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Bed bugs spread in Ottawa

The spread of bed bugs in Ottawa, Ontario was the feature of a short article by Daniel Proussalidis with Kristi Soble on CFRA.com, the website of CFRA radio 580.

David Saunders from Paramount Pest Control tells CFRA News the [bed bug] problem is rampant in rooming houses and hostels.

But Saunders adds it’s just as bad in homes and hotels across the capital.

“Even a year ago from right now I would get maybe a call a month or something. I’m receiving three to five calls a day for bed bugs now, ” Saunders says.

This kind of statistic, from individual PCOs, is very compelling.  In the absence of government tracking of bed bug infestations, it is also all we have sometimes.

There was also some advice for travelers about avoiding bed bugs:

Saunders suggests, if you’re staying in a hotel, you can leave your luggage in your vehicle and wash your clothes at an off-site facility.

We don’t usually suggest leaving items in the car or doing laundry regardless of known exposure to bed bugs, but they are not bad ideas, not at all.  Certainly easier than worrying about how to get rid of bed bugs once you have them.

Saunders suggests that

a lack of awareness about bed bugs, and areas not being treated properly have contributed to the boom over the last year.

Although these factors are obvious contributors to the spread of bed bugs, they actually aren’t articulated very often, especially in news articles which seem to gravitate towards other, hoarier chestnuts (DTT, global travel, etc.).

You can read the article here.

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  1. hopelessnomo | Jan 10, 2008 | Reply

    That is indeed refreshing. The proliferation of secondary infestations from untreated or incorrectly treated primary infestations has to be a major factor in the spread.

    And lack of awareness! But I hope at least The Bedbug Bandit has done his part in spreading the word, not the bug. ;)

  2. a tenant in Ottawa | May 14, 2008 | Reply

    Mechanicsville and Hintonburg apts in Ottawa are infested with bedbugs, cockroaches, etc the problem was first noticed 5 years ago in several homes and apts, the slumlords of that area collect the rents, and do nothing for their tenants, most who are on fixed incomes, the area is full of hookers, drugged out crackheads and drunks… the streets to be leery of are the following
    Hinchey Avenue (north of Scott St) Forward Avenue, Stirling Avenue, Phiney Avenue, Garland, Armstrong, Ladoceur, Merton Street, Irving Ave, Lowrey, etc.. believe me when you walk into some of these places, you can actually smell the odor, even the smell of fresh paint and cleaners doesn’t cover the smell of bedbugs

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  1. From FAQ: How can I avoid bedbugs while traveling? | Apr 15, 2008

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