WASHINGTON — Tax collectors for the State of Maryland have been forced to stay home this week because bloodsucking parasites have taken over their office.

Bedbugs have infested a floor of a state office building in Baltimore, leading to a disruption for the Maryland Comptroller’s Office. About 150 comptroller employees were told to stay home Wednesday as exterminators were called in to get rid of the parasites.

The workers are with the comptroller’s compliance and collections program.

Comptroller spokesman Andrew Friedson says in a statement that the move was made “in an abundance of caution” and that the office expects the workers will be able to return Monday.

Bedbugs have been an ongoing problem in the building. They were first reported at the beginning of this month, but previous treatments were not effective.

Friedson says employees were placed on paid leave because, since they handle confidential information, they cannot telework.