UPDATE: Two reports of bed bug sightings in Rye library this month – The Eyeopener

Reading Time: 2 minutes

By Sarah Tomlinson

The Ryerson University Library was closed following a report of a possible bed bug sighting.

Last week, a bed bug was discovered during a routine inspection and the chair on which it was found was disposed of, according to an email from Ryersons Facilities Management and Development (FMD).

FMD stated the area was closed off and steamed. Orkin, Ryersons pest control provider, inspected the area afterward. No bed bugs were found.

An undated picture of a bed bug found on a chair on the 10th floor of Ryersons library was sent to FMDs help desk on Wednesday.

Under the Ryerson subreddit, a user posted a photo on Tuesday of what appeared to be a bed bug with the caption, Looks like the bed bug problem on Ryerson librarys 10th floor is still unresolved.

On Monday morning, a picture of what appeared to be a bed bug was tweeted to The Eyeopener by a physics student.

According to the student, what appeared to be a baby bed bug fell onto their textbook on the 10th floor of the library. The picture was sent undated and without a time, so FMD said they cant determine whether the picture was taken last week or if its a new case of bed bugs in the library.

The area has been cordoned off again as an extra precaution and a canine team will be re-inspecting the area this evening to ensure it remains clear, said FMD on Wednesday.

In November 2019, there was a report of bed bugs on the 10th floor of the Ryerson Library. Bed bugs were also found by The Eye in March 2018 inside a Victoria Building classroom after Ryerson said the room had been investigated and no bugs were found.

In an interview on Monday, Ryersons president Mohamed Lachemi said the university conducts proactive inspections in the library and the Sheldon & Tracy Levy Student Learning Centre (SLC) on a monthly basis.

FMD recommended students consult Orkins resources for info on how to identify bed bugs, as well as a document prepared by FMDs environmental health and safety team on other insects commonly mistaken for bed bugs, like booklice, fleas, beetles and ticks.

If you see an insect that you suspect to be a bed bug, please send us a photograph so we can identify the pest and address it, said FMD.

According to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), bed bugs are not known to spread diseases. Those who have been bitten by a bed bug may not have any physical signs at all, or may have a small bite mark. Some may also experience an allergic reaction which would require medical attention.

With files from Emma Sandri

Related

See the rest here:
UPDATE: Two reports of bed bug sightings in Rye library this month - The Eyeopener