The Athens-Clarke County Courthouse is closed this week so the facility can be treated for bed bugs.
Superior Court Chief Judge Lisa Lott issued a judicial emergency order on July 22 to close the building after a pest control service inspected it.
Although bed bugs were only found in areas on three levels, the recommended treatment involves closing and treating the entire facility, states a news release from the Athens-Clarke County Unified Government,
Judge Lott canceled jury trials and hearings and suspended many judicial activities. Acting Athens-Clarke County Manager Niki Jones closed workstations for non-judicial offices in the building.
The courthouse will be closed until July 29, but the parking deck will remain open.
Additional orders will address late filing dates, temporary protective orders, and other court-related issues.
The county says the source of the bed bugs is unknown. Bed bugs are small, flat, parasitic insects that cannot fly. They are usually transported from one place to another when people travel. Bed bugs can be transported from many different sources, including hotels, schools, and used furniture.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), bed bugs are not known to spread disease and do not usually pose a serious medical threat.
For more information on bed bugs and how to prevent infestation, visit the CDC website.
