Bedbugs Found At U Of A Library

September 30, 2013

An infestation of bed bugs forced the closure of parts of the Main Library at the University of Arizona for a time late last week.

The first dead bug was noticed by a library employee, in the downstairs computer lab area last Wednesday, according to UA Facilities Management.

Within 24 hours, the area where the bedbug had been found was blocked off and treated by a pest control firm. They disinfected the area and removed the bedbugs with chemical bait traps, hot water extraction and upholstery cleaning.

Surrounding areas were also searched to ensure the bugs hadn’t spread further.  And the pest control company will inspect the library every week for a month to ensure the bedbugs are completely gone.

UA entomology professor Paul Baker said backpacks may have been the carriers that brought bedbugs to the library. But he said a bedbug infestation has nothing to do with sanitation. 

Students were not notified of the incident. Library officials say they were not advised to do so and that there were no health or safety risks.