Towson Courthouse Reopens After Bed Bug Scare
TOWSON, Md. (WJZ) -- Bed bugs in the courthouse. The district courthouse in Towson is shut down after the bugs are discovered.
Meghan McCorkell has more on the discovery and explains how this is not the first time.
Officials say the two bed bugs were found inside a file room at the district courthouse.
It's not the news you want to hear walking out of a courthouse: two bed bugs were found inside a file room at the district courthouse in Towson Wednesday. It's the same room where a bed bug was discovered in December.
"It's very concerning because the safety and health of our employees is a top priority, also for the public," said Terri Charles, Maryland judiciary spokesperson.
The courthouse closed early and an exterminator brought in determined there was no infestation. Jeff Hauf of Regional Pest Management says it's likely the bugs were brought in by someone.
"They're hitchhikers. So when they have them at home, they get carried in," said Hauf.
The courthouse isn't the only government building that's recently had to shut down due to bed bugs.
Late last year, they were found inside the Maryland State Highway Administration building in chairs at a security desk.
In September, workers at the Maryland Department of the Environment got a day off after bed bugs were found inside headquarters.
And dorms at the Naval Academy in Annapolis have been infested, not once, but twice in the past two years.
Bed bugs have made a resurgence nationally. According to a recent survey, the most common places to find them are hotels, college dorms, nursing homes and office buildings.
"It's a constant resurgence since 1999. It represents probably 15 percent of our business now," said Hauf.
Back at the courthouse, exterminators will be back in the next few weeks to make sure it's clear.
Again, officials say there is no infestation at the district courthouse.
The courthouse reopened Thursday morning at its normal time.