Bed Bugs Block out Book Worms.
For the third time this month bed bugs have been detected in books at a Metro Vancouver library.
The New Westminster Public Library is hoping to be able to open by noon on Wednesday, after finding the tiny parasitical insect in some of its books on Tuesday. The bed bugs were found by following Burnaby's advice to check specific books in the fiction section, said City of New Westminster spokesman Blair Fryer. "They found evidence of bedbugs in … several books," said Fryer. "I think they found a live bed bug in one and some dead bed bugs in others."
Fryer said staff immediately isolated the materials and then began checking the entire book collection at the Sixth Street location. The library was shut down for the day Tuesday while a dog trained in bedbug detection was brought in to help track down the infestation.
First detected in Burnaby
Burnaby reported the first infestation at its Metrotown Branch and then on Cameron Street earlier this month. Deputy chief librarian Deb Thomas says although both branches are now open, they're still debugging Metrotown because of its size: Since the first outbreak, she says staff have caught books with bed bugs in them being returned and are now checking every single book. Thomas says it could be one or more groups of patrons taking out certain kinds of books. "We have identified one patron and we've notified that patron, but no I wouldn't say generally it's just one person," she said. This is the first year bed bugs have been detected in the library system, Thomas says.
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WASHINGTON – To better protect children, pets and wildlife, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced it is moving to ban the sale to residential consumers of the most toxic rat and mouse poisons, as well as most loose bait and pellet products. The agency is also requiring that all newly registered rat and mouse poisons marketed to retail consumers be enclosed in bait stations that render the pesticide inaccessible to children and pets. Wildlife that consume bait or poisoned rodents will also be protected by EPA’s actions. Read more.
Beware self-help bedbug remedies
MARLBOROUGH — With bedbug infestations growing over the last few years, so has the market for over-the-counter, do-it-yourself remedies that health agents say can make the problem worse or create health risks. "These over-the-counter or off-the shelf remedies that you might get at your local hardware distributors, you could be doing more harm than good," said Bob Landry, Marlborough city sanitarian. The pests are notoriously difficult - and expensive - to eradicate. The bugs are resistant to many pesticides and typically congregate in crevices that are difficult to access. Professional treatments can be expensive and often require a few rounds of treatment. The cost and hassle of professional treatment has led to a boom in products that claim to remove infestations.
"What I don't recommend doing is applying a pesticide unless you know what you are doing," said Milford Public Health Director Paul Mazzuchelli. "Today's pesticides, especially those sold over the counter, would be met with resistance." Mazzuchelli pointed to the obvious health risks of using pesticide agents inside a home without knowing the dangers the chemicals could pose to people or pets. "We are trying to educate tenants and landlords," he said. "It should be handled in the hands of a professional pest control operator." Beyond health risks, Landry said using ineffective pesticides may make the problem worse, especially for those living in buildings with multiple homes. "They think that they can get away with a method that they think works and is cheap," Landry said. "Those bedbugs will just begin to retreat into he walls or into an adjacent unit." http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/lifestyle/health/x1510864783/Beware-self-help-bedbug-remedies
OTTAWA - Health Canada is advising Canadians about the potential dangers of buying pesticides over the internet. In recent years, an increasing number of homeowners and gardeners have been looking for alternative pesticides for use in their homes and gardens. As a result, there are many websites selling pest control products, many of which are not approved for sale in Canada.
Consumers should be aware that there is no assurance that product claims made on the internet are reliable. Health Canada urges consumers wishing to purchase pest control products online to consult the Pesticide Product Information Database, which contains a list of registered pesticide products and active ingredients that are authorized for sale in Canada.
Unregistered pesticides often do not contain the necessary precautions or instructions in either of Canada's official languages, which, in addition to not meeting Health Canada's labelling requirement, could lead to accidental misuse or injury. For guidelines on the safe and effective use of pesticides, please consult Health Canada's Fact Sheet on Homeowner Guidelines for Using Pesticides.
Bed Bugs In The News
BBB: Guard against bed bugs to exterminate scams.
The alarming increase in bed bug infestations enables some self-proclaimed pest control professionals the opportunity to go into homes — not to solve your bed bug issue but to take your money. So far in 2011, the Better Business Bureau has received more than 375 complaints against pest control service companies. Here are the BBB's recommended tips for choosing a trustworthy pest control company:
* Research the company with the BBB. Use the Accredited Business Locator to assist in finding a local company that upholds BBB's standards for ethical business practices.
* Make sure the exterminator has sufficient training and certifications.
* Find out how the company is covered by liability insurance, and how you will be reimbursed if there are damages to your belongings or home.
* Make sure you understand the extent of the infestation, costs of extermination and side effects of any chemicals used.
* Always read the fine print on contracts and pay attention to warranties.
