Courthouse with dead opossum almost free of fleas

[July 03, 2008]  PULASKI, Va. (AP) -- The Pulaski County Courthouse is almost free of fleas that hitched a ride on an opossum found dead between the floorboards. In early June, workers started to complain that the pests were biting them and visitors.

Assistant County Administrator Robert Hiss said the problem was primarily confined to the first floor, which holds offices that include court clerks and a general district courtroom.

During a search, a maintenance worker was drawn by a strong, foul odor coming from underneath the first floor. There he found the dead opossum covered in fleas.

With the carcass removed and another dusting of chemicals, Hiss reports that the flea problem has greatly diminished.

For good measure, another treatment might be done over the holiday weekend.

[Associated Press]

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