Second Metro Detroit Library Closes Temporarily Due To Bedbugs

YPSILANTI, MI — Another metro Detroit library is temporarily closing due to a bedbug issue.

The Ypsilanti District Library in Washtenaw County is closing their Michigan Avenue location after they found bedbugs in the building.

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Library officials said they have contacted a pest control company and will close the building until the treatment is complete.

Officials did not say exactly where the bedbugs were found.

When the library reopens, officials said anyone with previous bedbug issues must provide staff with "written proof" from a landlord or licensed pest control company that their residence has been treated, re-inspected and eradicated of bedbugs before they can visit any YDL branch.

"Trained staff are committed to executing our procedures and enforcing our policies to protect our patrons, materials, and facilities," library officials said."For that reason, anyone with a bedbug issue at their residence is prohibited from entering any YDL location."

Last month, the Royal Oak Public Library was also forced to close down due to bedbugs. They have since reopened and have banned large bags and shopping carts from the building.

Bedbugs are usually about 3/16 inch long and red to dark brown. They are mostly nocturnal insects whose only food source is blood. They typically come out of hiding to take their meals from sleeping humans.

The bugs can travel from place to place with ease, clinging to items such as luggage, purses and other personal belongings.

To avoid bedbugs, pest control service company Orkin recommends:

• Search the room for signs of infestation, looking for bed bugs, which are small, flat, oval-shaped insects that are brown and about the size of an apple seed. Other signs of bedbugs include ink-like stains on fabrics, shed exoskeletons around furniture and a sweet, musty smell.
• Lift sheets, curtains and cushions to check for bedbugs or signs of bedbugs.
• Elevate your luggage onto racks and keep it away from the bed or other furniture.
• Examine your luggage carefully while repacking and again when you return home.
• Place all dryer-safe clothing from your luggage in the dryer for 30 to 45 minutes at the highest heat setting upon returning home.

Anyone who has concerns about bedbugs should visit the Washtenaw County Health Department website for further information or by calling them at 734-544-6700.