Bed Bugs Wreak Havoc at Lawrence Townhome

Bed Bugs Wreak Havoc at Lawrence Townhome

LAWRENCE, KAN. - A 2-year-old girl is banned from her daycare because of bed bugs. The problem is spreading in the metro. Now, the country is facing a bed bug problem like it's never seen before.

The mother of a 2-year-old girl says they've been dealing with bed bugs for some time now and the property manager of the complex here will not provide a permanent solution. Experts say bed bugs are difficult to treat and for the metro, this may be only the beginning of the problem.

Rene Mellenbruch said she and her daughter Haley have a hard time sleeping in their rented townhouse in Lawrence because of bedbugs.

"I hate her to scream in the middle of night because bugs crawling on her," Mellenbruch said. "She says 'mommy there's bugs' or she screams because it hurts."

Bugs keep biting despite two different pest control companies treating her home since she first noticed the bugs three months ago. The cost of trying to treat the problem is piling up. She's thrown out clothes, a mattress, and now her daughter is out of daycare.

"They called back and said it's too much risk," Mellembruch said. "I can't put other kids in the same situation. I totally understand."

Experts' theories on the surge of bed bugs nationwide are increased by international travel and shipping. The bugs growing resistance to insecticides that are supposed to control them.

"I envision in the next 2-3 years that it will consume the business," said exterminator Darryl Franke. "The majority of our business will be bed bugs."

Mellenbruch blames her property managers for not solving the problem. No one from property management services was available and calls have not been returned to FOX 4.

Mellenburch says she just wants to get out of her lease and move, but says the property managers will only allow her to sub-lease her place.

She says the property managers have scheduled a treatment for bed bugs in her and her neighbors townhomes within the next week. But Mellenbruch remains skeptical it will provide a permanent solution to the problem.

Reported by: Dave Dunn FOX 4 Web Producer
Sourced By: Reported by: Dave Dunn FOX 4 Web Producer

By: Bradley Skierkowski