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Victims of cockroach infestation in West Utica sue owner of home where it started

By HILARY LANE

Story Created: Sep 19, 2011 at 12:43 PM EDT

Story Updated: Sep 19, 2011 at 12:54 PM EDT

UTICA, N.Y. (WKTV) - Neighbors and a county legislator appeared in Utica City Court Monday morning to make their case against reimbursement for extermination costs after a cockroach infestation in West Utica.

As a first step, the judge ordered the owner of 1226 Parker Street to present documentation by September 26 at 9 a.m., proving the home has been sprayed and sealed by a professional exterminator.

One neighbor was in court Monday morning with receipts totaling over $1,000 paid to a professional exterminator.

According to Oneida County Legislator Howard Welch, the infestation problem escalated after the homeowner of 1226 Parker Street sprayed for roaches, causing them to spread into into neighbors' homes.

"There were so many roaches that infested other people's porches and got into their homes. It is a major problem," says Welch.

Welch also said he is looking into a law requiring homeowners to seal their homes as soon an infestation problem arises. He is up for re-election in November.

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