There have been several sightings of bed bugs at 60 Charles Lindbergh Boulevard in Uniondale, home to over 1,000 Nassau County employees from Social Services, and Alcohol, and various other Health and Human Services departments. 

 

The sightings date back to October 2009, in the lobby area, where bed bug sniffing dogs surveyed the area and identified possible bed bug locations which were then properly treated. No sightings have occurred in this area since, but dating back to February 25, there have been several sightings in the northeast quadrant of the building. Overall, six to seven sightings have ensued over 2 ½ months, and have been limited to this quadrant.

 

As soon as CSEA was notified of that sighting, the appropriate steps were taken to address it, including notifying PESH (Public Employee Safety and Health Division). PESH visited in April and assessed that there was no infestation. A committee was formed between the CSEA and management and meetings were held in mid-April to discuss the best way to stop these singular sightings of bed bugs. 

 

Three Pack Tite Portable Bed Bug Heaters were purchased that have been placed near the three employee entrances to the building. These units will allow any employee to place their personal belongings in it, which will then be heated to a specific temperature, ensuring extermination of any bed bugs.   In addition, glue sticks have been placed throughout the entire building.

 

CSEA Local 830 President Jerry Laricchiuta and other union officials had 90 minute membership meetings with Social Services members on April 19 and Senior Citizens and Drug and Alcohol on April 27. Laricchiuta informed the membership of the precautions that have been taken, and distributed pamphlets educating the members about bed bugs.

 

“This is certainly an unacceptable work environment,” Laricchiuta said of the bed bugs. “We understand that bed bugs are a regional problem and not just limited to 60 Charles Lindbergh Boulevard, but we must address this problem to the fullest extent. The last thing we want is employees taking these bugs home. We will monitor if these heating devices and glue sticks are indeed doing the job of eradicating the bed bugs.”

 

If there are any further bed bug sightings, please contact the Local 830 office immediately at 571-2919, so the union can follow up with PESH and take the appropriate steps to address this issue.