A library in West London was forced to temporarily close after bedbugs were found in returned books.
The Northolt Library in West Ealing announced its closure on Monday after the blood-sucking insects were discovered in the returned books on Saturday.
"We are sorry to inform you that we are having to temporarily close Northolt library following sightings of a small number of bed bugs,” the library said in a notice on social media X, formerly known as Twitter.
It added: "We are contacting professional pest controllers who will advise us on the best way to treat the bugs and we will provide you with regular updates once we have considered their advice."
"We apologised for any inconvenience this situation may cause and thank residents and library staff for your understanding."
The library staff responded promptly and professionally in dealing with this matter, a spokesperson for the Ealing council said.
"Bed bugs have been an issue in the UK for many years and are notoriously difficult to prevent in well-used amenities such as public transport and public buildings," the spokesperson was quoted by the Guardian as saying.
“Regular inspections and vigilance are advised to spot bugs early and treat them, which is exactly what has happened in Northolt library.”
It is the second library after the Ealing Central Library to shut down due to bedbugs in that area in less than two months.
Pest control firms in London have reported being “inundated” with calls about bedbugs and said the spread of the blood-sucking insects is “out of control”.
It comes after outbreaks of widespread bedbug infestations in Paris at the end of September.
Earlier this month, two men were arrested in France after allegedly scamming people into paying up to £1,800 for treatment to remove bed bugs that did not exist.
They would then visit their house, carry out phoney control services, including spraying aerosols they claimed were acting as a fumigator, before overcharging for treatment products.
They offered an ointment they said would keep the bugs away from human skin. In fact, it was a simple eucalyptus-scented cream.
The authorities said 48 people had been scammed altogether, many of whom were women over 90.
