All Charleston fire stations now free of bedbugs, officials say – Charleston Post Courier

After a month of dealing with bedbug infestations, the Charleston Fire Department announced Monday that all city fire stations are now free of the pests.

Firefighters who were relocated from four stations in recent days and weeks were allowed to return to their respective stations Friday. All 16 of the department's stations were inspected and cleared by K-9s trained to detect bedbugs.

Crews from two stations on James Island were forced to move to air-conditioned tent shelters, while firefighters from a station on Daniel Island and another in West Ashley were relocated to other stations.

After multiple unsuccessful attempts to eradicate the bugs, the department turned to a method that uses large propane tanks to heat the interior of the affected areas for several hours. Interim Fire Chief John Tippett said the alternative was the quickest and least invasive.

"It did take us a little while to get to the exact right way to do things," he said.

The city will reimburse firefighters who want a K-9 to search their home for bedbugs, Tippett said.

Going forward, Tippett said officials plan to adopt stronger prevention measures, such as monitors for detection, and regular treatments. The department plans to issue mattress and box spring covers for beds at every station.

The problem of bedbugs is not unique to the Charleston Fire Department. In December, firefighters in Chester, N.J., reported bedbugs at one station, according to reporting by the Delaware County Daily Times.

"They're showing up everywhere. We can't even be sure that there was a patient zero," Tippett said. "They could've hitchhiked in from a call. They could've been brought to work from somebody who came back from a trip."

The department consulted with Eric Benson, an extension entomologist based out of Clemson University. In an interview last week, Benson said officials took the right steps to rid the stations of the blood-sucking pests.

Reach Angie Jackson at 843-937-5705. Follow her on Twitter at @angiejackson23.

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All Charleston fire stations now free of bedbugs, officials say - Charleston Post Courier