[Michlib-l] Bed Bug Policy

Tue Feb 11 16:20:50 EST 2025

Initially we used thick trash bags to clear the shelves where the bedbugs were suspected.  After we placed the items into the bag, we spun the bag around so it was twisted shut.  We then taped it so it wouldn't unwind.  We put the bags in a location that no one was allowed to go into unless removing one of the bags for baking.  We used a small room with a locking door which was cleared by the bed bug dog inspection. The shelves were then sprayed with 91% isopropyl alcohol and wiped down.  When emptying a bag, the items were placed directly into the oven for baking.  The trash bags were then placed into another trash bag, sealed and thrown out into the outside trash cans.

Our pest company told our Director what to do and she researched it as well.  As time went on, we did find a couple of items that were not salvageable so we put them in sealed bags (Ziplock with the zipper closings) and threw them out in the outside trash.

We also use a bedbug "oven" to bake all returning items.  Sterilite containers (totes) with sealing lids are used to place the items into until we can bake them.  Being a small library we can bake one to two loads a day.  We did begin with just items that looked suspicious but then decided to bake everything minus charging cords, hot spots, launch pads ,etc.  Anything electronic.  We bake the containers that the electronics are housed in.  We bake audio books, CD's and DVD's in their cases.  We do not stack books on top of these items as they will cause the cases to melt.  When we empty the totes we spray them with the alcohol and then wipe them out.  We also spray and wipe down the book cart that is used to transfer the items from the book drop to the totes.  The items stay on the cart and are placed directly into the totes.  Any returning items that are dropped into our indoor book drop while we are open are checked in and  placed immediately into the tote(s).  

I will say that our entire staff was very disheartened by the discovery of bed bugs.  It took a little while to get used to the process and not feel grossed out.  It is now a part of our daily process.  You won't get a clear report every time, but when you do it's a great feeling.  We have inspections done quarterly. 

Irene (Jones)
Assistant Director
Berrien Springs Community Library
215 W. Union St.
Berrien Springs, MI 49103
269.471.7074
269.471.4433 fax
www.bsclibrary.org

> On 02/11/2025 12:07 PM EST marion Library via Michlib-l <michlib-l at mcls.org> wrote:
>  
>  
> Also curious here. We're very nearby and there have also been some outbreaks at other nearby libraries in the last couple years. I'm assuming the affected books are bagged? That's the standard procedure, correct? Is there more beyond that? Are there new methods or technologies that people have used? 
> 
> On Tue, Feb 11, 2025 at 11:05 AM Andrus, Miriam via Michlib-l <michlib-l at mcls.org mailto:michlib-l at mcls.org> wrote:
> 
> > 
> > Hello All-
> > 
> >     I am looking for bedbug policies. Seeing what has been happening at Harrison has us looking at what we should be doing at our library.
> > 
> > Thank you for your help/input.
> > 
> > -Miriam
> > 
> >  
> > 
> > Miriam Andrus, MLS
> > 
> > Director, Grace A. Dow Memorial Library
> > 
> > 1710 W. St. Andrews Road, Midland, MI 48640
> > 
> > 989-837-3431 direct
> > 
> > www.gadml.org http://www.gadml.org/
> > 
> >   http://www.facebook.com/gracedowlibrary http://www.twitter.com/cityofmidlandmi http://www.instagram.com/gracedowlibrary http://www.youtube.com/citymidland
> > 
> >  
> > 
> >  
> > 
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