ST. JOHN'S, N.L. - The provincial court in St. John's is dealing with a bedbug problem.

A single bedbug was first detected near the holding cells at the court building in the capital city of Newfoundland and Labrador in the fall.

A dog trained to detect bedbugs was then brought in for a thorough search and more of the creatures were found.

In a news release, Chief Judge Mark Pike says officials have met with a local pest control company to discuss a plan to eradicate bedbugs at Atlantic Place, where the provincial courts are located.

A complete fumigation is planned, followed by another search of the area using dogs and specialized technicians.

He says where bedbugs are detected, technicians will vacuum, steam and spray the area.

The process is expected to take two days, beginning Saturday.

Occupational health and safety inspectors have visited the court, but Pike says bed bugs are not a valid health and safety concern.

(VOCM)

© Copyright 2013