Workers fear infestation after bite

AMHERST, N.Y. (WIVB) - Workers at the Fidelis Care building in Amherst contacted News 4 and the Erie County Health Department about bed bug bites.

Health Commissioner Dr. Gale Burstein told News 4 bed bugs are not a health threat, but they are a nuisance.

"They survive on human blood, so they are going to attach to humans and suck their blood. The bite leaves a very itchy welt," she explained.

Dr. Burstein said bed bug infestations are on the rise because they are so hard to get rid of. As we've now learned in a written statement from Fidelis Care, officials there discovered a bed bug, and implemented an aggressive course of treatment by bringing in an exterminator.

Fidelis also confirmed they notified OSHA and the Health Department. Pointing out bed bugs would get into offices on bags or clothing, officials suspect the bed bug found in the office came from another location.

Dr. Burstein said, "In an office building, usually the volume of people inhabit the building during the day, and bed bugs usually don't like to come out during the day."

The pesticide DDT was considered the most effective weapon against bed bugs. But due to its impact on other animals, the government banned DDT 40 years ago.

If you are worried about bed bugs, follow this link to the County Health Department's Bed Bug tips.

The full statement from Fidelis, explaining their swift and thorough action, is below:

Fidelis Care recently discovered a bed bug in its CrossPoint office, which opened last year. Fidelis Care immediately engaged a leading local pest control company to determine the extent of the presence, and implemented an aggressive course of treatment.

Fidelis Care arranged to have the entire building inspected and treated multiple times. The pest control company found no evidence of bed bugs present and assured Fidelis Care that no bed bugs or eggs could survive following the treatment. Fidelis Care responded to notifications from both OSHA and the Erie County Department of Health, and shared its detailed treatment plans. The Erie County Department of Health has expressed its satisfaction that all appropriate steps have been taken.

On Thursday afternoon, a Fidelis Care employee saw a suspicious insect. Experts examined the insect and determined it to be a carpet beetle.

Fidelis Care is meeting with all employees in the CrossPoint office to inform them of the results of the inspection and course of treatment, and to address any questions or concerns that they might have. Bed bugs normally are carried into offices on bags or clothing, and the bed bug found in the office most likely was introduced from another external location. Fidelis Care will continue to monitor its office environment to ensure it remains pest free.