My favorite line from the video? Environmental Protection Agency’s Lois Rossi on the purpose of the summit:
We felt at this point in time it was necessary to bring interested stakeholders together to collaboratively try and solve a problem or come up with some solutions that might lead to the resolution of this problem.
Perfect. This, my friends, is how strategic plans like the one we advocate for the City of Chicago begin. It’s the first thing I’d ask our city to do, if I could share my Bed Bug Wish List with the officials responsible for addressing the spread of bed bug infestations in Chicago: invite interested local stakeholders (public health agencies, community organizations, pest management professionals, entomologists, housing authorities, city council members, streets and sanitation officials, apartment associations and others) to participate in a collaborative brainstorming session and generate ideas about how to solve the problem. It’s the best first step our city can take; it’s the first step many other cities and states have already taken.
Chicagoans, if you’d like to send a message to your aldermen, you can do so quickly through our CitizenSpeak Campaigns. We’re all in this together, remember.
$750 / 1br - RE: $750 / 1br - Hot Lakeview Location on quiet street (1335 W. Fletcher)
I was a previous tenant in this unit. I didn’t know any better at the time but I survived the winter in this dump with NO HEAT!!! That’s right, there was no heat save for one furnace in the living room that is meant to keep the pipes from freezing and still you can see your breath. This apartment should actually be declared illegal by the city and shame on the landlord for trying to pass it off as habitable. In fact, I think I should call housing inspectors to make sure no one has to potentially freeze to death like I did. I wonder why it’s suddenly available again in February? Hmm…
P.S. Aside from frequent ants and house flies in the summer, I also had the pleasure of experiencing bed bugs for the first time. Below is a picture of what bed bug bites look like. Still want to live here?
This, my friends, is what happens when people have bed bugs and don’t know what to do about it.
This photo was taken in a North Side neighborhood a couple nights ago. It’s disconcerting for several reasons:
First, if this futon cushion is indeed infested with bed bugs, the person who picks it up (either for personal use, for resale, or for disposal) risks contracting and spreading bed bugs throughout our city and possibly beyond.
Second, in most cases, it is not necessary nor is it recommended that people dispose of infested mattresses and furniture.
Third, bed bugs can be spread through residences and buildings when infested mattresses and furniture are moved outside for disposal.
Finally, if disposal is absolutely necessary, the risk of spreading bed bugs can be reduced if infested mattresses are wrapped and tightly sealed in airtight plastic sheets. This should only be attempted at the suggestion and under the direct supervision of a qualified pest management professional.
Spread the word, okay, people? And if you’re interested in helping us encourage our City of Chicago aldermen to introduce and support legislation to regulate the disposal of infested furniture, among other things, please participate in our CitizenSpeak campaigns. We already wrote the letter for you– all you have to do is fill in some information and click “send”.
Got bed bugs in the City of Chicago?Remember that you are not alone, and try to stay calm.
Notify your landlord immediately.
File a report of the infestation through 311.
Landlords must contract with an experienced, licensed, trained pest management professional.
Tenants must receive and follow an integrated pest management plan designed by their pest management professional.
DO NOT throw out your furniture unless instructed to do so by your pest management professional.
Visit our discussion forums for more information, advice, and support.
