Richmond resident calls roach problem ‘relentless’

RICHMOND, Va. – A Fairfield Court apartment tenant is frustrated by a roach invasion she called “relentless.”

Neighbors said the issue is now spreading to at least two other apartments in the complex and the traps aren’t quite working.

"Roaches in my refrigerator,” said a Fairfield court resident who wished to remain unidentified. “They're on my counters, on the stove, in the pantry area.”

She said she has been trying to get rid of the roaches since she moved in a month ago.

"They're really bad at night time,” she said. “So, I can't turn my kitchen light off at all.”

The mother of three said she's complained to the Richmond Redevelopment Housing Authority and that a Pest control company came out and put baits down.

"I feel like they're moving a little too slow,” she said. “A little too slow.”

Acting Chief Operating Officer  at the RRHA, Carol Jones-Gilbert, said they are aware of the problem.

“We don't encourage any family to live in a condition that's a health and safety issue," said Carol Jones Gilbert, Acting Chief Operating Officer.

Gilbert said they inspected their 4,000 properties in June.  They identified the ones with the biggest infestation, and are treating those units.

She added that they are asking residents to do their part.

"We can put out as much bait as possible,” said Gilbert.  “But if you're leaving out food -- if you have available food sources and water sources then it makes the treatment very ineffective.”

Gilbert said it could take up to two months to eradicate the problem.

That’s not fast enough for this resident.

“Right now, I love my unit,” she said.” I just need them to get on top of the pest control.”

RRHA officials said they will relocate residents if it becomes a serious health issue.

They encouraged residents to call RRHA's maintenance line at 780-8700 to report any water leaks that can cause a roach infestation in their unit.

Experts say you can prevent such a problem in your home or apartment by removing all food scraps, garbage, cardboard boxes, old books and magazines, and by sealing off any cracks and crevices.