After losing power, some residents in Franklin Towers are still living with limited electricity, but that’s not their only concern. Residents in the building reached out to 8 Investigates seeking answers amid a growing bed bug infestation.According to Portland Housing Authority, 21 units had active bed bug infestations as of August. The number of units affected has been increasing steadily over the past few months. Cheryl Sessions, the executive director of PHA says they’re working to rectify the situation. “We use a professional bug company, Ehrlich, and they’ve got a great reputation, and when they’re able to do the treatments, it’s very effective,” Sessions said. Residents have to prepare their units before they can be treated. That requires moving furniture to the center of the room, boxing all items, and washing all fabric, a process that can be challenging for older people with health concerns.”I’m three years post-op, fractured shoulder, fractured wrist and I can’t do any lifting,” said resident Beverly Collins, who uses a motorized wheelchair. Sessions said PHA offers assistance to renters who aren’t able to prepare their rooms for treatment, but according to Collins that hasn’t been communicated. As the infestation worsens, residents who don’t have bed bugs are constantly concerned about the spread. “It’s on everybody’s mind 24 hours, seven days a week,” said resident David Caston Sr. “You know that it’s not going to go away until they get more aggressive getting rid of them.”
PORTLAND, Maine —
After losing power, some residents in Franklin Towers are still living with limited electricity, but that’s not their only concern. Residents in the building reached out to 8 Investigates seeking answers amid a growing bed bug infestation.
According to Portland Housing Authority, 21 units had active bed bug infestations as of August. The number of units affected has been increasing steadily over the past few months.
Cheryl Sessions, the executive director of PHA says they’re working to rectify the situation.
“We use a professional bug company, Ehrlich, and they’ve got a great reputation, and when they’re able to do the treatments, it’s very effective,” Sessions said.
Residents have to prepare their units before they can be treated. That requires moving furniture to the center of the room, boxing all items, and washing all fabric, a process that can be challenging for older people with health concerns.
“I’m three years post-op, fractured shoulder, fractured wrist and I can’t do any lifting,” said resident Beverly Collins, who uses a motorized wheelchair.
Sessions said PHA offers assistance to renters who aren’t able to prepare their rooms for treatment, but according to Collins that hasn’t been communicated.
As the infestation worsens, residents who don’t have bed bugs are constantly concerned about the spread.
“It’s on everybody’s mind 24 hours, seven days a week,” said resident David Caston Sr. “You know that it’s not going to go away until they get more aggressive getting rid of them.”
