Viewpoint, 120 residents dealing with constant bed bug problems

SANDUSKY — The nonprofit supervising a downtown Sandusky high-rise apartment complex knows about and wants to permanently eliminate a persistent bed bug issue first popping up this past winter.The Register recently received a complaint about the infestation at Viewpoint Apartments on East Shoreline Drive, where about 120 senior citizens on limited incomes live."Elderly residents are having to completely launder their clothing and bedding and replace furniture at their own expense as well as dealing with the multiple visits from the exterminators," according to a message from the tipster.The Register then sent this message to National Church Residences, which operators and supervises all housing-related matters at Viewpoint.Todd Hutchins, a spokesman with the nonprofit, confirmed his organization first received a bed bug-related complaint at Viewpoint in January."National Church Residences does not take reports of bed bugs lightly," Hutchins said. "Once a problem is reported, our staff at Viewpoint Apartments will contact Orkin immediately so the exterminator can seek out and eliminate any problems swiftly."The nonprofit, which oversees living quarters in 340 different communities, contracts with Orkin to handle these types of situations."As is the protocol when bed bugs are reported, our property manager immediately contacted Orkin and scheduled a visit," Hutchins said. "Orkin's first visit to investigate and apply treatments, where necessary, was Jan. 24 and, since then, an exterminator has returned five more times to investigate and apply treatments. The last visit was on June 27."National Church Residences, and not Viewpoint residents, pays for these expensive visits. The company, however, doesn't cover costs for furniture replacements. Exterminators recommended furniture should be replaced in three different units.Hutchins said his company is fully committed to eradicating the insect issue.Reach reporter Andy Ouriel at ouriel@sanduskyregister.com and follow him on Twitter @AndyOuriel.Since this past winter, Viewpoint Apartments in downtown Sandusky has dealt with a constant bed bug issue.