A Michigan class canceled trick-or-treat festivities after a vacant house on the block became overrun with cockroaches. Authorities were fearful that cockroaches would hit a ride home with the youngsters out seeking candy.
"It doesn’t matter whether you’re a tidy person, a hoarder, roaches come in all these houses," Becky Wallace, who lives near the infested home, told Click on Detroit. The city is located about 11 miles south of Detroit.
Ultimately authorities decided to cancel trick-or-treating near 20th Street. Another hazard was people could step on cockroach eggs and spread them throughout the area.
Cockroach infestation spoils Halloween for one Michigan street. Sidewalks in the area will be closed from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Monday to prevent "further roach migration." #infestation #detroit #halloween #wyandotte #insects #michigan #trick-or-treating https://t.co/iteUwMrtJ7
— RSS News Hub (@RSSNewsHub) October 31, 2022
"It is in the best interest of citizens to close 20th street and the sidewalks from Eureka to Grove on Monday, October 31, 2022, from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm," the city wrote in a letter to residents.
"Barricades and signage will be placed on the street and at sidewalks at Grove, the intersections of Orchard and Pine, and at Eureka, closing the street and sidewalk to vehicles and pedestrians. It is recommended that Trick 'r Treating be discouraged in this area," the letter continued.
Walking on the streets could actually be helpful in killing the cockroaches, but the eggs could spread and survive according to City Council member Todd Hanna.
The city is currently in the process of addressing the issue, but it will take some time.
