Red Flour Beetle infests Kauffman homes
The Levelland City Council held a regular meeting Monday evening, where 16 residence of the Kaufman Addition made public comment concerning an infestation of Red Flower Beetles.
With many concerned and frustrated members of the Kauffman addition in attendance to lend their support, each individual speaking to the council highlighted their stressful living situation that has been on-going for the better part of two years.
With each passing comment made to council, each statement became repetitive, however, each resident explained hardships each person faced from their own experience.
Many residents have found living conditions to be unbearable with many recounts of finding the bug scattered throughout homes regardless of how many times the home is cleaned or exterminators hired.
Ranging from the bug finding ways into pantries, constant scanning of food and dishes, sleeping feeling the bugs crawling on skin, sheets and mattresses, each recount received an applause from the large crowd as they pleaded with the council to find a solution to the infestation.
Spanning back at least a year, many citizens expressed difficulty keeping homes sanitary as the insect continues to multiply faster than can be handled.
Additionally, exterminators have advised citizens their services would prove to be useless as the bugs would return in force hours if not days after treatment of the homes.
Many long-time citizens who have resided within the Kauffman Addition spoke out stating this was the first time such has happened.
Many citizens claimed the problem was coming from Penny-Newman’s facility at the railpark just across the highway.
After consulting several experts many citizens claimed the beetles were drawn to the almond hulls the company has been hauling as of late.
Multiple citizens residing in the area brought plastic bags containing multiple bugs as they cleaned one small area of their homes before attending the meeting to show proof of the infestation.
Multiple citizens explained they have contacted city staff regarding the issue, but have seen a lack of results remedying the issue. Citizens expressed their desire for the business to take a handle on their operations.
Several citizens highlighted the possible health concerns that could be associated with the infestation as individuals with breathing conditions could be facing severe risk moving forward.
It was brought to council’s attention that homeowners in the area feel stress from trying to keep the insects out of their homes and some relatives will not visit their homes as a result of the infestation.
By law, council cannot address anything brought forward in public comment, some citizens inquired about the issue being on the next agenda, showing they are watching the issue closely.
The city has released a statement, saying, “When the City of Levelland first received complaints of Flour Beetles from Kaufman Addition Residents, city staff began investigating possible sources. City staff and code enforcement has visited the facilities in close proximity to the area where the complaints have originated and have yet to find any source of infestation. To date, all facilities have been cooperative in our efforts to find a source.”
The document also says if or when an infestation source is found, the City of Levelland will take whatever action it has the authority to pursue or notify the appropriate regulatory agencies. For further information contact Interim City Manager Joe Cavazos at 806-894-0113'