Carole Richmond is tired of sharing her apartment, and her lunch, with cockroaches.
She first noticed the infestation in February when a relatively small number of cockroaches were entering her Regent Street apartment through a hole that carries pipes to the kitchen sink.
Since February, Richmond’s apartment has gone through one extermination attempt, which had no effect.
“We sprayed the bugs twice,” Richmond said. “All to find out that they’re back with vengeance. I have more cockroaches now than I had before.”
In fact, her problem seems to be worse. Richmond said putting lunch together is no longer possible without having to feed the bugs. By the time she lays the bread out on the counter and heads to the fridge the cockroaches have already claimed her meal.
“I can’t make meals fast enough to eat them before the cockroaches get at them,” Richmond said.
“I’m living in an infested hellhole and I can’t take it anymore.”
Richmond’s daughter, Jennifer Hill explained to date she has contacted the mayor’s office, Michael Gravelle’s office and the Thunder Bay Health Unit, which she has stayed in contact with throughout the process.
Hill said the extermination of the pest has been an ongoing fight throughout the entire building. Frustration levels are high and apartments have been getting sprayed six or more times. Despite the extermination attempts, many tenants continue to live with the roaches.
City officials would not comment when contacted by TBT news.
However, in a statement emailed to the newsroom officials of the District of Thunder Bay Social Services Administration Board say they are aware of the problem and they are working to resolve it.
“When pest issues do arise in our unit the matter is addressed as quickly as possible following all guidelines and practices as established by professional pest control contractors and Thunder Bay District Health Unit,” the statement reads.
The statement goes on to explain that some pest control issues can take longer to resolve.
The DSSAB admits that this is a source of frustration for tenants impacted.
“However, undue public attention on pest issues in TBDSSAB properties also negatively impacts our other tenants.”
The statement ends with assurances that the DSSAB remains committed to providing excellence in service, with a focus on partnership, prevention and adherence to best practices to addressing problems.
