Warren Takes Preventive Action to Stop the Spread of Bedbugs After One Branch Library is Closed

Warren has taken emergency preventive actions to stop the spread of bedbug infestation after the Miller Branch was closed.

None of the city’s other three branches were closed and are now open to the public.

No date has been set for re-opening the Miller Branch, located in the city community center on Arden south of 14 mile and west of Mound.

After an insect that resembled a bedbug was found at the Miller Branch last Saturday, Mayor Jim Fouts immediately signed an emergency purchase order to hire Griffin Pest Control to inspect the Miller Branch for possible infestation. The inspection confirmed that the insect in question was a bedbug. Bedbug-sniffing dogs were then brought in by their handler to search the library for the possible presence of additional bedbugs. The highly-trained dogs alerted the handler by sitting down when they found a “hot spot” which alerts the handler to the possible presence of live/dead bedbugs, their eggs, and/or larvae. Heat and chemical treatments have been scheduled for the Miller Branch to exterminate any possible presence of these pests.

On Wednesday, the Warren Civic Library Branch – located in City Hall performed an inspection of that branch by engaging the bedbug-sniffing canine team. During the inspection, the dogs alerted the handler to several areas of the library, including several chairs. While no live or dead bedbugs were found, items that the dogs found have been quarantined, and they will be heat treated for 3-4 hours at a temperature of 135 degrees by the pest control company.

The library staff is being trained to recognize bedbugs, and staff will be instructed to carefully inspect items for possible infestation when they are returned to the library. If there is evidence of infestation, the item will be quarantined and disposed of or treated.

Additionally, the library is implementing a preventive strategy by developing policies and procedures which will include a thorough inspection policy.

Mayor Fouts said he has prohibited any donation of used books to the branch libraries because “bedbugs often hide in used books.”

“I am also directing the library staff to be on the alert for visitors who might have bedbugs on them,” said Fouts.

Fouts praised Library Director Oksana Urban and the library staff for taking immediate corrective action on the bedbug infestation. “They nipped the problem at its bud” said Fouts.