Memorial University has been aggressively addressing the problem with insects in four apartments in one building of the Burton’s Pond Apartment complex.

Student residents had found cockroaches in the apartments. It is now apparent that the insects originated in one apartment and spread to adjoining ones.

The university acted immediately upon being advised of the problem in October and has been working with a pest control agency and the students affected to deal with it every since (see “Summary of Actions – Pest Control Abatement” immediately following this story).

As well, the university has taken a number of extraordinary actions to respond to the special needs of the students affected (see “Summary of Actions – Students’ Needs” immediately following this story).

The apartments are being thoroughly cleared of the insects and cleaned to prevent a further occurrence of the pests. In addition, the Student Housing office is providing information to Burton’s Pond residents emphasizing the importance of cleanliness to avoid any further problems.

The university semester has ended and it is anticipated that any remnant of the problem will be cleared up in time for intake of new residents in January.

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Summary of Actions – Pest Control Abatement

October 16: Complaint received re. bugs sited in common room area of apartment at Gilbert Court (GB) 303.  A work order was placed for the university pest control experts (PCO). PCO came in and determined it was cockroaches.  PCO treated apt with Max Force Roach bait.  At that time they also treated an adjoining apartment, GB 304.

Oct. 30: Followup was completed on these two apartments.

Nov. 1: Work order to spray for any remaining cockroaches.

Nov. 7: Work order to spray/bait for cockroaches in third adjoining apartment GB 204.

Oct. 16-Nov. 9: Every Wednesday - PCO and Student Housing staff completed inspections on the apartments. Each time there was fewer and fewer insects seen. PCO also sprayed behind fridges/stoves/boiler room/storage room.

Nov. 9: Work order completed to have all apartments on low side of GB baited as a precautionary measure. (GB 101–305).

Nov. 14: PCO and Student Housing staff completed inspection and PCO cleaned/swept behind fridges/stove.

Nov. 22: PCO and Student Housing staff completed regular inspection on all apartments involved. No live insects found.  PCO indicated this is a very good sign and would continue to do regular inspections.

Nov. 29: PCO and Student Housing staff completed inspection on GB 204, 303 and 304.  Found one live and some dead insects in GB 204. Students are now preparing for their final exams and will be moving out on Dec 16.  It was decided once the residents moved out the whole apartment can be sprayed.  PCO baited all common areas.

Nov. 30: Checked on GB 204 again.

Dec. 6: PCO and Student Housing staff completed inspection of GB 104, 204, 304.
GB104 - No live insects, found several dead ones.  PCO put in some sticky traps to aid in their monitoring of this apt.
GB 204 – found two live ones and two dead ones in kitchen.  PCO put in some sticky traps so they can monitor.
GB 304 – Live insects found.  PCO dusted behind fridge and stove with product and again baited area. PCO indicated this is where they felt the insects originally came in. This apartment would have to be sprayed once residents left on Dec 16.

Dec. 8: Housing staff sprayed bagged stuff for the students in GB 204, Rooms C and D.

Dec. 11: Sprayed bagged stuff in GB 204, Room F. Residents of GB 204 had requested to be moved and were relocated to Paton College residences.

Dec. 13: PCO and Student Housing staff completed inspection with results:
Apt. 104:  Very dirty but not a sign of any insects. Sticky traps clean.
Apt. 204:  Two small dead insects on sticky traps. Put out new sticky traps.
Apt. 303:  No sign of any insects and students have not seen anything in weeks.
Apt. 304:  Student resident would not let PCO and Student Housing staff in.

Dec. 14: Housing staff bagged and sprayed items from GB 204E.

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Summary of Actions – Students’ Needs

Gilbert 104

On Dec. 6 a mother of one resident of Gilbert 104 indicated her son had seen two cockroaches in his apt and she wanted her son to be moved and have his clothes cleaned. The mother spoke to both the manager of accommodations and assistant director, Student Housing. The resident was offered alternative accommodations as well as laundering of his clothes.  The mother was also informed that PCO had reported that the problem in that apartment had been cleared up.

Gilbert 204

On Friday, Dec. 1, the manager of accommodations and the Burton's Pond Apartment housing clerk met with all four residents of Gilbert 204.  They were also given an update on pest control operations. As a result of the meeting the following was put in place:

• Residents were offered and accepted alternate accommodations in Paton College residences. Accommodations could not be offered in Burton's Pond Apartments as the apartments were full.

• Residents were provided storage containers for belongings and their laundry was sent out to be laundered and dry-cleaned at the university’s expense.

• Residents were given meal cards for the university Dining Hall.

• Residents were offered assistance to move belongings from Burton's Pond Apartments to Paton College.

• Student Housing’s residence life officer was on call for these residents to pick up their laundry when it was delivered back on Sunday.

• Proctors at Blackall and Doyle Houses were placed on alert to meet residents and to provide any kind of support and or assistance that might be needed.

• Residents were reimbursed for their food items and their appliances. They also received an addition $100 for any inconvenience.

Gilbert 304

There is no record of any reports from the residents of GB 304 of any insects.  However, this apartment was identified by PCO as a result of a complaint from the apartment next door.
Oct. 16: Manager of accommodations sent a letter to the occupants of GB 304 to clean the apartment because it was in an unacceptable condition.
Oct 19: PCO baited the apartment and have continued to monitor and bait this apartment throughout the semester.
Nov. 16: Another letter was sent to the residents of GB 304 that they must keep their apartment clean to get rid of the insects.  An inspection was carried out and it was noted they had cleaned their apartment somewhat.  It was decided these students would be moving from this apartment at the end of the fall semester and then a thorough spraying and cleaning could then be carried out.
Dec 11: Manager of accommodations met with a resident of GB 304 who is moving to another apartment in Burton’s Pond in January to explain what is required in regard to laundry, dry cleaning, washing personal items, bagging it sealed bags, etc.  The other residents of GB304 will not be returning to Burton's Pond.

Gilbert 303

A complaint was received on October 16th that insects were found.  PCO treated the problem.  Weekly inspections by PCO indicate that the problem has been eradicated.