A block in Talybont South has been hit by an infestation of cockroaches and bedbugs, but Cardiff University is not telling students before they move in to replace those who have left.
Last semester one student moved out of her room in Block 23, while two others have been unable to sleep in their rooms while they are treated.
Students in several flats in the block have told gair rhydd that they have had cockroaches in their cupboards, bedrooms, and even fridges. The insects were reported to the University in September and are still there, despite traps being laid and pest control visits, although the number and regularity of sightings have fluctuated.
One student reported seeing a cockroach crawl across their pillow, while another said that one fell on their head as they opened their bedroom door.
Those who complained initially were offered alternative accommodation by the University but only one took it up, moving to Talybont Court. The others didn’t because of the disruption of moving.
In one flat at least two of the rooms have had bedbugs. One student moved back home to Newport after finding bedbugs and dead cockroaches in her bed despite her room having been treated. She is expecting to return to her room this weekend, having lived out of it on and off since October. At least one room in a different flat has also been affected.
Since then, an exchange student has moved into the room vacated due to cockroaches. She was only told of the problems by her new flatmates once she moved in. Another student had looked round the same room but decided not to move in after learning about the insects from the residents.
Richella Dennehy, who moved out of Talybont South because of the cockroaches, said that it was unfair for another student to move in without knowing about them.
“I think it’s quite mean,” she said, “I feel sorry for her.”
First-year psychology student James Tucker wrote to the residences manager at Talybont South last term asking for reimbursement of some of his £3,000-a-year residence fees. This was rejected in early December because immediate action had been taken. This action, however, did not solve the problem.
Richella also said that students who were still in the block should be compensated. “We’re paying three thousand pounds a year for this – no-one else has cockroaches, but we’re paying the same,” she said.
Welfare, Campaigns and Communications Officer Ed Dolding expressed concern about the allegations, and said he had contacted the residences department about them.
“If what has been reported is true, this is of course completely unacceptable. My personal opinion is that any student who is living in halls with such infestations should be compensated for the disruption caused and given the option to move if they wish until the problem is resolved.
“Furthermore, the idea that new students are being placed in flats that have been previously vacated because of an infestation that hasn’t yet been resolved borders on gross negligence on the part of the halls’ managers.”
He added that students with any housing-related issue should contact the Union’s Advice and Representation Centre.
A University spokesperson said: “Unfortunately, since September there have been instances of infestation of German Cockroaches at Talybont South which has lead to an intensive treatment regime.”
They added that treatments including regular spraying, gel bait, monitor pads, and night visits had been carried out by Aliard, the University’s supplier of Pest Control Services, and that feedback from tenants was positive.
The spokesperson added: “We have been advised that cockroaches can enter a building in luggage and food parcels received through delivery/postal systems. We also received a number of reports of bed bugs at Talybont South which were resolved by Aliard with one targeted treatment. Only 4 cases required additional treatment.
“Bed bugs are most frequently found in dwellings with a high rate of occupant turnover, such as student residences. In most cases this is not as a result of poor hygiene or bad housekeeping but that the previous occupant has come into contact with them at some stage. International travel and commerce is thought to facilitate the spread in luggage, clothing, bedding and furniture.”
Students in two of the flats also independently told gair rhydd that the flats did not appear to have been properly cleaned before they moved in at the start of last semester, and that further cleaning was needed for the kitchens after they moved in. A University spokesperson said that it had ongoing cleaning programmes for its residences, and had major cleans at key points in the year such as the start and end of the academic year.
The University’s response did not include an explanation of why it was not telling new residents of the problems before they moved in.
1. Ann Kendall
My daughter has paid a great deal of money for this room and it has been ongoing. It is unacceptable.
2. Common sence
If you have Cockroaches then probably you need to clean your flat more. These people gone to uni, Take some initiative, clean the whole flat, and seal up any holes or the skirting boards with some tape.
3. David
Totally agree with the poster above. If there’s cockroaches or any form of infestation in your flat, it’s probably because you don’t clean it enough.
Next you’ll be kicking holes in the wall and complaining that there’s a draft.
4. Anon
Pretty sure this is not a new problem. I had bugs in TalySouth in 2 years ago. They were identified as silverfish. Disgusting things.
5. Anon
Cockroaches are notoriously robust and almost impossible to eradicate without professional help once there is an infestation.
How is it acceptable to put new students into the flat without getting rid of them?
6. Anonymous
Cockroaches aren’t about cleanliness or blocking holes – they can go up and down pipes, for example.
7. Hannah Davis
The cockroaches were there BEFORE we moved into the building at the beginning of term (and the university knew this). Therefore your argument that all of us must be dirty is ridiculous. We keep our flats clean and tidy, however when we moved in the place was in a state and we had to call extra cleaners in because the kitchen was left in a filthy state over summer.
You can’t accuse students as living like animals because of stupid stereotypes. The university has been absolutely appalling in dealing (or not dealing) with this situation.
8. Sexy Robot
1) Sense is spelt like this, not “sence” 2) No capital “c” on cockroaches 3) It should be “These people HAVE gone to uni” 4) No capital “t” on take 5) David is clearly a cunt.