melmichigan Posted August 14, 2011 Share Posted August 14, 2011 I recently bought 4 huge bookshelves from the Borders bookstore that is going out of business. I have 4-6 weeks before they will be ready. I am terrified of bringing in some bug. I have no reason to believe there have been any problems with bugs in this bookstore but being as paranoid as I am (I even freeze used books that come into the house), I am wondering what precautions I could take to avoid bringing in any pests? My DH suggested sealing any cracks or seams with clear polyethane sealant after cleaning them well? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MindyD Posted August 14, 2011 Share Posted August 14, 2011 I never heard of bedbugs being on bookshelves, especially if they're coming from a store. Maybe you could leave them outside for a day? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RahRah Posted August 14, 2011 Share Posted August 14, 2011 I really don't think it's something to worry about. If you're really concerned though, maybe a day or two in the garage - park your car outside and let them sit in there? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wabi Sabi Posted August 14, 2011 Share Posted August 14, 2011 Maybe vaccuum them really well, then dust them with diatomaceous earth and allow to sit in the sun for a day or two? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tap Posted August 14, 2011 Share Posted August 14, 2011 Don't bedbugs eat blood? Why would they be alive in a book store? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Garga Posted August 14, 2011 Share Posted August 14, 2011 I recently bought 4 huge bookshelves from the Borders bookstore that is going out of business. I have 4-6 weeks before they will be ready. I am terrified of bringing in some bug. I have no reason to believe there have been any problems with bugs in this bookstore but being as paranoid as I am (I even freeze used books that come into the house), I am wondering what precautions I could take to avoid bringing in any pests? My DH suggested sealing any cracks or seams with clear polyethane sealant after cleaning them well? I know last year in New York City, bedbugs were in a lot of high-end department stores. They were also in many libraries at that time. I haven't heard as much recently, but that doesn't mean the issues aren't still there and used furniture is a classic way to get bedbugs, so you're smart to be concerned. The bugs don't necessarily like warm soft places--they are happy to live in the crevices of furniture and in electrical sockets. If you're willing to do the work, I like your dh's idea. Clean the bookcases as best you can (to get rid of any eggs on the outside of the furniture) and seal all the cracks. Bedbugs are about the size of an apple seed when they're grown, and smaller when they're babies, so they can squeeze into tiny places. They do not have teeth to chew through things,, so once they're sealed in, they're stuck. I had bedbugs last September (dh brought them home from a hotel trip to New York) and the work to get rid of them was enormous and the price was $1000. And that was after Ninja Bug Guy charged me only half of his normal fee. Much cheaper to seal up the cracks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kiana Posted August 15, 2011 Share Posted August 15, 2011 Gosh, when I saw this title I was thinking BooKshelves, and the mental images were beyond belief. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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