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hoarding,Massachusetts,Brookline,condominium,public health”>
BROOKLINE, Mass., 2025-06-27
Over 100,000 Bed Bugs Plague Massachusetts Condominium
Infestation spurs resident exodus, unit condemnation.
- More than 100,000 bed bugs infested a Brookline, Massachusetts, apartment.
- The infested unit was condemned due to the severity of the situation.
- Residents have been forced to throw out belongings or move out.
- The infestation is linked to hoarding and potential mental health issues.
A severe bed bug infestation,with estimates exceeding 100,000 insects,has triggered a crisis at a condominium in Brookline,massachusetts,leading to unit condemnation and resident displacement.
Did you know? Bed bug infestations are not necessarily a sign of uncleanliness. They can be transported into homes via luggage, clothing, and furniture.
The ordeal began when residents noticed an escalating problem that quickly spiraled out of control. One resident, steve rubin, described the situation as deeply disturbing, noting that the infestation had spread to multiple units, forcing some to discard their belongings or move out entirely.
“People are throwing out all of their furniture,” Rubin told local reporters. “It’s been a nightmare.”
fig-captionqotOK”>Inside the Infestation
Inspectors discovered bed bugs rampant throughout the condemned apartment-on paper, doors, walls, and floors. Piles of debris obstructed access to the kitchen and bathroom.
Bed bugs can live for several months without feeding, making eradication efforts even more challenging.
An entomologist described the conditions as “deplorable,” noting heavy contamination of surfaces and items with bedbugs and their feces. Brookline’s director of public health and human services, Sigalle Reiss, called it one of the worst cases she’s encountered in 23 years. “It’s arduous enough to treat bed bugs in normal situations. It’s even harder when there’s this amount of debris,” Reiss stated. “Untill this is remediated it’s going to be a real struggle.”
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Quick fact: Bed bugs are nocturnal insects that feed on human blood, often leaving itchy welts on the skin.

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