Bedbugs reportedly found, removed from Williams Building on FSU campus

Brianna Milord
Managing Editor
Bed bugs have reportedly been found in the Williams Building.

Florida State University students, faculty and staff aren't the only ones occupying the Williams Building. 

The facility used for English classes was invaded by an infestation of bedbugs, according to an email from the English department sent to professors in the Williams building. Students have not been notified by FSU but have been warned by their professors.

The email, which came from an administration specialist for the Department of English, stated, “there have been bedbugs identified in the Williams Building on the first floor, near the bench in front of Williams 113.”

The email further explained the facilities have received a preliminary treatment and will be treated again on Friday. It asked all faculty, graduate students and undergraduate students to “please be aware and be vigilant in reporting to the front office any cases of bugs in classrooms, offices and hallways.” 

FSU facilities personnel removed the bench from the building Tuesday. No additional insects were found after its removal, according to spokesman Dennis Schnittker. 

Professor Perry Howell, whose office is 113, said he first heard of complaints about bedbugs during the first week of the semester when a student told him they saw insects that looked like termites on the first floor of the building.

“I went with the student to look for the bugs, but they scattered before we got there," he said.

He didn’t think much more of the incident until last week when two students were talking outside his office and complained to him about being covered in bug bites.

Howell posted a sign around the reportedly infested area, warning students about sitting and placing their belongings on the bench and floor. Tuesday morning, the sign was removed, Howell said.

“I hope that someone did something about it and didn’t just take the sign off,” he said.

If you suspect you have bedbugs in your home, visit this site to learn more.