BED BUGS IN BOOKS: WHAT BACK-TO-SCHOOL MEANS FOR BED BUGS

The time has come for the kids to go back-to-school—a busy time of year for both students and parents alike. Getting in to a new routine can take some time to get used to, and there many things to consider when sending your children back to school.

Bed Bugs in Schools

As the bed bug population continues to climb, protecting your family and home is the biggest concern among parents. Bed bugs multiply quickly and travel easily. 

Tips for teachers

• Reduce clutter in classroom
• Keep rugs and carpets to a minimum
• Remove curtains and wall frames
• Inspect for bed bugs in library books when they are returned—place them in a plastic liner to check
• Frequently inspect and vacuum classrooms
• Educate parents and encourage them to identify the signs of bed bugs—share fact sheets and brochures with them

Tips for parents

• Inspect backpacks when your child gets home from school—this includes books, papers, pencil cases and any other items
• When contents are removed from backpack, inspect thoroughly
• Place child’s clothing in a dryer on the highest setting
• Can bed bugs be transferred by house to house? Yes, so be sure to inspect your child if you suspect they have been at another home 
  with bed bugs

Bed Bugs in Libraries

Bed bugs in books at libraries, movie theatres and malls have increased dramatically in recent years. Bed bugs can attach themselves to a person by their clothing or in their knapsacks. Bed bugs in library books have been increasing in larger cities over the years, New York, Vancouver and even Toronto have had problems with bed bugs in their libraries. 

"Like movie theatres, hospital waiting rooms and subways, the Toronto public library system — which operates 98 branches with 1.2 million members and an annual circulation of 31 million items — is no exception to the bedbug scourge plaguing urban areas across North America." - Toronto Star

Spreading bed bugs from person to person can happen in library books by females laying eggs in the spines of hard cover books or lurk under the paper covers. In 2012, the Toronto Public Library had 24 confirmed bed bug incidents of the 38 reported. 

If you suspect you have a bed bug infestation in your home, address the problem as quickly as possible. Call a professional bed bug Toronto pest control company.