Bexhill woman at ‘wit’s end’ over months of infestation as weevils take over flat

A pensioner is at her ‘wit’s end’ after claiming her flat has been infested with weevils for more than seven months.
Anne Clark's flat at Honies Court, London Road, Bexhill, is infested with vine weevils. SUS-201027-124121001Anne Clark's flat at Honies Court, London Road, Bexhill, is infested with vine weevils. SUS-201027-124121001
Anne Clark's flat at Honies Court, London Road, Bexhill, is infested with vine weevils. SUS-201027-124121001

Anne Clark, 81, of Honies Court, London Road, Bexhill, said the problem started after a new bathroom and shower were fitted in the ground-floor property, which is managed by Optivo.

She said she believed the insects were vine weevils.

Anne said: “The weevils are all over the property. They are also in the communal area, the wall cavities, and in other flats as well.

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“They’re in my bathroom, on the walls, in the living room. I’m at my wit’s end now. It’s horrible. They’ve even eaten the plastic and the bathroom tiles, as well as the wallpaper and the wood at the bottom of my door. They’re very destructive.”

Anne said she had to put up with them with no help for five months during lockdown, as she is in the vulnerable group, due to a heart condition. A surveyor came in August and pest control visited last month, she said.

“Optivo is saying I will have to clean all of my house,” Anne said.

The housing association visited her on Tuesday (October 27).

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A spokesman for Optivo said: “Our Neighbourhood Team have been in touch with Mrs Clark this week to check her welfare and we remain sympathetic to her situation.

“Although Mrs Clark’s tenancy agreement states it’s her responsibility to remove pests from her home, we’ve considered her individual circumstances and are doing all we can to resolve the issue.

“Our pest controller has previously visited the home to treat the insects and, following further investigation, has now identified these as rice weevils.

“These particular weevils, which are not harmful to humans, attack several seeds of crops and are attracted to food sources such as rice and cereal.

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“To prevent the weevils from returning we will now need to find the food source which is attracting them.

“We’re currently liaising with our pest control expert to arrange a follow-up visit and will contact Mrs Clark to arrange a convenient time to carry out further works.

“Our team remain on hand to support Mrs Clark if she has any further questions or concerns.”

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