CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) – Saying it’s a top priority for the contractor and county staff, Albemarle County leaders are aware and working to alleviate a rodent problem inside the newly opened Albemarle-Charlottesville joint courthouse.

Circuit Court Clerk Jon Zug told Cville Right Now rats have been seen on the General District Court and Commonwealth’s Attorney side of the courthouse, and there is evidence of mice on their Circuit Court side. He’s notified staff not to leave food out, and to seal tight even any food items put in a refrigerator since mice can still squeeze into refrigerators.

County Communications Director Abbey Stumpf said while disappointing, it’s not uncommon during construction’s final states, when doors are frequently left open.

In addition, similar issues are reported in nearby non-county-operated buildings in that downtown vicinity. In a statement to Cville Right Now, Stumpf said, ” We’re working with the contractor to enhance their prevention measures and supplementing their pest control efforts with our own. Measures include exterior bait stations, interior traps, multiple daily inspections, and immediate cleaning of any impacted interior space. The building exterior is also being re-inspected and enhanced to ensure there are no possible entry points.”