Bed bugs in libraries, ew! Considering I'm already a bit of a neat freak, I do my best to avoid all the news reports and articles about bed bugs because I'm pretty sure I might not be able to sleep again. The thought of bugs crawling on me while I'm sleeping gives me the shivers.

Well, I mistakenly read this new report about how bed bugs are showing up in one of my kids' favorite places --the library! One word: GROSS.

So, if you're not familiar with bed bugs, they're wingless, which means they can't really travel on their own. Instead, they cling to items, like luggage, for example, and then find their way to a new location. And according to the Star Tribune, bed bugs have been latching onto hardcover library books for awhile now and infesting libraries.

Yes, the lovely library where you go to read your favorite tabloid while your kids play with the puzzles and games! While many libraries are taking extra precautions -- the University of Washington Library in Seattle froze their books for a week -- others are using bags, pesticides, and other measures to stomp them out before they spread.

And apparently, librarians are getting training on how to identify bed bug carcasses. What a fun side bonus of their job! Now before you completely freak out, keep in mind that not all libraries have been infected. Plus, it's usually bestsellers that have the most bed bugs. Ew.

So if you're insistent on reading a real, paper book and want to steer clear of possible bed bugs, borrow the indie titles and then use the electronic library lending program available for both Kindle or NOOK e-readers for your bestsellers. No one wants the bring this univited guest home. Better safe than itchy.

Have you ever had bed bugs? How did you get rid of them?

 

Photo via Medill DC/Flickr