Category Archives: Canada Bed Bugs

Just spraying pesticides is not the solution

Control of bed bugs is best achieved by following an integrated pest management (IPM) approach that involves multiple tactics, such as preventive measures, sanitation, and chemicals, steam or heat applied to targeted sites.

Bed bugs are challenging pests to control. They hide in many tiny places, so inspections and treatments must be thorough. In most cases, it will be prudent to enlist the services of a professional pest control firm. (see professionals who specialize in bedbug control)

Experienced companies know where to look for bed bugs, and have an assortment of management tools at their disposal. Owners and occupants will need to assist the professional in important ways. Affording access for inspection and treatment is essential, and excess clutter should be removed. In some cases, infested mattresses and box springs will need to be discarded. Since bed bugs can disperse throughout a building, it may also be necessary to inspect adjoining rooms and apartments.

Bed bugs were treated years ago by wholesale spraying of pesticides. This practice is no longer permitted. Thoroughness is still important, but treatments today are generally more targeted and judicious. It often takes hours to properly inspect and treat a bed bug infestation, and follow-up visits are usually required.

Infested bedding and garments will need to be bagged and laundered (120F minimum), or discarded since these items cannot be treated with insecticides. Smaller items that cannot be laundered can sometimes be de-infested by heating. Individual items, for example, can be wrapped in black plastic bags and placed in a hot, sunny location for at least a few days (the 120F minimum target temperature should be monitored in the centermost location with a thermometer). Bedbugs also succumb to cold temperatures below freezing, but the chilling period must be maintained for at least two weeks. Attempts to rid an entire home or apartment of bed bugs by raising or lowering the thermostat will be entirely unsuccessful. Vacuuming can be very useful for removing bugs and eggs from mattresses, carpet, walls, and other surfaces. Pay particular attention to seams, tufts and edges of mattresses and box springs, and the perimeter edge of wall-to-wall carpets. Afterward, dispose of the vacuum contents in a sealed trash bag. Steam cleaning of carpets is also helpful for killing bugs and eggs that vacuuming may have missed. Repair cracks in plaster and glue down loosened wallpaper to eliminate bed bug harborage sites. Remove and destroy wild animal roosts and bird nests when possible.

While the former measures are helpful, insecticides are important for bed bug elimination. Pest control professionals treat using a variety of low-odor sprays, dusts, and aerosols. (Baits designed to control ants and cockroaches are ineffective). Application entails treating all cracks and crevices where the bugs are discovered, or tend to hide. Eliminating bed bugs from mattresses and box springs is challenging. If there are holes or tears in the fabric, the bugs and eggs may be inside, as well as outside. There also are restrictions on how beds can be treated with pesticides. For these reasons, pest control firms often recommend that infested beds be discarded. If disposal isnt an option, encasing the mattress and box spring will be helpful if bugs are still present. (Allergy supply companies sell zippered bed encasements for dust mite prevention). Some pest control firms treat seams, tufts, and crevices of bed components, but they will not spray the mattress surface, bed sheets, blankets, or clothing. Vacuuming and brushing will further help to remove bugs and eggs from mattresses and box springs that cannot be discarded. Some pest control firms also treat beds with portable steam machines. The technique is useful, but does not kill bugs or eggs that are hidden inside the box spring or mattress.

Just spraying pesticides is not the solution! Residual insecticides (usually pyrethroids) are applied as spot treatments to cracks and crevices where bed bugs are hiding. Increased penetration of the insecticide into cracks and crevices can be achieved if accumulated dirt and debris are first removed using a vacuum cleaner. Many readily available aerosol pesticide sprays will cause bed bugs to scatter making eradication more difficult. Dust formulations may be used to treat wall voids and attics. Repeat insecticide applications if bed bugs are present two weeks after the initial treatment since it is difficult to find all hiding places and hidden eggs may have hatched.

Insecticides should not be used on bedding or linens. These items should be dry cleaned or laundered in hot water and dried using the hot setting.

Starting from the top left, moving counter clockwise: eggs (1mm), 1st stage nymph (1.5 mm), 2nd stage nymph (2 mm), 3rd stage nymph (2.5 mm), 4th stage nymph (3 mm), 5th stage nymph (1.5 mm), unfed adult (5.5 mm), and fed adult.

COLUMBUS, Ohio Ohio State University entomologists have found that over-the-counter foggers or bug bombs commonly usedby consumers are not effective at killing bedbugs providing the first scientific evidence that such products should not berecommended for control of this increasingly worrisome, bloodsucking pest. The study appears in the June 2012 issue of theJournal of Economic Entomology, a peer-reviewed publication of the EntomologicalSociety of America. There has always been this perception and feedback from the pest-management industry that over-the-counter foggers are not effectiveagainst bedbugs and might make matters worse, said Susan Jones, an urban entomologist with the universitys Ohio AgriculturalResearch and Development Center (OARDC) and a household and structural pest specialist with Ohio State University Extension.But up until,now there has been no published data regarding the efficacy of foggers against bedbugs.

Because a majority of bedbugs spend most of the time hiding in protected sites (under sheets and mattresses, in cracks and crevices,deep inside carpets, etc.), Jones said it is very unlikely that they will be exposed to the insecticide mist from foggers. And even if theycome into contact with the mist, she added, many bedbug populations found in Ohio and throughout the U.S. have varying degrees ofresistance to pyrethroids and will most likely survive application.

Bug Bombs or total release aerosol insecticides never work for bed bugs and can be very dangerous when used.

The mobile nature of bed bugs limits their prevention. Avoidance is especially challenging in hotels, motels, and apartments because occupants and their belongings are constantly changing. This affords many opportunities for the bugs to be introduced. Householders should be wary of acquiring secondhand beds, bedding, and furniture. At a minimum, such items should be examined closely before being brought into the home. When traveling in countries where bed bugs are prevalent, it might be prudent to examine the bed and headboard area for signs of the bugs, and elevate luggage off the floor. Warehouses, storage facilities, trucks and railroad cars may be infested so common bed bugs can infest homes by stowing away on new furniture stored or shipped from these places. Familiarity may help to avoid infestation, or at least prompt earlier intervention by a professional.

Michael F. Potter, Extension Entomologist University of Kentucky College of Agriculture:

Bed bugs are challenging pests to control. They hide in many tiny places, so inspections and treatments must be very thorough. In most cases, it will be prudent to enlist the services of a professional pest control firm. Experienced companies know where to look for bed bugs, and have an assortment of management tools at their disposal.

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Bed Bug Control

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How to Get Rid Of Bed Bugs - PEST CONTROL CANADA

What is a bed bug?

Bed bugs are small, reddish-brown insects with flat, oval bodies. They are usually 5 to 7 millimetres long (3/8 of an inch). They cannot fly, but can travel quickly. Bed bug nymphs (babies) are about 1 to 4 millimetres long and yellow-white in colour.

Bed bugs feed on the blood of humans and animals. Unlike some parasites, such as fleas or lice, bed bugs do not live on their hosts, but only visit them to feed. They are most active at night and usually feed weekly. Most live for 4 to 6 months, but some may live up to a year with no food. Female bed bugs can lay about 500 eggs in their lifetime.

A bed bug bite usually causes a red bump or flat welt that may be itchy. Bed bugs tend to bite exposed parts of the body (not covered by clothes) such as the face, neck, arms and hands. Several bites may occur close together on the body because bed bugs usually feed more than once. The bites take 1 to 2 weeks to go away.

Bed bugs prefer to hide close to their hosts, which is why their first choice is beds. They can be found in homes, hotels, student residences and shelters. Bed bugs can hitch a ride on such things as clothing, backpacks, luggage and even books.

There is no evidence that bed bugs spread disease to people. However, public health officials remain concerned about bed bugs because scratching a bite can sometimes cause a skin infection, which can become serious. Applying an antiseptic lotion or antibiotic cream to the area can help prevent infection.

Bed bug infestations can cause significant stress, worry, and insomnia (not being able to sleep). In addition, getting rid of bed bugs can be expensive and time consuming.

Symptoms of an infection include:

If you have symptoms, contact your health care provider or call 8-1-1 to speak to a registered nurse.

Some people may have an allergic reaction to a bed bug bite, usually a small skin reaction in the bite area. In rare cases, some may have severe reactions. Allergic sensitivity may increase the more a person is bitten. If you are concerned about your symptoms, see your health care provider.

Bite marks on your body, especially around your face, neck, arms and hands, are a sign of bed bugs. To know for sure that you have bed bugs look for the following signs:

You should inspect the following areas for bed bugs:

Try to collect a bed bug for identification. Contact a pest control professional or your local health authority if you need help.

To stop bed bugs from entering your home:

There are nonchemical and chemical options for treating bed bug infestations. Often, both types of treatments will be required. Getting help from a qualified pest management professional is recommended. Pest control companies often use chemical insecticides or very high heat. More than one application will likely be necessary.

Building owners should check municipal bylaws before trying to treat infestations on their own.

For more information on how to get rid of bed bugs or to find a licensed pest control company in your areas, visit:

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Bed Bugs | HealthLinkBC File 95

Bed bugs. Those two words are enough to make many peoples skin crawl. These little parasitic insects are a common problem in cities around the world and British Columbia is no exception. There was a time when bed bugs were virtually eradicated in the developed world, however, over the last two decades there has been a resurgence in their number.

There are many misconceptions regarding bed bugs and how bed bug infestations develop. It is very important for landlords and tenants to note that bed bugs are not necessarily a cleanliness issue. These insects can be brought into the home in a variety of manners, many of which are common day-to-day occurrences. For example, second hand furniture, books, and electronics can carry bed bugs. They can also come in by hitchhiking on visitors who have been in an area with a bed bug infestation; and these infestations are not limited to residential dwellings. Offices, libraries, and hotels have all experienced bed bug infestations.

The best way to prevent a bed bug infestation is to avoid bringing the bugs into the home in the first place. Vancouver Coastal Health provides tips on bed bug prevention, including washing and drying second hand clothes on a hot setting and when travelling, inspect your sleeping quarters for bed bugs as this will allow you to take additional precautions upon your return home.

Bed bug prevention guides can be found here and are available in English, Vietnamese, and Chinese languages.

What do bed bugs look like and how to spot them?

According to Brent Hampton of 1st Pest Control, Bed bugs look like tiny beetles and in their earlier stages of development, they can be translucent and milky white/yellowish in colour. As they develop into adults, they darken to a brownish-red colour. At their largest, they are smaller than an apple seed and as flat as a credit card.

Who is responsible when a bed bug infestation is discovered in a rental unit?

A question LandlordBC is often asked is who is responsible for the treatment of the unit if a bed bug infestation is discovered? The simple answer is that the landlord or property manager is responsible for the treatment of the unit. However, the tenant is responsible for cooperating with the landlords efforts to manage the bed bug infestation such as prepping the unit for treatment, washing and bagging clothing etc.

To treat the bed bug infestation the landlord will, most likely, need to enter the rental unit. Landlords have the right to enter the property to inspect and maintain rental units, however, tenants must be given a proper written notice and the landlord can only enter between the hours of 8:00 am and 9:00 pm. In cases of emergency, such as a flood of fire, the landlord can enter the unit without notice. Treating an apartment for bed bugs is not considered an emergency and therefore, tenants must be given proper notice and adequate time to prepare the units for the application of a pesticide.

What is the solution to control bed bugs?

Early detection is key to addressing an infestation. As noted above, bed bugs can make their way into rental units in a variety of fashions and once they are there they can be tricky to eradicate. There is no fast, inexpensive solution to bed bugs and a licensed pest control operator will be required because if the job is not done properly, the bed bugs will return and continue to spread! This creates a bigger infestation and the costs associated with treatment will increase.

Unfortunately, due to the behaviors of bed bugs, there is often a chance that more than one units will be infested, even if the other tenants have not noticed any bugs or have not experienced any bites. The pest control operator will advise if there is a need to treat neighbouring units. The rules regarding notice of entry will apply to those units as well. The landlord is responsible for the cost of treatment needed to eradicate bug bugs. However, if the treatment is successfully completed and the bed bugs return, the tenant would then be responsible for the cost thereafter.

Preparation is key to a successful bed bug treatment and prevention of further infestation. It is important that landlords are communicating with their tenants regarding what is required of them to ensure that the treatment is effective. For example, clearing out shelves, laundering all clothing and bedding, moving furniture away from walls, and removing clutter. It is important that all parties work together to address this issue, however if for some reason the tenant refuses to properly prepare their unit for treatment the landlord can issue a caution notice which could lead to a 1 month notice to end tenancy.

Are there any new developments or technologies in fighting bed bugs?

Mr. Hampton believes that the newest technology is heat treatment, a method thats been around for about a decade and has proven to be the most effective method of killing bed bugs, provided the pre-treatment preparation is followed precisely. Its worth noting that heat treatments are much more than simply setting up an industrial heater and leaving it on for a set amount of time. These heaters can not only be dangerous, but also destructive to possessions and not effective if the core temperature of every item in the home doesnt reach the killing temperature, adds Mr. Hampton. When dealing with bed bugs, the best option is to call a professional pest control company to resolve the issue. The pest control specialist will guide both the landlord and the tenant on how to prepare for the infestation treatment and tailor an inspection and/or treatment plan according the specific requirements.

See the article here:
Bed Bugs: What are a landlords responsibilities? LandlordBC

According to a national pest control company, Halifax is the fifth worst city in Canada when it comes to bed bugs.

Orkin Canada based the ranking on how many bed bug treatments it performed in both residential and commercial settings across the country in 2018.

Toronto topped the list, followed by Winnipeg, St. John's and Vancouver.

Ottawa, Hamilton, Sudbury, Windsor and Scarborough round out the rest of the top 10.

The pests are oval shaped and flat, have six legs, two antennae and no wings.

Adults are around 5 mm in length but some can swell up to 10 mm after feeding.

Bed bug nymphs are approximately 1-4 mm in length -- around the size of the head of a pin -- and are white or a golden colour until they feed.

Because the pests are good hitchhikers, the company says early detection is key to reducing the chance of an infestation.

Other than actually spotting one, tiny dark coloured stains, cast skins and bites on the legs, arms, neck, or face are signs that they may be around.

The little blood suckers can be found anywhere, but mattress tags and seams, under seat cushions, behind headboards, in the creases of drawers, and buckling wallpaper or carpet are some of their favourite hiding spots.

Orkin says doing the following can help preventbed bugs in your home:

More here:
Halifax fifth worst city in Canada for bed bugs ...

One of Canadaslargest pest control providers has released a new list that no city should be happy to top.

With the announcement that Orkin Canada expects the next 12 months to be a bumper year for bed bugs in Canada, thepest control company has released data to show the 25 most afflicted cities across the country.

For those of you not in the know, bed bugs areparasiticinsectsof thecimicidfamily thatfeed exclusively on blood. In the case of the most common bed bug, the blood they feed on is human blood.

To be clear, Orkin Canadasdata is derivedexclusively from the number of commercial and residential properties that have received bed bug treatment directly from Orkin between July 1, 2016andJune 30, 2017.

Thebed bug registryallows people to search for houses, hotels, and apartments that may or may not have had a reported case of bed bugs. It has information available for most major Canadian cities including Metro Vancouver and Toronto.

According to Orkin, tips for homeowners and vacationers include:

Of Canadas top 25 bed bug cities, a large number are located in Ontario, but it seems no major city across the country is safe from high levels of infestation.

Bedbugs across Canada (Orkin)

So sleep tight! And dont let the bed bugswell, you know.

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Daily Hive Staff

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These are the 25 worst cities in Canada for bed bugs ...