MORRISTOWN (WATE) – A Morristown couple had to take matters into their own hands to rid their rental home of termites. They say their landlord never once came to assess the problem.
The opening to Robert and Michelle Davis’ attic had been infested with termites. The home owner’s sprayed the bugs themselves with a half empty jug of termite killer that had been left in the home.
The Davis family moved to the rental house on March 1. Pest control experts said termites usually begin to swarm when the temperature warms up in May and June.
Michele Davis said she freaked out when bugs flew into her bedroom last month. She says the termites came into the room from the ceiling opening.
She and her husband moved everything out of their bedroom, which used to be a garage. They now sleep in the living room, which offers little privacy.
“My whole bedroom was infested with them,” said Michele Davis. “They were all flying.”
Robert Davis took a solution of termite and ant killer that had been left in the home’s laundry room and sprayed the attic. He said the termites appear to be dead for now.
“I’ve been checking about three to four times a day making sure none are still alive,” said Robert Davis. “They could be coming back at any time now. I don’t know if I have a nest or they could be coming from somewhere else.”
The Davis’ monthly rent is $600 and they have a $600 deposit.
“The landlord, we told the landlord all about it,” said Robert Davis. “He’s basically not wanting to do nothing.”
However, Robert Davis said just hours before WATE 6 On Your Side’s visit, his landlord hired a pest control company to spray for ants outside of the house, but was not paid to spray the attic. He said a second pest control operator confirmed what was in the attic.
“He went up there and looked and said, it’s bad. it’s bad with termites,” said Robert Davis.
PHOTOS: Morristown couple struggles with landlord after termites invade attic
Tennessee’s Landlord Tenant Act says attic spaces should be sealed to prevent insects and rodents from entering a house, it’s a health issue. However, by statute, the Landlord Tenant Act does not apply in Hamblen County because it does not have a population greater than 68,000.
WATE 6 On Your Side called the landlord to ask about the termite. Vaughn McCoy was not available, but his wife said he is aware of termites in the attic and is taking care of the problem. She said her husband doesn’t want the home damaged.
A week later though, no pest control company has gone into the attic to spray for the termite. The Davis’ did say their landlord has given them a break.
“He says I can break the lease,” said Michelle Davis. “I just want out of here. It’s not healthy for me, it’s not healthy for my kids. I want to get out.”
Michelle Davis and her husband plan to look for a new rental home this month.
