Library re-opened on June 15 following completion of pest control treatment
The Pemberton & District Library was closed on Tuesday, June 14 after bird mites were discovered in the southwest corner of the facility late in the day on June 13. The Library, which is located in the Pemberton & District Community Centre, re-opened to the public today, June 15, following pest control treatment.
“A patron noticed what appeared to be tiny insects in the southwest corner of the library late Monday afternoon,” says Angela Barth, SLRD Recreation Services Manager. “Following that, staff investigated and discovered a starling’s nest on the outside of the building near where the mites were spotted.”
The bird’s nest was relocated by maintenance staff on Tuesday afternoon, and a pest control professional was called in to eradicate the mites; the work was completed this morning. The library was thoroughly cleaned following the completion of the pest control, and re-opened for regular operating hours at 10:00 a.m. today. Maintenance staff plan to conduct an inspection of the entire Pemberton & District Community Centre to ensure there are no additional nests on the building.
Bird mites are tiny parasites that feed on the blood of birds; they’re barely visible to the naked eye unless moving. Infestations usually happen in the late spring and early summer.
While bird mites can bite humans, they cannot complete their life cycle on humans. A bite might result in an itchy rash, similar to a mosquito bite and can be treated with an anti-itch cream to reduce irritation. The SLRD is not aware of anyone being bitten by mites at the library. As the mites require birds to act as hosts, a recurrence of the issue is unlikely now that the nest has been removed.
The SLRD apologizes for any inconvenience the Library closure may have caused, and thanks patrons for their understanding as we work to ensure the health and safety of all Library patrons and staff.
For more information, please contact:
Angela Barth
Recreation Services Manager
Squamish-Lillooet Regional District
Telephone: (604) 894-2340 ext. 222
Email: abarth@slrd.bc.ca