A new report shows pesky bed bugs are on the rise right across Canada.
The COMPAS Research Survey of Canadian Health Inspectors shows cases of bed bugs are up anywhere from 20 to 50 per cent in the last three years.
Londoner Gerry Woolner, 81, is frustrated that he still has bed bugs.
“It takes so long to get rid of them. I don't like it,” he says.
In March, he was dealing with a massive infestation and he still has them after treatment.
“I have to get rid of my couch, my bed and my big dresser in there because it's all pulled apart.”
Woolner isn’t alone in dealing with the bugs.
“It's becoming more of a problem. We've been getting calls on a regular basis. I would say we are up about 10 to15 per cent higher than last year,” says Dan Campbell, of London Pest Control.
He takes bed bug calls almost daily.
Campbell believes the higher volume has to do with lifestyle.
“People are moving a lot, travelling a lot. They're getting new furniture. This is all things that add up to why you are getting more bed bugs.”
Bed bugs aren't just exclusive to beds. You can find them in couches, cloth chairs, clothing. Experts warn if you're going to bring new items into your home, check them thoroughly.
Bed bugs are usually the size of an apple seed, are brownish in colour and they are usually flat and oval in shape.
Once in your home, you will need an expert to get them out, which is exactly the plan for Woolner.
He is having his apartment treated for hopefully the last time on Wednesday.
“I hope they're gone pretty soon because I'm getting pretty upset about this.”
