A social housing tenant in south-east London says he has been bitten by bedbugs more than 1,000 times despite repeated efforts to rid his home of the pest. Michael Giltinane, 63, of Greenwich, has had pest control visit his home six times. The bugs have left him unable to sleep, and he wakes to find them crawling on his body. Photographs show bites all over his body, including his face.
Infestation returns after two years
A previous infestation lasted around two years but returned about six months ago. Giltinane said: 'As soon as I try to sleep again, I feel something crawling on me. It's terrible, I've had nothing like this all my life.' The infestation has left him bloodied from bites, and he has had to box up his clothing. Family members have asked for him to be moved to a different home, but they have been told it is not possible.
Health conditions worsen impact
Giltinane says the issue has been even worse for him because he suffers from depression and anxiety, as well as Type 2 Diabetes. Greenwich Council said it could not comment on individual cases but said treating bedbugs is 'extremely difficult.' A council spokesperson said: 'Infestations of this type can be extremely distressing, and we understand the impact this can have on residents. Although we're unable to comment on individual cases, treating bedbugs is extremely difficult.'
Council urges cooperation and prevention
The council said it provides free pest control services for its social housing tenants, but for treatments to work, it relies on tenants allowing access to their home and preparing each room in advance, with furniture moved away from walls and possessions packed in bin liners. 'Without this cooperation, we can't treat the infestation,' the spokesperson added. The council said bedbugs can spread by travelling on belongings and urged residents not to put luggage on beds and to check second-hand furniture before bringing it into their homes. It added: 'If a tenant wishes to move because of a pest control issue, then they would need to discuss this with their tenancy officer so an assessment can be made.'
