INDIANAPOLIS -- An infestation of bed bugs in a downtown apartment building is under control, but far from over.

Federal regulators will meet in Indianapolis next month to discuss the public health risk posed by the insects at Lugar Tower, Call 6's Rafael Sanchez reported.

At the height of the infestation two years ago, 42 apartments were found to have bugs in furniture, bedding and clothing. That number has dropped to eight apartments now, housing officials said.

"The problem is embarrassing, but we have made significant progress," said Indianapolis Housing Authority Housing Director Michael Robinson.

Much of the progress has been made by educating residents about the spread of the bugs, Robinson said. The problem grew when infested items were thrown away in the building's Dumpsters, only to be hauled back in by someone else.

"Sometimes residents would go down, throw stuff away and another resident would go out and, you know, get some of their treasures and bring them back in, which would cause the problem," Robinson said.

Housing officials also ordered an extensive steam cleaning of the building, which is now being done every time an apartment is vacated.

Environmental Protection Agency officials tell Call 6 that the bed bug problem is not isolated to Indianapolis.

Agency officials will hold a public meeting in Indianapolis in April to develop strategies to deal with infestations.