Canadian Public Health Inspectors Warn Infestations on the Rise
Toronto (July 15, 2013) – A survey of Canadian Public Health Inspectors shows a dramatic rise in bed bug infestations across Canada, with apartment buildings identified as the leading location for bed bugs, followed by private homes, government office buildings and hospitals.
A survey of 67 Canadian public health inspectors conducted by COMPAS Research, on behalf of Abell Pest Control, indicates reports of bed bug infestations have risen anywhere from 20 to 50 per cent over the past three years, with an average annual increase of 8 per cent.
“When our public health inspectors warn that infestations are on the rise, Canada is clearly losing the battle against bed bugs,” said John Abell, President of Abell Pest Control. “This is a red flag that both government and industry must have a better strategy for controlling bed bugs. Given that fewer than a dozen bed bugs can multiply into 1,000 adults in just over two months, there’s no time to waste.”
The survey of Canada’s public health inspectors also indicates that apartment building managers do not have sufficient training or resources to deal with bed bug infestations. They also cite a lack of public knowledge, and little government focus on the impact bed bugs have on people, as major sources of frustration. Almost 6 in 10 health inspectors consider pest control industry expertise and training to be the most valuable resource in the battle against bed bugs.
In 2012, Abell Pest Control received a 140 per cent increase in bed bug enquires compared to 2010, with most enquiries from major centres including Toronto, Winnipeg, Montreal, Calgary and Vancouver.
“The reality is that bed bugs aren’t just a big city issue,” added Abell. “A growing number of bed bug enquiries are now from small and medium sized communities across Canada, where bed bugs are also gaining a foot hold.”
To learn more about Abell’s bed bug training and prevention program visit: www.freebedbugtraining.com.
For more information contact:
Danna O’Brien, danna@playbookcommunications.com, 416-500-0699
Michael Heimbach, Abell Pest Control, mheimbach@abellgroup.com 416 561-9863
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