Where can I find more information on bed bugs?
Examples
Bed Bug?
Julie searching! Thank you County Extension Office
Bed Bug Feces and Blood
Not Visible with Naked Eye
Final Thoughts & Questions?
We hire a bed bug sniffing dog quarterly We go to other branches and train staff We attend training sessions on bed bugs Stay calm and everything will be OK!
Presenters
Dr. Jody Green◦ Nebraska Extension Educator | Urban Entomologist◦ [email protected]◦ 402-441-7180
Julie Beno◦ Library Coordinator, Lincoln City Libraries◦ [email protected]◦ 402-441-8535
Katie Murtha◦ Librarian, Lincoln City Libraries◦ [email protected]◦ 402-441-8592
Lincoln City Libraries, Lincoln, NElincolnlibraries.org