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Hamilton ranks 4th in bed bug calls: Orkin Canada
According to recent figures from a Canadian pest-control company, Hamilton may be one of the most proactive cities in Canada when it comes to dealing with bedbug infestations.
Orkin Canada says Hamilton is now its fourth busiest city when it bed bug treatments that the company performed in 2023. In 2022, Hamilton was ranked tenth.
In the top spot is Toronto for the seventh year in a row.
“As we’ve seen travel return to pre-pandemic levels, Canadians should be on guard for bed bugs, as these pests are extremely resilient and can hitchhike from place to place unnoticed and with ease,” said Dr. Alice Sinia, an entomologist with Orkin Canada.
“Known as expert hitchhikers, bed bugs cling to clothing, luggage and furniture to invade new spaces, stowing themselves in baseboards, electronics, bedding, wallpaper, wall hangings and sofas.”
Seven of the top 10 cities on Orkin Canada’s list are all in Ontario:
- Toronto
- Sudbury
- Oshawa
- Hamilton
- Ottawa
- Vancouver
- Winnipeg
- St. John’s
- Sault Ste. Marie
- Scarborough
The tiny little bugs typically hide during the day and come out at night to feed, and even if you don’t see them, the bed bugs can bite leaving behind small swollen or itchy patches on your skin.
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Experts say the insects prefer to hide in soft furniture like mattresses and couches as well as baseboards or even inside books.
The City of Hamilton’s website urges anyone who thinks they have bed bugs in their home to hire a pest control company, and if you’re renting — be sure to tell your landlord as soon as possible.
“The landlord is responsible for providing pest control services. You are responsible for reporting the pests and helping to prepare your home for pest control treatment. If your landlord does not respond by arranging for pest control services, please call Public Health,” the city writes on its website.
