ATHENS, Ga. — The Athens-Clarke County Courthouse will be closed until Wednesday, July 31, to treat the facility for bed bugs, according to an Athens-Clarke County Unified Government press release.
Bed bugs were found in areas on only three levels, but the entire facility will be treated with the recommended treatment. The source of the bed bugs is unknown, due to the volume of daily employees and visitors. Bed bugs are not known to spread disease or pose a serious medical threat, according to the CDC.
This is not the first time the ACC Courthouse has had bed bugs. The courthouse was temporarily closed in February 2023 because of another bed bug infestation, the source of which was also unknown.
Superior Court Chief Judge Lisa Lott issued a judicial emergency order on Monday to close the courthouse, cancel jury trials and hearings and suspend many judicial activities. Additional orders will address late filing dates, temporary protective orders and other court-related issues, the release said. Acting ACCGov Manager Niki Jones has also closed workstations for non-judicial offices in the courthouse.
The tentative plan calls for treatment through the weekend, with the courthouse reopening on July 29. Additional entry measures may be required for employees and visitors once the building is reopened, according to a release.
The ACC Central Services Department was made aware of possible bed bugs in areas of the building and contacted an on-call pest control company for a full assessment. The company confirmed the presence of bed bugs, leading the Central Services Department and Facilities Management Division to recommend the temporary closure of the courthouse in order to provide the necessary multi-day measures to treat the spaces.
The courthouse parking deck will remain open as normal.
