Bugged by Bedbugs, Augusta Passes Emergency Rules

The City Council in Augusta has adopted an emergency bedbug ordinance to give officials rules they say are needed to fight infestations of the pests.

The emergency rules take effect immediately and will be in place for 60 days. A bedbug infestation at a pair of boarding houses prompted city officials to propose emergency rules about the biting bugs.

The ordinance gives landlords responsibility for having a pest control agent treat bedbug infestations.

The Kennebec Journal reports that the property manager of the two boarding houses says the emergency has been addressed.

An entomologist and pest control worker also told the council the ordinance places the burden of dealing with bedbugs solely on landlords and not tenants. (AP)