USDA Agency Faces Bed Bug Infestation Amid Staffing Cuts

The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) of the USDA is dealing with a bed bug infestation at its office in Beltsville, Maryland. Employees were informed of the situation in mid-May and were initially allowed to work from home while the building was fumigated. However, upon returning, some employees reported feeling unwell due to toxic fumes. USDA officials indicated that bed bugs remained in the building, and employees were told they would need to use personal vacation time if they did not wish to work in the office. Carson Hawley, acting chief operating officer of APHIS, suggested that employees' non-compliance with personal item policies contributed to the infestation. The USDA has stated that it took prompt action but cited personal belongings left in offices as a complicating factor. The agency's funding and staffing have decreased significantly since 2025, with a 17% reduction in staffing and a 29% drop in project funding.