Public health complaints continue to mount with reports of bed bug infestation at the workplace. Just check out these past news reports…
- Sky Harbor Airport officials confirmed this week that three benches were removed from the concourse at Terminal 4 because of bed bugs. (Nov 2017)
- Bed Bugs crawling on employee desks at Tucson call center. (Oct 2017)
- Maricopa County health inspectors looked into bed bugs complaints from a Valley movie theater. (Oct 2017)
- Tucson ranks #14 out of the top 20 cities with a bed bug problem. Phoenix ranked #7. (Aug 2017)
Some of the most common public places where bed bugs have been treated for are: rental units, doctors’ offices and churches. Other hot spots are public libraries, retail outlets, movie theaters, public transportation, and hotels.
TIPS ON HANDLING A WORKPLACE SIGHTING
- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency website recommends that employers keep employees adequately informed about infestations and eradication efforts. This allows employees to take additional precautions to protect their homes as well as limiting rumors and speculation.
Once company gave employees who reported bed bugs two days off with pay and provided free home inspections. The company paid to treat homes for bed bugs. - Be watchful. Bed bugs can live on cushioned office chairs, in cubicle partitions, and inside electrical outlets under desks.
- Work with a pest control company to prevent the potential for reinfestation with proactive pest inspections.
