(Montreal) At this time of year when many Quebecers move into a new home, there may be an upsurge in infestations of invaders such as bed bugs. Anyone can be affected by these undesirables and it is important to report cases.
Posted at 9:02
The website of the Quebec Ministry of Health indicates that in 2015 “1.1% of Quebec households, or nearly 40,000 households, had bedbugs in their home during the year preceding the survey” . The presence of these insects is increased in urban areas, particularly in Montreal.
According to data from the City of Montreal, tenants are more affected than owners by this problem. This climbs even higher for renters with an annual income of less than $20,000. In fact, 8.9% of low-income tenants are affected by infestation problems compared to 0.9% of people with an income above $60,000.
The founding president of MBM Gestion Parasitaire, Hélène Bouchard, however, specifies that unwanted insects can invade any home. “No matter the infestation, critters do not choose social rank, anyone can be affected. We don’t want them here, but we have to talk about them when we have them, we have to break taboos. Everyone is at risk, so don’t be shy to talk about it,” she says.
Bed bugs do not transmit disease to the person they bite. However, the specialist explains that these insects create a lot of psychological problems, stress and insomnia. Compared to cockroaches, they can cause health concerns in humans such as asthma problems. “We have to act quickly,” said Mr.me Bouchard.
She advises to scrutinize the premises when moving into a new home. “It’s a good time to look at any traces that bedbugs could have left even if the furniture is out and you enter an empty dwelling,” says Ms.me Bouchard.
For bed bugs, she suggests looking around baseboards and electrical outlets where there might be traces of feces, similar to little black crayon stains. It is also possible that there are bed bug corpses or exuviae, an exoskeleton that the insect will leave behind when it transforms into an adult.
As for cockroaches, also called cockroaches or cockroaches, they will take refuge in the kitchen as well as in the bathroom, where there are pipes and hot water tanks. Hélène Bouchard explains that this insect flees the light, and that it stays in groups, generally under the sink. “Of course, you don’t leave with your sink when you move, so these are places you absolutely have to check when you enter your apartment,” she says.
If you have household appliances included during the move, the pest control expert advises to pull the refrigerator. There could be live cockroaches or exuviae. She adds that cockroaches will also leave small black spots, but they will look more like ground coffee beans.
If there are invaders, it is absolutely necessary to contact the manager or the owner of the building in order to prevent this from spreading to the neighbours. Mme Bouchard says to avoid using household products or over-the-counter pesticides at big-box stores. “These products have a very low concentration since ordinary mortals can use them. These are repellents, so we’re not going to solve the problem, we’re just going to put a [pansement] on the bobo”, she explains.
In the case of bed bugs and cockroaches, it is best to deal with pest management professionals who have the equipment to get rid of intruders and who can advise people on this stressful situation.