Couple horrified by insect invasion

AN ELDERLY couple had to be relocated from their Northside home last week when it became overrun by insects.

John Anthony (75) and Mary Donegan (73) are still recovering from the

“nightmare

? situation they found themselves when their council accommodation in Ballymun became home to thousands of creepy-crawlies.

John Anthony, who is blind, and his wife Mary had to be moved to a nearby hotel while their home in the senior citizens’ complex was fumigated during the weekend of January 11.

According to Mary the whole experience has taken its toll on the elderly couple, particularly as she stopped eating when the situation got out of hand.

“I first noticed a few insects in the kitchen about three weeks ago and in a matter of days they seemed to be everywhere,

? she told Northside People.

“I thought they were cockroaches because of their shell and they were coming out from under the fridge and up the drain in the bathroom.

“Then they started to fall from the ceiling. There were thousands of them.

“We had to throw out all our food and I just couldn’t eat because of the thought that they could be anywhere.

“It literally made my skin crawl and it was terribly stressful. What’s worse is that I am due to have an operation next week but I just can’t even think of how I’ll be strong enough for it mentally and physically.

“I wouldn’t wish what we’ve been through on my worst enemy.

?

According to Mary, her home became like a scene from a horror movie.

“I’d pour a cup of tea and before I’d even get a chance to drink it tiny eggs and insect droppings would have fallen into it,

? she stated.

“It was really unbelievable.

?

John Anthony believes the infestation of insects began when the boiler in their attic was replaced.

“That’s when all the troubles started,

? he said.

“I think one of their nests could have been disturbed or something because things just went mad.

?

John Anthony and Mary were moved to the Metro Hotel in Ballymun where they stayed for three nights from January 11 while their home was fumigated.

“To make matters worse when we came back to our house on Monday, January 14, the lights weren’t working so we had to call the council about that then,

? John Anthony said.

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“We’ve even had to call on the council to replace some items of furniture that were eaten away and destroyed by the cockroaches. On top of that we must have thrown away about $200 worth of food in the last few weeks.

?

According to a spokesperson for Dublin City Council, an infestation of beetles was found at the dwelling in Burren Court.

“The tenants were moved temporarily to allow spraying treatment to proceed,

? she told Northside People.

“No further evidence of beetle infestation was found following treatment and the tenants have returned home.

“The cause of the infestation is unknown at this time.

?