Bedbugs Infest Offices as Workers Return
As more employees return to office work, a rising concern is the resurgence of bedbugs. Google recently notified its staff in New York City about pest management at its Chelsea campus due to a potential bedbug infestation. The memo indicated that exterminators detected evidence of bedbugs in several buildings, including NYC-9TH and Chelsea Market.
Bedbug Concerns in the Workplace
Gil Bloom, president of Standard Pest Management in New York, described the situation as “take-your-bedbug-to-work events.” Bedbugs often hitch rides into offices on items like backpacks and clothing. While bedbug sightings in New York have not returned to pre-pandemic levels, there has been an increase in reports at commercial locations since the easing of lockdown measures.
Other Affected Locations
- Earlier this year, the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation office reported bedbug issues.
- BuzzFeed’s Manhattan headquarters had a similar incident in 2017.
- Hotels and airlines have also faced challenges with bedbug infestations.
New York City’s Bedbug Ranking
According to Terminix, New York City was the second most bedbug-infested city in 2018, fell to fifth in 2021, and ranked third in 2023. As of June 2023, it returned to the second position. Companies suspecting a bedbug presence usually employ detection dogs to pinpoint affected areas.
Understanding Bedbug Behavior
Although bedbugs are unpleasant, experts note that they rarely transmit diseases. Jerome Goddard, a medical entomologist, emphasizes that the emotional and psychological impacts are often more significant. Companies must prioritize employee safety; under OSHA regulations, failing to manage bedbug issues could lead to legal liabilities.
Andrea Whalen, an HR strategist, advises companies to establish clear policies regarding pest infestations. These should include procedures for reporting bedbug issues confidentially and guidelines on compensating employees if they need to leave during pest control treatment.
Creating a Safe Work Environment
Ensuring an empathetic approach is crucial when handling pest reports. Whalen highlights that outbreaks can occur in any workplace, not just traditional infested locations like hotels or schools. Addressing the issue promptly aids in employee well-being and protects the overall workplace environment.
