A Jacksonville assisted-living resident says he has been sharing his bed with unwelcome roommates for nearly a year, and they are leaving him itchy, exhausted and angry. Pete Waite, who is living with terminal cancer and heart failure, says bed bugs have crawled across his mattress for months, despite his paying about $1,000 a month to live at the community and repeatedly complaining to staff about the problem.
Video and photos obtained by Action News Jax show insects moving on Waite’s bed. The station reports that Waite has counted “15 or 20” bed bugs in his room at times, has hired an attorney to explore legal action, and blames facility management for not using industry-standard methods to wipe out the infestation.
In a written statement to Action News Jax, Noble House said it “responds promptly” to any concerns and works with licensed pest-control companies while following established pest-management protocols. The company said treatment plans are based on professional assessments and that staff continually monitor the building to keep any bugs from spreading.
State Records And Inspection History
Industry listings and state-related directories place Noble House & Gardens at 6561 San Juan Ave and show a capacity in the triple digits, with trade sites publishing the facility’s bed count and recent survey history. Assisted Living Magazine summarizes inspection activity by the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration, noting previous citations tied to documentation and medication records but no publicly listed inspection summaries that specifically mention bed bug complaints. The facility’s own website promotes its services and provides contact details for potential residents and families.
Why Heat Treatment Is Recommended
Pest-management specialists and university extension services say that heat treatment paired with integrated pest management is among the most reliable ways to clear a bed bug problem, since sustained high temperatures can kill the insects and their eggs. Local extension guidance describes how spot and whole-room heat systems are used and warns that spraying alone often does not solve a stubborn infestation. As UF/IFAS notes, careful monitoring and follow-up visits are critical to avoid a quick reinfestation.
Legal And Regulatory Options
Waite has retained an attorney and is weighing what legal steps to take. Any case would likely focus on inspection records, his documented complaints and the exact control measures the facility used in response. Families and residents who are worried about conditions at licensed facilities can also file complaints with the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration, which reviews those reports and conducts follow-up inspections. AHCA explains on its complaint page how to submit a concern about a licensed facility and what to expect during the agency’s review…