Toronto experiencing a dramatic spike in bed bug infestations
Toronto is experiencing a dramatic spike in the number of bed bug infestations, according to a new report.
The report, funded in part by the city and the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long Term care, found that over an eight-month period in 2008, Toronto Public Health received 1,500 reports of bed bug infestations.
For all of 2003, in comparison, the city’s public health department received 46 such complaints.
The report says a rise in infestations isn’t unique to Toronto — Ontario towns like Ottawa, Owen Sound and London have also been hit. Meanwhile, New York City and even some cities in Australia have reported similar spikes in the past five years.
City of Toronto’s tips for dealing with bed bugs:
- Contact your local health department or a pest control professional immediately to confirm if your home has bed bugs.
- Inspect your mattress, bed frame and any other nooks where bugs are likely to hide.
- Vacuum bugs and their eggs, using a nozzle attachment.
- Wash all linens and sheets in hot water.
- Seal any cracks in walls, baseboards and floors with caulking.
- Monitor how many bed bugs you have by leaving out glue boards or sticky tape to catch bugs.
- If necessary, consult a pest control professional for extermination options.
