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Bed Bugs Epidemic in Toronto
Toronto has more problems than a garbage strike and budget woes. It has a serious bed bug problem. Being bitten is the one way to know that you have a bed bug infestation. For tenants it is the landlord's responsibility to pay for pest control; home owners will pay themselves for this service. Anyone can get bed bugs; there is a myth that they are found in homeless shelters or dirty homes. That's not true. They are found in buildings where there are a lot of people: apartments, co-ops, hotels, businesses and offices. Unfortunately one spraying isn't enough. Three weeks later a second spraying is usually needed to get rid of those bed bugs that hadn't hatched before the first spraying. Diligence is imperative! Vacuuming floor boards, floors, carpets, sofas and beds: wherever they may hide is important. Steaming their hiding spots is a good idea. Launder affected clothing using the hottest setting for both the washer and dryer as soon as possible; in the interim store infested clothing in a plastic bag that is tightly sealed and make certain it is free of rips or holes. These steps are often referred to as Integrated Pest Management (IPM). Diatomaceous EarthThere is another method to deal with bed bugs but generally a combination of efforts are required. Diatomaceous Earth is a natural chalk like substance available in some Pet Stores. It is a powder that can be spread around the bed and the sofa and various cracks in the walls. Walking across it will cause bed bugs to die; but not right away. Don't mistake the kind used in pools it is not the same Diatomaceous Earth. Anyone can get bed bugs at any time. Toronto Public Health's website has a lot of information available on the issue but the key thing is to take action immediately before one or two becomes an infestation. |
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