Tiny and blood-sucking bed bugs are a growing public health problem in Canada, especially here in Toronto.
And it just so happens that Toronto was once again ranked the worst city in the country for bed bugs, according to an annual ranking by pest control company Orkin Canada.
While the number of bed bugs was down 20% year over year, Orkin Canada was still in first place for the second year in a row, according to Orkin Canada.
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While Toronto takes the top spot, several other cities in Ontario made it onto this year’s list, including Sudbury (2nd), Oshawa (3rd), Scarborough (7th), Whitby (8th), Ottawa (10th), Hamilton (13th), Timmins (14th), North York (15th), Mississauga (16th), Etobicoke (17th), Sault Ste. Marie (18th), Windsor (21st), North Bay (22nd) and Brampton (25th).
According to Orkin, the results are based on the number of commercial and residential bed bug treatments the company did from January 1 to December 31, 2020.
Of course, getting your city on the list is important, but it’s important to note that bed bug sightings are declining year over year, which can be attributed to public health actions to combat COVID-19.
“Travel bans, stay-at-home orders, and a general shift to remote work have resulted in fewer hitchhikers getting around for the first time since Orkin Canada’s annual survey was published five years ago,” the press release said .
However, the company says bed bugs will likely be back in business when things return to normal.
“Because of their ability to double the population roughly every 16 days, bedbugs shouldn’t have a hard time getting a grip on the Canadian market again.”
According to Orkin, these pesky insects can be identified by noticing tiny dark spots, cast skins, or live insects most commonly on mattress panels and seams, pillows under the seat, behind headboards, creases in drawers, wrinkled wallpaper, and carpets.
Bed bugs are attracted to the carbon dioxide and heat that humans give off. Orkin says they are particularly interested in multi-sales, high-turnover buildings like hotels or rental apartments, where they are often brought in with luggage or used furniture.
According to Orkin, if you find bed bugs calling your home, you can prevent them from infecting your home by inspecting bags and clothes, drying potentially infested bedding or clothes on the highest heat setting, and inspecting any used furniture beforehand to bring it to you home.
And think of Toronto, don’t let the bed bugs bite you.
