The world of Unintended Consequences. DDT was banned (for good reason) but it should have been used wisely instead of called evil and banished. Bedbugs were NOT a concern in the 1960's world of pesticides. Granted over-use has consequences; but NO use also has consequences. Simple messages are picked up better but aren't as informative as complicated accurate messages.

I think all libraries should microwave for 1 minute the books going out. microwaves only affect the water content in things, it should have no effects on a book other than killing bugs lol

Grose ! I thought we had got rid of bed bugs long ago!

@davehoug, DDT, like most other pesticides, was just another chemical that bugs become resistant to, There are plenty of examples in the world where DDT was used to fight mosquitos with declining success, due to the resistance phenomenon. Unfortunately its negative consequences, egg shell thinning and CANCER, did not decline.

Libraries' book sections have always been known as a breeding ground for things like bugs, thanks to the presence of acid paper etc. But nowadays, libraries seem to have become even worse -- thanks mainly to new technological developments such as attached nurseries, and banks of Internet terminals with odors often associated with homeless shelters and the like.

DDT, like most other pesticides, was just another chemical that bugs become resistant to - - - Thats MY point. Widespread use thinking it can do no harm was responsible for many bad consequences. However, there is still a place for a licensed exterminator to both use a pesticide AND to do it wisely. X = evil is an easy message, but rarely the full story. Other views welcome at davehoug@comcast.net

First the Vashta Nerada, now bedbugs?

Bedbugs are NOT a problem in public libraries and not being spread to others via books. To imagine a library could somehow treat the thousands of items going in and/or out everyday is just crazy. If you're overly worried about bed bugs in library books you might be better off not using the library or borrowing ebooks instead.