A family in Coleford, Gloucestershire, has been battling a persistent bed bug infestation for over 16 months, leading them to sleep in their living room and severely restricting their movement outside the home.
Stephen Long, 47, along with his partner Jen Brown, 46, and their 20-year-old stepdaughter, have endured the infestation since April 2025. Despite multiple pest control treatments supported by their housing association, Stonewater, the issue remains unresolved. The family says they cannot safely or confidently use their bedrooms due to the ongoing presence of the blood-sucking insects.
Mrs Brown first discovered the problem after waking up to find what she initially thought was a beetle. Upon further inspection and identification using Google Lens, it became clear they were dealing with bed bugs. Pest control experts believe the infestation had likely been present for some time before they were aware of it.
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The family’s health conditions add to their challenges. Mr Long suffers from COPD, arthritis, scoliosis, fibromyalgia, and chronic pain, while Ms Brown contends with arthritis, fibromyalgia, asthma, and high blood pressure. Their stepdaughter also has a disability. Together, they have resorted to sleeping downstairs, despite discomfort, to avoid the insects.
Mr Long expressed his frustration with the ongoing situation: “I’m sleeping on a two-seater sofa and I’m six foot tall. With the health conditions we have, it’s very difficult. Stonewater has helped, but it feels like the problem will never end. It’s unbelievable.”
The family also feels isolated, as they avoid visiting their support network and their visitors stay away to prevent spreading the infestation. Mr Long denied suggestions from Stonewater that the family might be responsible for reintroducing the bed bugs, emphasising that they rarely leave home and have shopping delivered.
Stonewater acknowledged the difficulties faced by the family and confirmed they have provided extensive support, including multiple pest control efforts such as whole-property and specialist heat treatments, canine detection, and replacement of affected household items like mattresses and sofas. They have also helped the family access grants to assist with costs.
A spokesperson for Stonewater said: “We have worked closely with Mr Long over more than a year, funding several treatments and offering practical and financial assistance. Bed bug infestations can be extremely difficult to eradicate, and despite considerable efforts, this one has unfortunately persisted.”
They also clarified that their pest management policy generally regards bed bug responsibility as lying with the customer but acknowledged some tenants require additional support, which they have provided.
Stonewater’s spokesperson added that they have now exhausted the pest control treatments they can fund for the family but have offered details of private pest control providers for further assistance.
Mr Long noted that while they successfully obtained a grant from Stonewater’s charitable arm, Longleigh, this did not cover the cost of bed bug treatments nor resolve the infestation, which continues to affect their daily lives.