Orkin ranks Ottawa as tenth worst city in Canada for bed bugs

Pest control company Orkin says it performed more bed bug treatments in nine other cities than Ottawa, when comparing other centres across Canada.

The company released a top 25 list, Tuesday.

The rankings are based on the number of residential and commercial bed bug treatments Orkin performed between January 1, 2020 and December 31, 2020.

Ottawa finished fifth in 2019.

Toronto tops the list, followed by Sudbury, Oshawa, Vancouver and Winnipeg.

St John's, Scarborough, Whitby, Edmonton and Ottawa round out Orkins top 10 most bug-infested Canadian cities.

The company says it releases the list each year as a reminder to travellers to take precautions and not bring bed bugs home with them.

It says bed bugs are extremely efficient hitchhikers. They can move easily across a room and climb onto luggage or anything left on a bed in just one night. 

The company added that overall numbers were down due to the pandemic, but once travel picks up again, to keep in mind these tips while travelling:

• Do not put your clothing or luggage directly on the bed. If bed bugs are present in the bed, they can climb into bags, suitcases or any laundry left on the bed.
• Use metal luggage racks at all times. Bed bugs cannot easily climb metal surfaces, so they make an ideal overnight spot for your suitcase. Keep the rack away from the walls and any wooden furniture.
• Use small plastic bags to pack clothing, shoes and other personal items. This will help prevent any bed bugs that climb into your suitcase from getting into your house with your clothing. Bed bugs can also hide in books, cloth toiletry kits and other non-metal personal items.
• Hotels aren't the only bed bug travel threats. Bed bugs thrive in dark, cool places with long-term access to humans. They can also be found on airplane and train seats, buses or in rental cars. It's rare but it is possible to pick up bed bugs in places like these.