Vermont Family Sues Exterminator for Allegedly Using Banned Pesticide

A Vermont family who said their home was made unlivable by an exterminator who used a banned pesticide has filed a civil suit against a New York pest control business.

The Rutland Herald reports that Neil and Patricia Whitney filed the suit in federal court against Nature’s Way Pest Control, alleging it engaged in unfair and deceptive acts and practices in violation of the Vermont Consumer Fraud Act.

The Rutland couple has said a foster child brought bedbugs into their home in 2012 and that the state hired an exterminator. But they say the exterminator used excessive amounts of a prohibited and possibly dangerous pesticide.

The Glens Falls, New York, company said in a filing this week the court should disregard the allegations because the couple is presenting unproven claims as fact.