Michael Giltinane, 63, from Eltham, Greenwich, has been left feeling suicidal after waking up to blood-soaked clothes due to a severe bedbug infestation. His sister, Kathleen, who regularly stays to support him, says the bugs are throughout the home, including on beds, sofas, walls, and curtains, making it impossible to escape at night.
Over 1,000 bites and sleepless nights
Kathleen estimates Michael has suffered around 1,000 bites, including a large bite on his face. The bites are a visible sign of the infestation's severity, but the sleeplessness is also taking a toll. Michael said: “I’m feeling suicidal, like I need my sleep. But I’m not getting any sleep.”
Kathleen added: “He’s very depressed. It’s really getting him down, and I’m so worried about him. He said he wanted to get a tent and sleep in the garden. That’s how bad it is.”
Infestation returns after two years
The infestation previously lasted around two years before being eradicated, but it returned about six months ago and has worsened over the last two months. Greenwich Council pest control has attended several times, but the family says an appointment two weeks before the latest treatment did not happen. They say workers promised weekly visits due to the severity, but were later told the next treatment would not occur until October 1.
Kathleen said: “I would have been alright with a weekly treatment, but they don’t keep to that. Give it two weeks and we’re in a worse situation than we were two weeks beforehand.” Michael noted the latest treatment was ineffective: “The following day, there were more bugs than what they got rid of. The thing, what they’re doing is not working.”
Family’s efforts and council response
While waiting, the family has used sticky traps that filled with bedbugs, and Kathleen has scrubbed beds and cleaned the home. She said: “I’ve been scrubbing the beds. There are eggs in the curtains. I’ve blitzed everywhere.” They cannot bring in a new mattress until the infestation is cleared, so it is kept at a neighbour’s home. They asked for temporary accommodation but were told there was “no chance.” Kathleen said: “You wouldn’t leave a dog like this, to be honest with you. It’s like they’re laughing at us when they come round here.”
Greenwich Council said it could not comment on individual cases but noted that treating bedbugs is “extremely difficult.” A 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. We provide free pest control services for our social housing tenants, but for treatments to have the best chance of working, we rely on tenants to allow access to their home. We also rely on each room being prepared in advance with furniture moved away from walls and possessions packed safely in bin liners. Without this cooperation we can’t treat the infestation.”
The council advised residents to avoid putting luggage on beds and to check second-hand furniture, as bedbugs can spread via belongings. 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.” The family continues to wait for the next treatment, with the infestation persisting.
