Bug-Sniffing Dogs to Check for Bedbugs at WC Court

Monday, September 24, 2018 | 0

Courthouse officials agreed to bring in bug-sniffing dogs to find bedbugs that have brought numerous complaints from workers.

After a meeting with employees Thursday, administrators at the Garrahy Judicial Complex in Rhode Island, home to the Workers' Compensation and other courts, said dogs were to be brought in Saturday, according to the Providence Journal newspaper.

Union leaders and others have said the complex should be closed and treated for the insects after people complained of seeing the itch-inducing bugs on several floors. But a court administrator said that a pest control company had set traps and found only five of the insects, and that bug-bombing with insecticides was not warranted.

“The union is excited that they’re bringing in the dogs and will continue to monitor the situation,” said Michael Downey, president of the local union that represents government workers.

A spokesman for the state Senate said senators were monitoring the situation.