USDA facility in Maryland faces recurring bed bug outbreak

A bed bug infestation has repeatedly disrupted operations at a key U.S. Department of Agriculture facility in Maryland, causing significant employee distress and raising concerns about workplace safety. The outbreak has occurred at the George Washington Carver Center in Beltsville, which houses the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, the federal agency tasked with protecting American agriculture from invasive pests.

The initial discovery was made in mid-May, according to employees and a transcript of a town hall meeting. In response, the USDA authorized employees to work remotely for several days while the building was fumigated. However, when staff returned, many reported feeling ill from lingering chemical fumes, prompting management to approve a second period of telework. That arrangement ended last week when bed bugs were observed again in the building. This time, the department has not authorized further remote work, instructing employees who do not wish to report to the office to use personal vacation time instead.

In communications to staff, agency leadership has attributed the pest resurgence to personal belongings left in offices. Carson Hawley, the acting chief...