A U.S. Department of Agriculture agency responsible for protecting the country against invasive pests has been repeatedly infested with bed bugs, leading to office fumigations and staff being sent home. Employees at the George Washington Carver Center in Beltsville, Maryland, were warned of the infestation in mid-May.
The irony of the outbreak occurring at the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service was not lost on staff, a USDA employee told NOTUS. The agency has since fumigated the building, initially allowing remote work, then revoking it after employees complained of lingering fumes making them ill. However, bed bugs were observed again on Friday, and telework was reportedly no longer permitted.
Workers expressed disgust and fear of bringing the pests home, which could require trashing belongings and costly fumigation. “They are scared,” one worker said. “If you bring them home, the answer is to trash all of your belongings and fumigate your house at your own expense.”
A USDA spokesperson stated: “USDA took prompt and robust action several weeks ago. Unfortunately, personal belongings left in the offices caused further issue. Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service management is working with employees to ensure the spaces are emptied for proper mitigation.”
The infestation comes as the USDA faces a planned relocation of employees out of Washington and the threat of the flesh-eating New World screwworm returning to the US. The agency has also lost over 24,000 staff through firings and resignations under the Trump administration.
