"That's gross!" Bed bugs discovered throughout the Milwaukee County Juvenile Justice Center
MILWAUKEE -- The Milwaukee County Juvenile Justice Center is dealing with... bed bugs. FOX6 News has learned the bugs have been discovered throughout the building -- in offices, courtrooms and reception areas.
Milwaukee County Juvenile Justice Center
K-9 units have been brought in to inspect the building, and some areas have already been treated -- while a lot of other areas still need attention.
Those who work in the building are obviously unsettled by this news -- and some members of the public didn't even know bed bugs are an issue in the building until a FOX6 News crew told them.
"I`m a go home and take me a shower!" Cadisa Brown said. "That's gross!"
Milwaukee County Juvenile Justice Center
The bed bugs were first discovered late last week. One of the earliest discoveries was made inside a file cabinet room within the district attorney's office at the center. Since then, an inspection found more than 100 bed bugs inside the building.
"Bed bugs, once allowed to take control in a room, can infest just about anything," Randy Rupert with Batzner Pest Management said.
Batzner officials couldn't reveal any specifics about their work at the Juvenile Justice Center, but they say bed bugs like to hitch rides on people's shoes and briefcases.
Milwaukee County Juvenile Justice Center
"We`re gonna inspect the facility, start where the bed bugs are reported and kind of work your way out, you may have to do a whole building sometimes, sometimes it`s just a specific area," Rupert said.
The Juvenile Justice Center is a busy, public building that includes courtrooms, the public defender's office, a clerk of courts office as well as a reception areas. A report obtained by FOX6 News says bed bugs were found on chairs, couches and inside cabinets.
Bed bugs at Juvenile Justice Center
Some bug treatment took place on Friday, October 2nd. On Monday, October 5th, an investigation was underway to see if the infestation has spread -- and whether any more treatment will be necessary.
"You can bring that stuff into your house and I don`t want that stuff in my house," Shaquille Green said.
On Monday, employees were seen wearing booties over their shoes -- some carrying bags with a change of clothing.
Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele's Office issued this statement to FOX6 News:
Statement from Milwaukee County Executive's Office on bed bugs at Juvenile Justice Center
Batzner officials say it is unlikely a building would have to shut down for treatment.
"Normally we can work around the schedule of the folks," Rupert said.
Milwaukee County Juvenile Justice Center
CLICK HERE to learn more about bed bugs via the CDC.
Monitor FOX6 News and FOX6Now.com for updates on this developing story.