Bed Bug Training for Library Staff Jenny Pierce Pikes Peak Library District

Why are we talking about bed bugs? Increase in the prevalence of bed bugs over the past 20 years Travel Used-goods market Resistance to commercial pesticides Difficult to eradicate Found in all types of public buildings Through the 1940’s bed bugs were common around the world. With the development of DDT and its use, the presence of bed bugs in the US was greatly reduced. BUT - even before DDT use in the US was banned (for the most part) in 1972, bed bugs had developed resistance to it. The huge resurgence over the past 20 years has been attributed to Increased international travel Popularity of 2nd hand markets, furniture and household goods Bed bugs are largely resistant to commercially available pesticides. Eradication of a bed bug infestation requires professional treatment and diligence on the part of residents. Particularly difficult in multiple unit residential buildings (apartments, dorms, nursing homes, hotels etc) All kinds of public buildings are dealing with bed bugs, including libraries

Why are we talking about bed bugs? Libraries are dealing with bed bugs and will continue to do so Circulating materials provide a good method for bed bugs to move from one location to another Stay in a residence for several days or weeks Often left on beds, sofas, night stands, floors Lots of crevices and hiding places in books, DVD and CD cases Over the past decade, libraries have seen bed bugs become regular visitors. That will continue: the difficulty in eradication and the ease with which new infestations can arise (a single mated female can start a new infestation) Libraries have the perfect vehicle for bed bugs to hide in and be introduced into another home or onto other items in the library. Circulating books, DVDs, CDs, other items Stay in a residence for several days or weeks Often left on beds, sofas, night stands, floors where bed bugs congregate Have lots of crevices and hiding places

The Human Factor… Most people are not able to up and move if in an infested residence Effective treatment requires Professional exterminators Diligent residents Conscientious landlords/owners Focus on empathy when interacting with patrons Help staff understand the importance of maintaining patron privacy and the emotional and financial difficulty of dealing with a bed bug infestation For staff training, humor can increase attention and decrease fear Bed bugs are a hard problem and can affect anyone. Our best defense is quick action to mitigate an infestation.

What is PPLD doing about bed bugs? Staff Training Identification, removal, follow up In-person training for most public services staff Training video Staff Resources Procedures/resources page on the staff intranet Supplies Custom ILS reports to expedite finding materials returned by the patron in the past 60-90 days in contact with the problem item in the bookdrop or bin Public Resources Bed Bug FAQ and Guidelines on PPLD.org Adapted from Monroe County (MI) Library System Prevention/Treatment links Contact form for further questions -Minute % of circulating materials that have been affected. -We do not try to “save” print items – we get rid of them to avoid any risk of spreading the bugs. -Make a concerted effort to act quickly if an item is returned with evidence of bed bugs.

Supplies Bagged vacuum ID cards Magnifying glass with light and higher magnification secondary lens Furniture bags -Minute % of circulating materials that have been affected. -We do not try to “save” print items – we get rid of them to avoid any risk of spreading the bugs. -Make a concerted effort to act quickly if an item is returned with evidence of bed bugs. Airtight bins

Developing a bed bug plan for your library Gain support from leadership Resources Staff commitment Importance of being proactive Information for your leadership team, BoT, Public Relations Develop a press statement so your leadership has a response ready Which staff are key contacts? Develop training with input from multiple departments Circulation staff Communications staff Library managers or supervisors Staff trainer Facilities manager

Developing a bed bug plan for your library Hands-on training for staff that interact with patrons and materials Consider different learning styles Consider different responsibilities Managers and supervisors Facilities staff – furniture/shelving treatment, contact exterminators Interlibrary Loan staff Friends of the Library Awareness piece for all staff Everyone is an ambassador for the library One person can have a big effect Nextdoor.com Friends and family Social groups Resources for patrons

Developing a bed bug plan for your library Hands-on training for staff that interact with patrons and materials Consider different learning styles

Helpful resources for libraries Great presentation from Sarah Kittrell/Wichita Public Library http://www.ala.org/pla/sites/ala.org.pla/files/content/onlinelearning/webinars/archive/PLA_Kittrell_Dont-let-the-bed-bugs-bite_Final.pdf Contra Costa Health Services has links to resources for tenants, landlords, homeowners, health professionals, pest management professionals, schools, travelers http://cchealth.org/bedbugs/ Thorough article from the University of California Statewide Integrated Pest Management Program http://ipm.ucanr.edu/PDF/PESTNOTES/pnbedbugs.pdf