Bed Bugs Hitch Rides on Library Books

The name “bed bugs” can sometimes be a bit of a misnomer. More and more, these bloodsucking pests are showing up in rather obscure places that are nowhere near beds.  The most recent reports point to bed bugs becoming an issue in library books. Bed bugs have been reportedly hiding in the spines of hardcover books borrowed from libraries, according to an article titled “A Dark and Itchy Night” that appeared in yesterday’s print edition of The New York Times.

The article says, “The bugs crawl out at night to feed, find a new home in a headboard, and soon readers are enjoying not only plot twists but post-bite welts.”

Libraries are taking action by training circulation staff to keep an eye out for signs of bed bugs in books before they get put back on the shelves. In addition, some supervisors have brought in bed bug-sniffing dogs as a precautionary measure.

To prevent bed bugs, the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) says that vigilance is key. If you notice any telltale signs of the pest like small red to brown fecal spots, molt bed bug skins or red bite marks on the body, contact a pest professional to inspect and treat the problem.