Bed Bugs Back at Downtown Clearwater Fire Station

Clearwater firefighters are sleeping in a portable trailer after a couple of bed bugs were again found in the same bunk areas of a fire station downtown cleared from infestation less than a month ago.

About a dozen firefighters were moved to other parts of the building when bed bugs first were discovered at Fire Station 45 June 30. Fire officials and the pest control company worked through the weekend using a high-heat treatment to the second floor, removing mattresses and box springs and bringing in new ones. 

A bed bug sniffing dog was even brought in.

However, one or two bed bugs were spotted again July 6 and July 8 and the pest control company was called out then, Rob Shaw, public safety spokesman said in an email.

The isolated sightings were not considered major.

Now.

"We are tearing up the carpet in the bunk room and getting rid of the old wooden lockers in an effort to eliminate any areas where they might still be housed," Shaw said. "Until we can get that done and treat the area again, the firefighters will sleep in the portable trailer."

Which is where they have slept the last two nights.

Related coverage:

• Main Fire Station Cleared of Bed Bugs