Bed Bugs Infest Lexington Apartments

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Posted: 5:41 PM Sep 9, 2008
Last Updated: 8:23 PM Sep 9, 2008
Reporter: Dave Spencer
Email Address: dave.spencer@wkyt.com

8 comments

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The Health Department says they are working with the apartment managers of the Connie Griffith and Ballard Towers to help rid the buildings of the bugs but in the meantime, the people living there say they are suffering.

One woman who has lived at the apartment for four years, she says she has bite marks up and down her arm from bed bugs.

Another tenant of the apartment says when they sprayed the apartment above her she could see the bugs coming out from the ceiling.

We attempted to try and speak with the apartment managers but were told we need to talk with the Lexington Housing Authority.

So far we have been unable to reach officials who can speak specifically about how the apartment complex is handling the situation.

Officials from the Health Department however say, apartment managers are cooperating and want to eliminate the problem.

The two apartments supply housing for people 55 and over.

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Posted by: Susan Location: SLC, UT on Sep 11, 2008 at 11:00 PM
My apartment building which is subsidized housing for 55 is going through a similar circumstance. Those of us who try to get our apartments treated are threatened with eviction for "threatening behavior", "contributing to hostility", and "disturbing". Several called the health department and are assured that management is cooperating. I have many bites, and have recently become allergic. I showed my bites and my bugs, but so far no plans have been made for treatment of my apartment and they are rapidly spreading. We are told we may not treat our apartments. We may not contract with a PCO. We may not call their PCO. We may not talk about it among ourselves or with others. Because of the manager's threats, it is very difficult to organize. Oh, by the way, the manager convinced the PCO and the health department that the budget will not allow treatment of many units.

Posted by: gary Location: Kentucky on Sep 10, 2008 at 07:06 PM
Tme to get a bed bug K9. http://www.bedbugk9.com

Posted by: Danon Rille Location: On the road on Sep 10, 2008 at 09:30 AM
To James of Salyersville, Eradicating bedbugs is not a job for the residents. It takes a professional a minimum of 2,and probably 3 or 4, visits to break the life cycle. It is time consuming and requires dilligence. You can't just put out bait, there are none. You can't just spray baseboards, they hide in cracks, picture frames, switch plates, furniture, ceiling fans, etc.. They are not just in mattresses. Please get educated.

Posted by: Robert Location: Lexington on Sep 10, 2008 at 09:11 AM
I wonder what chemicals they used to treat the apartment above the resident who said they saw the bugs scrambling down the ceiling. I would have thought they would have been removed from their apartment during spraying if the place is that porous. Also, why not arm the rsidents with some spray they can safely apply themselves to kill the ones they see. Bedbugs seem to be resistent to some of the chemicals out there so using a non-chemical approach as well may make sense. I have heard people talk about BedBug Terminator from www.kleen-free.com and say that it is safe to use and that it works. Why notgive the residents some control by giving them each a bottle or two so they can kill what they see. The bedbugs are bad but let's not lose sight of the fact that the chemicals that are used can also be harmful in the long run.

Posted by: Jack Location: Pike County on Sep 10, 2008 at 08:52 AM
Weall back here in the sticks is sure glad to hear that de great town of Lexington hain't no better'n us ole hicks. Youall got Bugs! LOL

Posted by: James Location: Salyersville on Sep 9, 2008 at 10:20 PM
Unless every tennant puts forth the effort to fix the problem, management can only do so much. Management can instruct and make supplies available, but it takes the effort of everyone envolved to get rid these pesky pests.

Posted by: Ginny Location: Lexington on Sep 9, 2008 at 06:26 PM
Thank goodness this ongoing problem was brought to the media's attention. The residents are elderly, low income and often overlooked. I know they appreciate the coverage maybe it will bring a permanent solution.For those of us who are healthcare providers we are also concerned for their health and the spread to our own homes. Thanks again-Ginny Green, Social worker, Nurses Registry

Posted by: Anonymous Location: Richmond on Sep 9, 2008 at 06:13 PM
Now to see how many people start calling the people at these apartments nasty, dirty or putting them down for having bed bugs like they did those who it happened to before.

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