Over the last few weeks, bedbugs have been discovered at three Charleston fire stations, and they have proven resilient, according to a news release from the Charleston Fire Department. The critters were found at Station 20 on Daniel Island, and Stations 7 and 13 on James Island.
The release says bed bug infestations have been a growing issue across the country and in the region. It points to Myrtle Beach Fire Department, which experienced a similar issue in 2015 that impacted four of their stations, the Florence, Ala., Fire Department, which combated the issue for several weeks this year, and Berkeley County EMS, which worked through similar issues just a few months ago.
The release says once the problem was identified at Station 20 the firefighters were relocated to Station 18 while a professional contractor proceeded with the treatment, inspection, and cleaning of the station utilizing a chemical treatment process. Upon completion of the process, crews returned to the station, but still observed signs of infestation. Crews were again relocated as the professional contractor applied another treatment. Information was distributed to the department outlining recommended preventive measures to reduce the spread of the pests.