This month's email is a response that Anita Carroll of Franklin-Springboro Public Library provided. The patron was worried about bed bugs and their ability to bite. Anita does a great job of addressing the patron's concern, providing authoritative information, and encouraging the patron to return if they have more questions. Nicely done, Anita!

-- Original Message from Patron --

can bed bugs bite thru intact clothing or borrow/tear to get inside?

-- Reply from Anita --

Hello,

This email is in response to your recent question to KnowItNow24x7, Ohio's statewide online reference service.

I've included several links below concerning bedbugs. I can't find any information that indicates that bed bugs can burrow or tear through fabric. All the included links, as well as others, only indicate that the bugs live in folds and crevices. If these three links don't help answer your questions, please reply and I can look for more information.

http://www.extension.umn.edu/distribution/housingandclothing/dk1022.html

http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/bedbugs/

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/bedbugs/DS00663

I hope this information helps answer your question. Thank you for using KnowItNow24x7.