July 2015
Often unseen, bed bugs are multiplying in record numbers. They are costly to eradicate and condo buildings can be an ideal breeding area for them.
When bed bugs are encountered within a condo suite, it is important to effectively deal with the situation quickly so as to prevent them from spreading to other condo suites. Building management should be informed of the situation so they can work to avoid a building-wide infestation.
A bed bug is reddish-brown, about three millimetres long and oval-shaped. They are often found hiding in mattress seams and emerge at night. Their bite is similar to a mosquito bite – a red welt that is itchy.
Bed bugs can spread via bags, clothing, discarded furniture and electronics. Peak season for bed bugs is between June and October. Weather is warmest during these months and they reproduce faster during this period. Warmer weather allows bed bugs to survive longer making it easier to inadvertently transfer them to other locations.
Bed bugs can live for 12-18 months hidden in walls, clothing or clutter between feedings. This makes them extremely difficult to eradicate.
The only way to eliminate bed bugs is to kill off all adults and eggs inside your home. This can be done by heating them to a temperature of at least 49 degrees Celsius (120 degrees Fahrenheit). It can also be done by freezing them to at least -18 degrees Celsius (0 degrees Fahrenheit) for two to four days, or to -7 degrees Celsius (20 degrees Fahrenheit) for about a week. While this may be possible for select items which become infested, the do-it-yourself approach is unlikely to work for larger items, complete rooms or suites.
In February 2015, five children were treated due to exposure to a pesticide called phosphine. Two of the children did not survive. Phosphine tablets were spread throughout an apartment suite. Phosphine is used to control pests in commodities such as bulk grains, stored food products and animal feed. Phosphine is illegal for use in treating bed bugs in Canada. The phosphine was purchased in Pakistan and illegally brought into Canada. There were no reports of bed bugs or other pest problems in the building.
How to Identify a Bed Bug Problem
- Small red bites on the skin
- Black droppings and/or insect husks in mattress seams and/or on headboard
- Blood spots on the mattress
Avoid Bed Bug Sprays
These can make the problem worse. Most insect sprays are ineffective against bed bugs. Spraying bed bugs can widen an infestation as they spread out from an initial infestation.
Call an Exterminator
Eliminating a bed bug infestation requires special vacuums, chemicals, steam and other material.
Tips to Avoid Bed Bugs
- Frequently clean and vacuum your home
- Seal cracks and crevices where bugs can enter
- Do not bring home electronics or furniture discarded by others
- Declutter to minimize bed bug hiding places
- Wash bedding at least weekly – keep in dryer for at least 30 minutes
- Regularly steam clean furniture
- Check mattresses weekly
- When travelling, inspect luggage and clothing before returning home
