Bed bugs are insects with oval-shaped bodies and no wings. Unlike most public health pests, bed bugs are not known to transmit or spread disease. However, they are certainly a pest - feeding on blood, causing itchy bites and generally irritating their human hosts and they can cause other public health issues so it’s important to pay close attention to preventing and controlling bed bugs.
Fortunately, there are ways to control bed bugs. Getting good, solid information is the first step in both prevention and control. While there is no chemical quick fix, there are effective strategies to control bed bugs involving both non-chemical and chemical methods.
Below are resources for handling bed bugs:
- The risk of bed bug problems is higher in certain types of buildings where many different people are living or staying including apartments, hostels and rooming houses. Bed Bugs: Tenants (PDF) | Bed Bugs: Landlords (PDF)
- The risk of bed bug problems is higher in certain types of buildings where many different people are staying including hotels, motels and bed-and-breakfast accommodations (e.g. B&Bs). Bed Bugs: Hotels, Motels and B&Bs (PDF)
- Carrying bed bugs back home with you after travelling could lead to problems in even the cleanest home. Take the proper steps to avoid bed bug hitchhikers while travelling. Bed Bugs: Travel Tips (PDF)
Identifying Bugs
Public Health Inspectors at TBDHU will accept insects for identification and risk assessment.
- Place the insect (living or dead) in a clean glass or plastic container with a lid.
- Write your contact information on the container.
- Bring it into our main office at 999 Balmoral Street (in Thunder Bay) on Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
If you live in a community outside Thunder Bay, please call toll-free 1-888-294-6630, ext. 5930 to speak with a public health inspector.