A pensioner in Northampton, Michael Kemp, 83, has been forced to sleep in his car after being plagued by a relentless bed bug infestation in his retirement housing complex. This unfortunate incident has left Mr. Kemp at his “wits’ end” and highlights the ongoing challenges faced by residents in dealing with such infestations.
The issue began in July when Mr. Kemp woke up in the middle of the night feeling itchy, immediately recognizing the telltale signs of bed bugs. Despite his efforts to catch the insects, he was only successful in capturing a fraction of them. Disturbingly, the complex warden revealed that multiple flats were infested, suggesting a longstanding problem that had been overlooked for years.
Following a visit by a pest controller, Mr. Kemp was assured that the problem had been resolved and it was safe to sleep in his flat. However, his relief was short-lived as the bed bugs returned with a vengeance. Frustrated and desperate, Mr. Kemp made the decision to sleep in his car, preferring discomfort over being incessantly bitten.
The retirement housing company, EMH, which owns the complex, has apologized for the distress caused to its residents. Christine Ashton, a representative from EMH, acknowledged the difficulty in eradicating bed bugs and stated that a comprehensive treatment program would be implemented over the next few weeks. The company is committed to addressing the issue extensively and will continue regular visits over the next year to ensure the infestation does not recur.
Bed bugs are notoriously challenging to eliminate, and EMH has offered guidance and advice to residents on effective measures alongside the treatment. However, this situation underscores the need for housing associations to prioritize proactive pest control and provide swift, decisive action when infestations occur. The well-being of residents should always remain a top priority in these circumstances.
Ultimately, Mr. Kemp’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the physical and emotional toll caused by bed bug infestations in residential buildings. It is vital for housing providers to adopt thorough pest control practices and maintain open lines of communication to address such issues promptly and effectively.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: What caused Mr. Kemp to sleep in his car?
A: Mr. Kemp was driven to sleep in his car due to a persistent bed bug infestation in his retirement housing complex.
Q: What measures did the housing association take to address the infestation?
A: The housing association, EMH, arranged for a pest control treatment and is implementing a comprehensive program to eradicate the bed bugs. They have committed to regular visits over the next year to ensure the infestation does not reoccur.
Q: How long had the issue of bed bugs been present in the building?
A: According to Mr. Kemp, the complex warden informed him that the building had been infested for at least 10 years.
Q: Are bed bugs difficult to eradicate?
A: Yes, bed bugs are notoriously challenging to eliminate, requiring comprehensive treatment programs and ongoing preventative measures. EMH has acknowledged the difficulty and is providing guidance to residents to complement the treatment.