Larger cities and travel centres saw significant bed bug sightings in 2019, according to Orkin Canada’s third annual list of top bed bug cities.
Infestations were prevalent across the country, from federal buildings to private homes. Orkin reports in the past twenty years the pests have gone from a rarely experienced irritant to a major problem, thriving in both clean and dirty homes.
The findings are based on the number of commercial and residential bed bug treatments carried out by the company between the period of January 1 – December 31, 2019.
This year’s top ten bed bug cities are:
- Toronto
- Winnipeg
- Vancouver
- St. John’s
- Ottawa
- Scarborough
- Halifax
- Oshawa
- Sudbury
- Hamilton
Bed bugs can be identified by noticing tiny dark coloured stains, cast skins or live bugs. The most effective places to look for bed bugs is on mattress tags and seams, under seat cushions, behind headboards, creases of drawers, buckling wallpaper and carpets.
Careful examination of bags and clothing, drying potentially infested bed linens or clothing on the highest heat setting and inspecting all second-hand furniture before bringing it into your home are ways to prevent hitchhiking bed bugs.
