Sure, monsters, demons, ghosts, and vampires are scary, but sometimes the real nightmare fuel is rooted in real life – and in the pest world, we see some of the most bloodcurdling situations you can imagine. From the thumping of unseen feet to literal bloodsuckers that attack in your sleep, the scariest stories are true ones. Thankfully, none of the following tales come from our neck of the woods, but they’re bound to give you goosebumps.
- Real-Life Vampires: Bed Bug Blowup
Maine, 2016: A bed bug outbreak in an apartment building became so severe that it prompted a city task force to propose an emergency ordinance requiring that landlords take responsibility for bed bug infestations. The infestation had spread from unit to unit and into common areas; City officers even reported finding bed bugs inside the walls. Shed exoskeletons were found by the dozens inside the building, and some tenants had bites so severe they were seen in the hospital.
- “An Ankle Deep Swarm of Cockroaches”
Schenectady, New York, 1979: Police arrive at a residence, responding to reports of a barking dog. Instead, they encounter what is described as an “ankle deep swarm of cockroaches” stretching from the house, across the yard, and into the street. One of the tenants appeared to have collected multiple dogs, cats, mice, and a parrot—all living in flea- and roach-infested conditions. The health commissioner stated the infestation was the worst he’d seen in his 20-year career, and the exterminator called to the scene estimated the number of roaches to be “definitely in the millions”. The home was slated to be demolished after a three-block area of the neighborhood was treated, much to the chagrin of the landlord, who stated his intent to fight the decision and denied responsibility, claiming the tenants had refused him entry to the home for at least one year. - Bats in the Belfry
A Miami man found his home was literally covered in bats- He stated they had heard the chirping at night but did not realize the critters had entered the house. The homeowner’s son went on record saying that “everybody would come to [the] house to see the bats” on Halloween (which should probably be a red flag). Video can be found online of workers removing the Spanish tiles, releasing dozens of bats from under each one, hundreds of leathery wings taking to the sky.
If you’re being terrorized by termites, antagonized by ants, raided by rodents, or generally feeling victimized by vermin, the brave souls at Burgess Pest are here for you. We don’t cast spells to keep you pest-free, but we do have a few tricks up our sleeve. Treat yourself to a free estimate this Halloween season, and while you're at it, download a copy of our free Fall Pest Guidebook for a goody bag of tips and information!
