It’s been almost a decade since bed bugs became a household name. The resurgence of these tiny, blood-sucking insects has prompted lawsuits from tenants and occupants across the country. In this article, we’ll explain how to identify bed bugs and their common hiding places. We’ll also explore the dangers of renting a property with bed bugs and strategies for filing class action lawsuit if you or someone you know is the victim of these pests. Read on to learn everything you need to know about bed bugs and filing class action lawsuit against owners of properties with bed bugs.

What are Bed Bugs?

Bed bugs are tiny, blood-sucking insects that used to be associated with unclean and poor hygiene conditions. Fortunately, the stigma surrounding these pests has mostly been removed. Now, bed bugs have become a problem in many different types of properties. Bed bugs are almost translucent in appearance, with a round and reddish appearance. Their size is about the size of an apple seed. Bed bugs are most active in the hours after sunset and before sunrise. They can feed on any kind of blood, including human blood. They are not particular about what species they feed on. Bed bugs are spread in a few different ways. The most common way is through the transfer of used furniture. Bed bugs can live for several months without food. They can remain dormant in items like furniture for a long period of time. As soon as they are brought into a new area, they quickly come to life and start to feed. Unfortunately, bed bugs can also be spread from person to person. Anyone who has bed bugs can travel to other locations and spread the infestation through the clothing they wear.

Identifying Bed Bugs and their Common Hiding Places

Bed bugs are small, round insects that feed on the blood of humans, animals, and sometimes even reptiles. These insects have been around since ancient times, but their resurgence in recent years has led to new infestations in properties across the country. Bed bug bites are a common problem experienced by those who live in or visit a property with an infestation. Bites appear as small, red welts on the skin and can itch or even produce an allergic reaction in some cases. The most common places for bed bugs to hide are along the edges of beds and nearby furniture, behind baseboards and wallpaper, in cluttered areas, and even in electrical outlets.

Why Filing Class Action Lawsuit Against Properties with Bed Bugs is Important

Many individuals are filing class action lawsuits against properties with bed bugs. These cases are important because they hold landlords accountable for the harm done by their properties. Due to the nature of insects like bed bugs, it can be impossible for a single person to get rid of an infestation on their own. This makes it difficult for an individual to hold a property owner responsible when they are the victim of a harmful infestation. Because individual lawsuits are difficult to win and even more difficult to prove, filing a class action suit against the owners of properties with bed bugs is an important option.

Danger of Living in a Property with Bed Bugs

In addition to being very annoying and disruptive, bed bugs can also pose a serious health threat for those who live in infested properties. Bed bugs are known to spread a number of different diseases and infections, including the bubonic plague, a blood infection called trypanosomiasis, and an infection called murine typhus. Other health issues that can be associated with bed bug infestations include skin irritation and rashes, allergic reactions, respiratory problems, and psychological distress. An extremely serious health risk associated with bed bug infestations is an increased risk of contracting and spreading HIV. Research has shown that people who have been exposed to bed bugs have a higher likelihood of contracting HIV. This is because bed bugs can feed on any kind of blood, including blood that is infected with HIV.

Strategies for Filing Class Action Lawsuit Against Properties with Bed Bugs

Because bed bugs have been around for thousands of years and have infested properties of all different types and conditions, it can be difficult to prove that a bed bug infestation is the fault of the property owner. Some of the factors that must be proven in a bed bug class action lawsuit include the following: – The property owner knew about the infestation. – The infestation was extensive and spread throughout the property. – The property owner did not take action to control or exterminate the bed bugs as quickly as possible. In order to win a class action lawsuit against a property owner for bed bugs, you must be able to prove all of these factors. In order to do so, it is recommended that you keep a log of the infestation. You should make notes of the date that you first noticed signs of bed bugs, the date that you informed the property owner of the problem, and the date that the property owner took action to control the infestation.

Conclusion

At MacCloskey Kesler and Associates, we are pursuing class members from Park Terrance at 1000 Chamberlin St., Rockford, IL which is owned by the Rockford Housing Authority (RHA) – among others.  We are looking for residents from 2013 until present who experienced bed bug bites.  We have alleged that 87% of the units needed pest control from 2013 to 2020 and we began filing on behalf of victims of the infestation in October 2021.  Please call our offices today at (815) 965-2000 if you or someone you know has been a resident of the RHA over the past decade.