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hoarding and bed bugsApr 04, 2011


Hi,
I'm on the board in a building that has a bed bug infestation -- they are in at least two apartments, that we know of, so far. We are in the early stages (one week in) of dealing with this, but right away there is a potentially big problem -- an elderly resident who appears to be a hoarder -- who has a significant infestation.

I have already been in touch with family, but they are either far away or seem not inclined to get involved. We are ready to spend the $ on thermal treatment of affected apartments, but this absolutely will not work unless the mass of possessions in the hoarder's apartment is significantly reduced. So far, she says she doesn't believe she has bed bugs (she's not reactive to the bites, but inspector provided the board with proof positive of infestation -- casings, blood spots on linens, etc.) -- and she says she's not getting rid of anything. (There is an entire room in her apartment that you simply cannot enter because it is so stuffed with junk, a lot of it clothing.)

We are scared because we know the infestation will spread unless thoroughly treated, but in its current condition, the hoarder's apartment is untreatable.

Thoughts???

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