What should you do with books if they become infested with bedbugs? - briefly
Seal the books in airtight plastic bags, expose them to a high‑heat treatment (e.g., 130 °F/54 °C for several hours) or have a licensed exterminator apply an appropriate pesticide; if the infestation cannot be eliminated, dispose of the books in a sealed container to prevent spread.
What should you do with books if they become infested with bedbugs? - in detail
When printed material shows signs of a bed‑bug invasion, immediate containment prevents spread to other items. Place the affected volumes in sealed plastic bags or airtight containers. Keep the sealed packages away from living spaces, preferably in a garage or utility room, until treatment is complete.
Next, determine the most effective eradication method. Two non‑chemical approaches are widely accepted:
- Freezing: Store the books in a freezer set to –20 °C (–4 °F) for at least four days. This temperature kills all life stages of the pest. After thawing, allow the items to reach room temperature before reopening the bags.
- Heat treatment: Expose the books to a controlled environment of 50–55 °C (122–131 °F) for a minimum of 30 minutes. Professional heating chambers guarantee uniform temperature; makeshift heat sources risk damage to the paper or binding.
If the infestation is severe or the books are valuable, enlist a licensed pest‑control service. Technicians can apply targeted steam or specialized heat‑treatment equipment, ensuring thorough elimination while preserving the integrity of the material.
When chemical options are considered, use only products labeled for indoor use on textiles and paper. Apply the insecticide to the exterior of the sealed container, never directly onto the pages, to avoid contamination.
If treatment fails or the books are heavily damaged, dispose of them responsibly. Wrap each volume in multiple layers of plastic, seal tightly, and place in a trash bag that will be collected by a waste service that handles pest‑infested items. Do not donate or recycle untreated material.
Finally, adopt preventive measures: store books in sealed shelving units, vacuum regularly around storage areas, and inspect new acquisitions before they enter the collection. These practices reduce the likelihood of future bed‑bug exposure.