Alex Francis, aged 29, of Leverstock Green Road in Hemel Hempstead, used the pest control department last year to clear bed bugs from a property but he has now discovered the service has been slashed.

He learned of the cut when he asked inspectors to return and finish the job because the infestation in his rental property has reappeared.

"My frustration is they have closed down the department. They have cut the service and are not taking on any new cases," he said.

"It can take 18 months for bed bugs to die."

As a commercial client Mr Francis paid for the service but he is concerned for householders who cannot afford to pay.

"If there are people with bed bugs or mites who can't afford to have them treated privately, will they just be living in those conditions, whereas before they could have them treated?" he said.

The move was included in cuts of £2.8million agreed by the council as part of its budget in February.

Now the council will only deal with rat infestations.

Between March last year and April 1 inspectors dealt with 1,563 pest infestations, of which 735 were rats and 486 wasps.

Cutting the pest control service will save £84,000.

John Clarke, head of public protection at the council, advised residents with problems to use a private contractor.

"From April 1 the council only offers a free rat treatment service for domestic premises, as they are a danger to public health," he said.

Concerning previous bed bug treatments he said: "We advised homeowners that it is not possible to guarantee the total treatment of bed bugs.

"Past treatment doesn't imply entitlement to further treatment."

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