Bed Bugs Invade Trump's USDA Office; White House Forces Staff Back Despite Infestation: Report
Employees were sent home to telework after fumigation, and some later reported sickness from noxious fumes as the infestation persisted, staff said.
- The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service is battling a persistent bed bug infestation at the George Washington Carver Center in Beltsville, Maryland, following initial reports in mid-May.
- After an initial May outbreak, the facility faced a resurgence as of last Friday, prompting Acting Chief Operating Officer Carson Hawley to blame employees for "insufficient compliance regarding personal items."
- Hawley refused to authorize further remote work this time, directing staff to use personal vacation time if they do not want to report to the infested office.
- One USDA employee told NOTUS that the irony of the situation "was lost on no one," as staff expressed concern over potential retaliation for speaking out.
- Staff are considering filing a formal complaint with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration regarding hazardous conditions, despite the Trump administration's broader push against remote work.
13 Articles
13 Articles
The Federal Agency Fighting Bed Bugs Keeps Getting Infested But its Workers Aren't Allowed to Telecommute
Trump's USDA says employees of the bed bug-infested Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service are expected to show up to their noxious, itchy office or spend vacation days to work from home.
Pest agency gutted by Trump admin now crawling with bed bugs: report
A federal pest-control agency that suffered budget and staff cuts under Trump is now stuck with a bed bug infestation, according to reports. The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, which protects agriculture from pests, is dealing with a bed bug takeover at the Agriculture Department building, according to reporting by NOTUS. One USDA employee told NOTUS that the irony of the situation "was lost on no one." Headquarters News noted on X t…
Times of India
The Economic TimesBed bugs torment Trump administration's USDA office as infestation returns to APHIS building in Maryland
Bed bugs torment Trump administration's USDA office after an infestation was reported at the George Washington Carver Center in Maryland. Employees were sent home during treatment and later returned. Bed bugs appeared again, creating new concerns among workers. USDA officials said personal belongings left in offices contributed to the issue. The incident has drawn attention because the affected building houses APHIS, an agency responsible for fi…
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