HUTCHINSON, Kan. Staff makes proactive move to mitigate possible bed bug infestation
Hutchinson Public Library Director Gregg Wamsley took proactive measures Thursday after cleaning staff spotted a bed bug and eggs in one chair in the Children’s Department computer area.
“Cleaning staff wipe down and disinfect furniture several times a day, and when the bed bug was discovered, we immediately implemented the library’s response plan,” said Wamsley. Staff quarantined the area, and contacted pest control, who quickly came to the library and confirmed the bed bug.
The exterminator reported that while he did not find any additional bed bugs, it would be a best practice to take an extra precaution and treat the area surrounding where the bed bug and eggs were discovered. “It’s a good sign that we caught the pest very early, before it had a chance to multiply,” Wamsley stated. “We will be aggressive with the pest control.”
In an abundance of caution, the library will make an emergency closing all day Friday in order for staff to move the thousands of books in the proposed treatment area, so the exterminator can reach the wall and outlets where bed bugs like to hide. The Library will re-open Saturday, however the Children’s department will remain closed until Tuesday to allow the 48 hour quarantine recommended by the exterminator.
Said Wamsley, “While the library will be closed to the public, it’s an ‘all hands on deck’ situation in order to move the books so the exterminator can start treatment as soon as possible.”
The book drop behind the library will still be open, and any fines incurred for books due on September 16 will be waived.
According to the CDC, “Bed bugs should not be considered as a medical or public health hazard, and are not known to spread disease.” There is an alarming resurgence in bed bug infestations in the United States. A 2013 Joint Statement on Bed Bug Control in the United States from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), states that the cause of this resurgence can be attributed to “an increased resistance of bed bugs to available pesticides, greater international and domestic travel, lack of knowledge regarding control of bed bugs, and the continuing decline or elimination of effective vector/pest control programs at the state and local public health agencies.
The small size and flat body of a bed bug makes it easy for them to hide in small spaces and easily travel on clothing and backpacks, making public spaces a highly accessible place for bed bug infestations. A bed bug problem can happen to anyone, anywhere, regardless of social status, age or hygiene.
Libraries and public spaces all over the world deal with these and other occasional infestations, and as does the Hutchinson Public Library, they have response plans in place to address these situations.
“Hutchinson Public Library will continue to take every step possible to prevent this kind of problem from happening, and we will help the public learn what everyone can do to keep our public spaces pest free.” said Wamsley. The library’s website, www.hutchpl.org will have updated information about the closing and what patrons can expect during the treatment process.