Dogs sniff out evidence of bedbugs at eight libraries

A third of Hamiltons library branches were inspected for bedbugs in May and June and all of them had evidence of the pests.

Sniffer dogs picked up the scent in localized areas at eight of the 24 branches, although results released by the library suggest no actual bugs were visible. However, eggs were found on a book in the book bin at the Locke Street branch.

Live bedbugs, eggs and newly dead bedbugs give off a scent.

The remaining 16 branches have yet to be checked.

The library says all of the affected branches were promptly treated. This is done after hours with steam, heat chambers and spray, among other measures. The checks follow a schedule formed after a March 25 inspection of the Central branch and the librarys two bookmobiles.

The library is now posting its inspection results online, a move that came on the heels of officials releasing documents about bedbugs at city library facilities to The Spectator under a Freedom of Information request.

The request followed a Spectator story published in May that revealed the sniffer dogs found evidence of bedbugs at Central in March. A report to the library board in April said the dogs found evidence of the parasitic, bloodsucking insects in many areas and on every floor.

However, officials said no actual bedbugs were found.

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Chief librarian Paul Takala said the inspection results are being posted to show the librarys commitment to transparency and to being proactive. The list of branches inspected so far and the findings are at the end of the librarys new posting of its bedbug prevention and containment policy. The policy was first formed (but not publicized) in April 2011 when bedbug problems were on the rise throughout the city.

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Dogs sniff out evidence of bedbugs at eight libraries