A disabled woman and her 90-year-old mum say they were left feeling “stressed” and sleeping on furniture after their flat became infested with bed bugs.

Debbie Adams, 60, and mum June Fullagar were advised to remain in their top floor home on St Mary’s Island, Chatham following the discovery on Saturday, June 3.

They were told by their housing providers they could leave the apartment but it was suggested while inside the complex they avoid visiting communal areas.

The pair said up until last week, when pest control officers were called to deal with the outbreak at the supported housing scheme, staff delivered meals to their door and dealt with their laundry.

Southern Housing, which runs Atlas Place, took prompt action last Thursday shortly after KentOnline made contact and has now wiped out the infestation.

A spokesman said: “Under our policy, it’s the resident’s responsibility to arrange for any pest found on their property to be dealt with.

“However, when we discovered an issue with bed bugs at Atlas Place, we took immediate action to help our residents

“To contain the infestation and prevent the bed bugs from spreading, we advised both Debbie Adams and June Fullagar to remain in their flat.”

The housing company’s onsite care team have been actively supporting them with tasks such as laundry and delivering meals to ensure their “comfort and well-being during this time”.

But the women, who were moved to the flat by Medway Council in April, said the ordeal has left them feeling “stressed” and “anxious”.

Debbie, who suffers from learning difficulties, said her mother had been forced to sleep on a reclining chair in the living room.

Her bedroom had been sealed off after a member of staff discovered the insects on Saturday, June 3.

Fighting back tears, she said: “I have gone out but was asked to go back in as I could be carrying eggs on my clothes.

“All we have done is watch television all day.”

Her son, who lives in Devon and wished to remain anonymous, said he was “angry” at the way it had been handled.

He said: “This is no way to treat any human being, let alone a 60 and a 90-year-old.

“I’m sure they had no idea they were responsible for getting rid of the bugs.”

Southern Housing sent a pest control company to visit the property last Thursday (July 13) and the company footed the bill for its fumigation.

The spokesman said: “After treatment, they will need to wash everything on a 60 degree wash.

“The bedding has been bagged up and destroyed as it was full of bugs and eggs. Our staff wear full PPE when entering the flat to deliver care and food.”

He added they were not aware of a widespread problem at Atlas Place but were monitoring the situation and encouraging residents to contact them with any concerns.

Bed bug infestations occur year-round and are one of the hardest pests to eradicate.

They are oval-shaped insects about a quarter-inch long and appear reddish brown in colour, after feeding on human blood.

The pests hide in cracks and crevices in bed frames and furniture, ironing boards, sofas, curtains, behind wallpaper, and inside electrical equipment, such as TVs.

Bed bugs have been increasing in the UK since 2003 due to business travel, foreign holidays and immigration.

The critters can be brought into your home in travel bags, clothing and purchase of second-hand clothing and furniture.

They are also known to breed and bite more during hot weather and can lay dormant for up to five months.

Infestations often occur in hotel bedrooms that lots of people have used as well as other places where there is high amounts and turnover of people, such as cinemas.