Toronto leads Canada in mattress bugs, however COVID crawls again sightings

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According to Orkin Canada’s annual bed bug report, Toronto was listed as the best bed bug city out of 25 Canadian cities in 2020. Photo by ORKIN CANADA /.ORKIN CANADA

However, Orkin Canada said bed bug cases could be expected to pick up again after the economy reopens.

“Because of their ability to double the population roughly every 16 days, it shouldn’t be difficult for bed bugs to regain control of the Canadian market,” the company said.

Behind Toronto in the top 10 are Sudbury, Oshawa, Vancouver, Winnipeg, St. Johns, Scarborough, Whitby, Edmonton and Ottawa.

Compared to last year, Toronto and Vancouver retained positions 1 and 4, while Ottawa fell from 5 to 10 and Whitby climbed from 20 to 8.

The survey results are based on the number of commercial and home bed bug treatments the company performed from January 1 to December 31, 2020.

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Toronto Public Health did not comment on the survey but directed the media to the city’s website for instructions on how to prepare an insect sample to identify bed bugs. The three steps are prevention, identification and treatment of the problem.

“It is possible for anyone to infect bed bugs, regardless of income or living space. Bed bugs and bed bug infestations are not considered a health risk, ”says the department on the website. “However, secondary health problems include skin infections and allergic reactions from insect bites, as well as the stress and fear of dealing with extreme infections.”

Orkin Canada says people can use proactive prevention tips like carefully inspecting bags and clothing, drying potentially infected bedding or clothing on the highest heat setting, and inspecting any used or returned office furniture.

jyuen@postmedia.com