Check the book over carefully, looking for any signs of leather on the binding. Look for signs that indicate the book features two or more materials. If the book lacks a leather cover and contains only cardboard or paper, then freeze the books.
Set the freezer-safe books in a plastic bag and squeeze the bag with your hands, removing as much air as possible. For larger books, wrap the books in plastic wrap or cling wrap. The plastic keeps the books safe from moisture in the freezer.
Place the books inside a freezer that reaches at least 4 degrees Fahrenheit. Keep the books inside for a minimum of 72 hours. The cold air freezes through to the center of the book, killing the roaches and ants inside. Remove the books from the freezer and slowly allow each one to reach room temperature.
Arrange the other books in a closed-off room with space heaters placed around the edges of the room. Turn the heaters on the highest setting and place a thermometer in the room. The temperature must reach 149 degrees Fahrenheit for effective killing of the bugs. Keep the temperature at this level for six days.
Protect the books and keep bugs from coming back with insect traps. Arrange ant and roach traps in spaces near the books, including behind the books on the bookshelves, on the floor surrounding the shelves and along the baseboards behind the shelves.