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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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.

5. 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 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.

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

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

10. Helpful resources for libraries
Great presentation from Sarah Kittrell/Wichita Public Library
Contra Costa Health Services has links to resources for tenants, landlords, homeowners, health professionals, pest management professionals, schools, travelers
Thorough article from the University of California Statewide Integrated Pest Management Program