COLUMBUS, Ohio -- The Franklin County Health Department inspected an apartment complex on Friday where, residents say, bed bugs aren't their only problem.
Residents say their other problem is getting their landlord to do something about the unwelcome guests.
Chris White said he has tried everything to get rid of bed bugs at his apartment -- including four cans of bug spray and pesticide.
"It's so bad. I've got a 5-year-old daughter who's gotten bitten multiple times with bed bugs and stuff and we sent her to school and the school sent her home because of all the bumps over her stomach and stuff," White said.
Residents of The Pointe Apartments on Harrisburg Pike say they have paid for hotel rooms rather than sleep in their own beds.
"We're paying $510 a month. We should be able to sleep in our own house without worrying about tomorrow, is my kid going to wake up from head to toe with bites," White said.
Thursday night, White rented a hotel room for his family and a neighbor, who found the bed bugs all over his son's pillow.
NBC 4 was there when the Franklin County Health Department showed up to inspect the apartments.
White called officials after an exterminator hired by the property managers didn't show up May 6.
The property manager wasn't immediately available for comment.
Neighbors are helping each other look for bed bugs in their cushions and mattresses.
"It's not my responsibility to do this. It's the apartment complex. I'm helping friends out," he said.
Residents received a letter from the complex officials saying that exterminators would arrive on May 6, but residents said the exterminator never showed up.
Franklin County health officials went door-to-door inspecting apartments.
For the second time since last fall, health officials are issuing orders for pest control as soon as possible.
After repeated phone calls to the leasing office, requesting the manager's side of the story, NBC 4 was told the owner "does not wish to comment at this time."
Bed bugs are parasitic insects that prefer human blood.
They are not an indication of poor housekeeping and can be found anywhere.
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