Bedbug complaints on the rise

The Thunder Bay District Health Unit says it's seeing an increase in bedbug complaints.

During the last month, the District of Thunder Bay Social Services Administration Board has received bedbug complaints in three of its housing properties.

"I don't know if that's necessarily an increase in bedbugs, or just the fact people are more aware and they're looking for them and reporting them now," said senior public health inspector Abby Mackie.

The reported infestations were at the Royal Edward Arms on May Street, Spence Court in Westfort and at 76 South Cumberland St.

Mackie said although there are risk factors — like buying used furniture — associated with lower-income rental units, bedbugs don't discriminate.    

"I've talked to, personally, people that do a lot of travelling — businesspeople — that go to Toronto or Winnipeg or Vancouver, wherever, and they happen to transport bedbugs back with them.  So really, nobody's immune to it."

Mackie said public awareness is critical to stop the spread of bedbugs. He urges people to contact the health unit with any questions.