A bedbug infestation can quickly become more than a pest-control issue. It also can disrupt workplace operations and create ongoing facility management challenges.
Bedbugs were recently discovered at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) George Washington Carver Center in Beltsville, Maryland, according to NOTUS. The outbreak occurred in a building occupied by the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, who is responsible for protecting U.S. agriculture and natural resources by safeguarding and regulating animal welfare and preventing the introduction and spread of plant pests and diseases.
The agency responded to the infestation with multiple rounds of treatment and allowed some employees to telework during remediation efforts. But employees reported continued sightings after treatment, leading to additional pest-control measures.
Federal agencies and other large facility operators frequently respond to infestations with integrated pest management programs that combine monitoring, inspections, sanitation measures and targeted treatments. The USDA made telework arrangements to reduce occupancy during treatment activities and sent employee notifications and updates about treatment schedules, affected areas and precautions for removing personal items.
Although bedbugs are not known to transmit disease, the infestation has caused frustration, anxiety and health complaints from chemical fumes among employees. The agency has yet to report a full eradication.
Elaina Myers is the assistant editor of the facilities market. She has covered various topics from pest management to resilience to sustainability and is the beat writer for special days. She also runs the FacilitiesNet social media accounts.
