Bed bug battle sparks protest

This story originated as a tip to the 15 Finds Out hotline. If you have something youd like 15 to find out, call (260) 481-1515 ext. 1610.

GENEVA, Ind. (WANE) - It's something no tenant ever wants to hear: You have bed bugs. That's what some people the Geneva Shores Apartments in Adams County have been dealing with since August. The property manager said the infestation has been all cleaned up, but some timid tenants and an outspoken protestor beg to differ. South Adams Schools has also launched precautions against the insect problem.

For the past week, in the frigid December weather, Donna Butler has been the lone protestor holding a cardboard sign in front of the Geneva Shores Apartments, a complex for low income tenants.

Butler is adamant apartment management hasn't done enough to get rid of what she calls a bed bug infestation there. She's so passionate because she said her son accidently spread the bed bugs from one of the apartments to her home in the small town of Geneva.

It's been going on way too long, Butler said. People are living here now with no furniture. It has now spread through town.

The issue has even caught the eye of South Adams Schools, which began spraying down buses the first week of December.

Does it have our attention? Yes, said Scott Litwiller, superintendent of South Adams Schools. As a matter of precaution, we've been spraying buses with a spray that will kill those insects.

But a different story is coming from the Geneva Shores management. Milise Beitler said in the fall, Orkin Pest Control found four apartments with bed bugs. They previously treated, inspected, and reported that they didnt find bed bugs in three of the four apartments. Just Monday, Beitler said Orkin gave the all clear on the last one.

Ive got documentation stating that we were cleared. If [Butler] wants to say [its not], thats her opinion but we dont have them, Beitler said.

Still, anonymous tenants tell 15 Finds Out that the bed bugs have spread to other apartments. They didnt want to speak publicly, fearing they would be evicted.

Read more here:
Bed bug battle sparks protest