S.f. Library: Don't Worry About Bedbugs

S.F. library: Don't worry about bedbugs San Francisco Public Library officials say patrons should not be concerned about bringing home bedbugs with books, despite a growing problem with the pests moving into more commercial and public spaces. Senior Environmental Health Inspector Nader Shatara, who coordinates inspections of possible bedbug infestations around the city, said books wouldn't be attractive long-term hiding places for bedbugs but that hatchlings could travel on them. Karen Cohn, senior industrial hygienist at the city's environmental health office, part of the Public Health Department, said city employees in all possible bedbug hot spots have been trained to look out for the pests. Cohn recommends taking suspect linen or clothing home in a sealed plastic bag and running them through the dryer's hottest setting for at least 30 minutes to kill any unwanted hitchhikers. Bedbugs in the Bay Area can live for up to 12 months without eating, according to Dr.