VCU Libraries received a credible report of a sighting of bedbugs in Cabell Library Monday, Nov. 4, and a full-building canine inspection took place Thursday, Nov. 7. 

Anna, the bedbug sniffing dog, found no evidence of bedbugs Thursday. She and her trainer worked from 11:30 p.m. into Friday's early morning hours and inspected all public spaces including meeting rooms, stacks, classrooms and seating areas in Starbucks.  

The canine inspection was the final step in a multi-day effort. Following an established protocol, staff took immediate action after the initial report was made at 1:45 a.m. Monday. Pests were seen on a chair at the first-floor security desk. The security desk sits in a roped-off area near the front doors in an area not used by patrons. The chair was immediately removed and isolated in a staging area near the exterior loading dock. Libraries staff alerted VCU Facilities Management Division and Orkin Pest Control, the university’s approved vendor, which conducted a visual inspection of the area within hours of receiving the initial report. The area was chemically treated Monday afternoon.