A DUNFERMLINE mum has been living in "hell" after a bed bug infestation left her young daughter afraid to enter their home.

Stacey Miller, 33, is a Fife Council tenant in the high-rise flats on Broomhead Drive and has been struggling for more than five months with the persistent insects.

She told the Press that the local authority had refused to offer help to fumigate her home, an expensive service which she believes is her only hope left for removing the bugs.

Stacey, who lives with her husband, Jamie, and five-year-old daughter, Lexie, has already replaced furniture such as beds and sofas with the help of her social worker. .

"When we first got them I thought something has to happen, I had the social worker help to get us new beds but they came back with a vengeance," Stacey said.

"It's making my physically unwell now, Lexie is scared to come back into the house, she's covered in bites, even her school has asked about it."

Stacey continued: "I don't know what else to do, I've steamed the house and cleaned top to bottom, it's hard now as it is but this is getting over the top, it's affecting me every day.

"I've got to live with it and I feel really dirty, I can't do it, I live in hell, I just want out of here."

It could cost hundreds of pounds to privately hire a fumigation service, money Stacey says she doesn't have, with family members having already chipped in to help her buy recommended cleaning products.

She will also likely find herself in the position of having to replace furniture all over again, as well as the carpet in her daughter's room.

Stacey has already steamed areas of her home and says she has followed every piece of advice offered, but is still plagued by the tiny insects.

"I don't know where they're coming from," she added.

"I spoke to next door and they've not had them for years, but it's getting out of control.

"Anytime I ask my housing officer she says they can't do anything.

"I have phoned the council pest control and they said all they can do are slugs and carpet bugs, for bed bugs it would cost an arm and a leg to have someone come out."

Lynne Johnston, Fife Council's housing manager, confirmed that her team had been in contact with Stacey.

She said: "We have given advice on how to deal with this issue and help the family get rid of these pests.

"However if the problem is continuing, we can look at other ways we can help and support."