Bed bugs attack CMHA properties, residents continue to contact 5 On Your Side

CLEVELAND HEIGHTS, Ohio - Victoria Ellison enjoys her apartment at the Severance Towers in Cleveland Heights, the complex is managed by the Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority.

Ellison has lived in her CMHA unit without any issues for the past four years. However several weeks ago, trouble came crawling into her life in the form of bed bugs.

"I'm up at 2 o'clock in the morning, last night I slept in a chair in my kitchen, because I was so frightened," Ellison said. "I called CMHA, but they told me it would take two weeks to get an exterminator to my home."

Ellison contacted 5 On Your Side about her bed bug battle, she also called the health department. NewsChannel5 called CMHA officials, looking for an update on Ellison's extermination request. The housing authority responded immedately, and told NewsChannel5 exterminators would be on the scene at Ellison's unit within three days.

CMHA officials said they are considering the use of new, high-tech, steam exterminating equipment, and should have a decision on that potential move by the end of the year.

Complete bed bug information from the Cuyahoga County Board of Health can be found by clicking on this link www.ccbh.net/ccbh/opencms/CCBH/services/environmental_health/Bed_Bugs.html