News Feature                                                          For Immediate Release

                                                                                                              October 11, 2007

Bed Bugs on the Rise

Public Health has noticed a large increase in numbers of bed bug related calls, mostly in Owen Sound. This reflects reports of bed bug problems on the rise across Ontario. In larger urban areas, reported cases have increased by 600% from 2003 to 2005. The increase may be the result of changes in modern pest control practices including the use of insect specific baits and gels for other household pests. For example, ‘cockroach specific’ hormonal control does not work for bed bug control whereas in the past a general application of a broad-spectrum pesticide killed all the insects. 

In addition, more people are traveling abroad increasing the chance of bringing the insect back in their luggage. Once introduced, bed bugs often spread room to room throughout a building. Unlike cockroaches that feed on filth, the level of cleanliness has little to do with most bed bug infestations. Pristine homes, hotels and apartments have plenty of hiding places and an abundance of warm-blooded hosts. Thus, they are almost as vulnerable to infestation as are places of squalor.

Bed bugs do not spread disease to humans. Bed bugs are more of a nuisance than a health concern, although secondary skin infections from scratching the area of the bite are possible. The reaction from the bite usually goes away within hours or days without treatment.

Adult bed bugs are about 6 mm long and reddish brown, with oval, flattened bodies. They are sometimes mistaken for ticks or cockroaches. The immature nymph resembles the adults, but is smaller and somewhat lighter in color. Bed bugs do not fly, but can move over floors, walls, ceilings and other surfaces. During the day, bed bugs tend to hide close to where they feed for example, where people sleep. Bed bugs do not have nests, but they do tend to gather and hide in routine places. If bed bugs are present, there will be dark spotting and staining on sheets, mattress, pillow, carpets and clothing.

For further information call Public Health at 519-376-9420 or 1-800-263-3456 or visit our website at www.publichealthgreybruce.on.ca.

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Attachments: Backgrounder Bed Bugs [PDF]

For more information:

Andrew Barton

Manager, Health Hazard

Grey Bruce Health Unit

519-376-9420 or 1-800-263-3456 ext. 353