Bedbugs are typically associated with seedy motels and stuffy college dorms, not downtown office buildings.

But an infestation of the biting pests at a Boston home security company has angered some of its employees, who accuse management of downplaying the problem and spraying chemicals in the office during business hours.

The company, SimpliSafe, denies the claims.

In recent days, three employees have protested outside the company’s Downtown Crossing headquarters. “No bedbugs, no [expletive]!’’ they chanted one morning, passing out fliers that read “Support United SimpliSafe workers.’’

The three employees, who work in the company’s call center, said they launched the same chant inside the office last week and were suspended with pay. One employee, Abraham Zamcheck, was arrested on disorderly conduct charges after he stood on his desk to lead the chants, he said.

Zamcheck, 32, and two colleagues said in interviews that company’s handling of the bedbug infestation was a symptom of deeper problems in its workplace culture.

“They were afraid that if we spoke up, those issues would come to light, too,’’ said Ryan Costello, 26, who has been with the company since February. “The problem is with this real culture of disposability.’’

SimpliSafe, which sells wireless security systems, acknowledged the bedbug infestation but said a pest control agency treated the office only after employees had left for the day. About 300 people work in the office, employees said.

“Recently, a small number of bedbugs were found in a few isolated areas of our call center,’’ the company said in a statement. “We worked with a licensed pest-control agency to treat and remove them after work hours, keeping our employees’ health and safety as a priority at all times.’’

The call center provides customer support and troubleshooting tips.

Managers held team meetings to make sure workers were aware of the treatments, the company said. The company believes the bedbugs were brought in from the outside.

But employees maintain that the office was sprayed during working hours and said they were told the treatments were meant to address “a rodent issue.’’

After a number of employees suffered bug bites, Costello, Zamcheck, and colleague Lauren Galloway, 22, circulated a petition that demanded an apology from management and a pledge for more open conversation going forward. On Nov. 6, copies were posted in two break rooms.

“It has come to our attention that there is a bedbug infestation in the office and that management and HR have known about this for some time,’’ the petition read.

Only 35 people signed the petition, with many fearing the consequences if they did, workers said.

Bedbug infestations in offices are rare, specialists said. Ultra Safe Pest Management, which has offices in Boston, Canton, and Topsfield, fielded about 500 commercial bedbug reports in the past year. Only 25 were from offices.

“I could see people being more complacent about this situation in the workplace, just because it’s not as common,’’ said Victor Palermo, the company’s president. “It’s not a place where you would normally find bedbugs.’’

Bedbugs usually hide in the furnishings or chairs, he said. In October, a bedbug was found at the Uphams Corner branch of the Boston Public Library.

The city’s inspection services department said SimpliSafe did not report the infestation. After an inquiry from the Globe, the city launched an investigation, a spokeswoman said.

Two days after the petition was posted, two members of higher management asked to speak with Costello, he said. During the conversation, Costello said he texted Zamcheck, Galloway, and a few other colleagues that “they are trying to fire me right now.’’

After seeing the message, Zamcheck stood on his desk and began to chant: “No bedbugs, no [expletive], and “Hell no, we won’t go.’’ About 10 others joined in, employees said.

Managers called the police, who arrested him.

“In this day and age, as an employer it is incumbent upon us to respond with an abundance of caution whenever we are concerned about our employees’ safety,’’ the company said. “When Abraham Zamcheck jumped up on his desk and began screaming in the middle of the call center, we repeatedly asked him to stop. When he wouldn’t stop, out of concern for our employees’ safety, we called the police.’’

The company said the bedbug issue has been resolved, but they will continue to monitor it.

Galloway described the bug problem as a “tipping point’’ that caused suppressed grievances to boil over. The three workers said many of their colleagues are unhappy with various aspects of the work culture, but are afraid to voice their concerns.

“I was aware that it was a possibility we’d get fired, but we hoped by standing up together we’d be able to stop [mistreatment] in a meaningful sense,’’ Costello said. “We are now suspended and are trying to get our jobs back, and continue this struggle for change here.’’

On a recent morning, the trio and a few friends stood outside the office, chanting and handing out flyers.

“Stay strong,’’ a woman said as she entered the building.

“You know, it’s harder on the inside,’’ Zamcheck replied.

Natasha Mascarenhas can be reached at natasha.mascarenhas@globe.com. Follow her on Twitter @nmasc_.