A few weeks ago I was asked by a Local Authority for some help with a persistent bed bug problem.
A number of apartments in a block had become infested, which had been successfully treated, but one tenant was not satisfied.
She claimed that despite several treatments, her apartment was still infested.
I was trotted out as an independent 'expert' to at least show that the Council was taking her concerns seriously and to make suggestions regarding what more could be done.
In fact, I could not fault the pest controllers on what they had already done - but she was clearly still distressed.
Despite a thorough serach of the premises, I couldn't find anything. She claimed that she was only being bitten in her sitting room, so our attention focussed on her new 'leather-look' suite.
Now we've all heard of furniture becoming infestated in storage, so we paid her sofa and arm chair particular attention.
Nothing...!
Shall we say that there were now suspicions that she was using this as an excuse to get another flat.
I suggested that the only way forward was a fairly drastic drill and treat programme for all the stud walls in the place, with a further thorough treatment of the interior of the seats.
I rang the other day to see how things had turned out and was delighted to hear that everything was now sorted!
As we heard on the UK news a couple of weeks ago, some 'leather-look' seats supplied by Argos had caused some allergic reactions and had prompted a nationwide recall.
Guess what....?
I hadn't even considered that she might be reacting to her new seats. I wonder how many others have been caught out?
Actually Iain - that could be the solution to an enquiry that I had on Friday after we treated a client's house for fleas 10 days previously. They definitely had fleas at the time but are now "getting bites" on the leather sofa. I'm off to give them a ring now and find out how they're getting on.
Iain - do you have a link that you can post? I've done a quick google search and am finding lawyers that are willing to sue Argos and Land of Leather for me but not the actuall recall.
Bed Bugs....or maybe not!
Posted - 22 Oct 2007 : 09:51:22
