An Ipswich family of six have said they "can't cope anymore" as their home has been overrun with cockroaches. 

Alisha and Reece Jones, 33 and 34 respectively, live with their four children, dog and three cats in a two-bedroom council flat in Pickwick Road, Chantry. 

Two years ago, Alisha returned home from hospital after suffering a stroke to discover her home of more than a decade had become a haven for cockroaches. 

Ipswich Star: Alisha (right), Reece (left) and their four children aged 9, 10, 13 and 14. Credit: Jones familyAlisha (right), Reece (left) and their four children aged 9, 10, 13 and 14. Credit: Jones family (Image: Jones family)

"Since then, it has been a nightmare," said the mum of four. 

"We're lying awake because they're crawling over our faces.

"We also can't cook because the insects run across the hobs."

The family were initially offered temporary accommodation by Ipswich Borough Council, but issues arose when their dog was sent to kennels. 

"I couldn't abandon him because he supports me," said Alisha. 

Ipswich Star: The issue started more than two years ago. Credit: Jones familyThe issue started more than two years ago. Credit: Jones family (Image: Jones family)

"When he got there, he was so distressed that he caused thousands of pounds worth of damage."

The cause of the infestation is unclear, but experts have told them it is not linked to their living conditions.

The family claims, prior to IBC paying for fumigation treatment, the council "refused to help" for two years and told them it was their responsibility. 

Ipswich Star: The cause of the infestation remains unclear. Credit: Jones familyThe cause of the infestation remains unclear. Credit: Jones family (Image: Jones family)

"But we're having to wait in the car for four hours while the house is fumigated," said Alisha. 

"It's now having a toll on my mental health and we're all feeling traumatized.

"We're at our wits' end and we can't cope with this anymore."

A spokesman for Ipswich Borough Council said: "Pest control forms part of a tenants duty of care for a property in the tenancy agreement, but we are supporting residents of a flat in Pickwick Road with a treatment at their property.

Ipswich Star: The council is now carrying out fumigation work in the flat. Credit: Jones familyThe council is now carrying out fumigation work in the flat. Credit: Jones family (Image: Jones family)

"Two of four treatments have so far taken place by expert contractors, which requires tenants to leave for a short period whilst each treatment occurs.

"The tenants initially accepted temporary accommodation plus kennels for their dog, but chose to return to the property to care for pets there against advice."