City inspections uncover bed bugs, asbestos and rodents

BOSTON (WHDH) -- During surprise apartment inspections, the city uncovered health concerns such as bed bugs, rodents and asbestos, just as more than 70,000 new students move into Boston for the start of the fall semester.

One building in Allston had a number of serious problems.

"We determined that there was asbestos around the boiler room as well as in the laundry room,” said City Inspector, Bryan Glascock.

Boston Public Health officials sealed off the area immediately.

"We just want to make sure the building is safe, clean and healthy for them,” said Glascock. "We also had a lot of dumping in the back...overloaded dumpsters, rat problems so we're trying to give this a comprehensive approach."

Mayor Menino made his rounds at colleges and universities around Boston to make sure that the living conditions for students are safe.

With bed bugs being found in at least one building, not to mention rodents and asbestos, city inspectors have a clear message they want everyone to hear, not just students.

"What we need people in and around the area throughout the city of Boston is not to pick up any discarded furniture, mattresses, we went to a unit yesterday that was heavily infested with bed bugs,” said John Meaney, director of Environmental Services Unit.

Many of the students set to move in those units with rodents and bed bugs are being put up in hotel rooms while the problem is resolved.

Mayor Menino is proposing sweeping changes to the city's rental inspection ordinance to improve such situations.