From Missouri Digital News: https://mdn.org

JEFFERSON CITY - Upon entering the Missouri State Capitol building, many things catch one's eye: the Jefferson statue, the rotunda and ... a preponderance of mouse traps?

Yes, possibly more noticeable than any other item, one can't help but notice the two to three traps with a rat-looking symbol that complement each entrance to the Capitol. As the traps appeared soon before the indictment of former Sen. Jeff Smith, D-St. Louis City, and former Rep. Steve Brown, D-St. Louis County, perhaps the traps are a practical joke. A warning to the other "rats" in the Capitol.

Upon further inspection, the traps are hard at work catching bugs -- not rats.

The building has been "infiltrated with water bugs," explained Keith Sappington, operations director for the Administration Office, which oversees facilities management for Missouri state government-owned buildings.

Sappington referred further questions to Brian Duncan, a facilities management employee who, Sappington said, is entrusted with combating this invasion.

Taking a long drag off of his cigarette, Duncan said, "I'm not allowed to talk to the media."

A nearby co-worker exclaimed "yeah," who explained that all media requests had to go through higher ups.

Lori Simms, a public information officer for the Office of Administration, described the situation as "a bit of a beetle problem." Simms was quick to add that they were not "Japanese" beetles. At least the invasion hasn't gone international. While the office has received no complaints about insects, the traps are a routine action taken by facilities management in years they notice an increase, Simms said. 

If this is so routine, why the need for secrecy from Duncan? "We need coordination so the correct messages are going out," Simms said.

After reviewing pictures of the insects, Richard Houseman, assistant MU entomology professor, said they "look more like ground beetles."

These specific ground beetles -- most likely of species harpalus pennsylvanicus -- feed on seed from mature grasses, according to Houseman.  Higher than normal rainfall this summer and the last have led to "an abundance of food" for this type of beetle, which lives for two to three years.

While no statewide survey has been conducted, Houseman noted "2 or 3 samples" that have been sent to him over the last week as an indication that the beetles are more prevalent than in past years.

Rest safe tonight Missourians. Though beetles have your Capitol under siege, the problem is being taken care of.

[Bug trap on the Capitol's first floor]

 

 

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