Hi Holly: My reading on Bedbugs consistently indicates they are parasitic. They feed on the blood of warm blooded animals. Is there an indication they will search out books? I think the books will be safe even if they do have leather covers. Maybe someone else has experience to the contrary but otherwise I think the books have more to worry about contact with people than with Bedbugs.
As an aside, I've had consistently good results eradicating all types of insects using Nitrogen with anoxic technique without concern for chemical interaction with collection materials nor for thermal complications possible with heating or freezing. Alternatively, good housekeeping, vacuuming and repeated inspection is safe and effective. Best of luck, Steve Steven Pine Decorative Arts Conservator The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston P.O. Box 6826 Houston, TX 77265 P. (713) 639-7731 C. (281) 546-7059 From: pestlist-ow...@museumpests.net [mailto:pestlist-ow...@museumpests.net] On Behalf Of Prochaska, Holly (prochah) Sent: Wednesday, October 06, 2010 12:12 PM To: 'pestlist@museumpests.net' Subject: [pestlist] Treatment for bedbugs found in bound materials Colleagues, I am trying to work on a procedure for treating bound paper materials that have bedbugs. We haven't had any confirmed sightings yet in materials, but considering our State-wide problem I fear it is just a matter of time. I've seen plenty of good information related to facilities, but not a lot related to caring for books that have been affected. The most common quick quip is that they should be "cooked" at temperatures around 140 degrees Fahrenheit for 2 hours. I've not seen any indication what they are being cooked in. There is a device called Packtite that gets some mention on blogs, but not on any conservation/preservation sites. NEDCC, LOC, and Lyrasis sites don't have anything yet either. From what I've read freezing apparently doesn't kill the egg stage. My concern right now is the general circulating collection, so freezing might be the only option for rare/unique materials.... Has your institution started tackling this question? Any help would be appreciated! Holly Prochaska Head, Preservation Services University of Cincinnati Libraries Tele:513-556-1389 Fax:513-556-0325
