Bed Bug Blog

SECAUCUS - Nicole Gallo sought treatment at Straight & Narrow because of the program's reputation for helping patients overcome addiction.
But 15 days into her 28-day stay, she's checking out because of a bed bug infestation.
"I have a 15-month-old," Gallo said while standing outside the facility last week. "My sobriety is important to me, but my health is more."
A resident of the program, which rents space at Hudson County's Meadowview Psychiatric Hospital, called The Jersey Journal to report the bed bug infestation.
When a reporter and photographer visited Building 7, where the program is housed, they were not allowed in or permitted to speak with the resident.
Reached by phone, David Mactas, executive director of Straight & Narrow, said the building occasionally gets bed bugs, but an exterminator has a standing contract to visit the site as soon as a problem is reported.
"I'm not sure we'll ever have a month where we don't see a bed bug, we're doing the best we can. We always feel bad," Mactas said. "If we get a report, the exterminator is out right away."
Hudson County Spokesman James Kennelly said the county Department of Health and Human Services was unaware but will now investigate.
Gallo, of Hunterdon County, said exterminators have been out to the building and furniture has been replaced, but there is still a problem. She will likely throw away the clothing and belongings that she had there.

Author: MELISSA HAYES