Vancouver has moved up in the rankings of an annual list — but it isn't exactly one the city should boast about.
Orkin Canada has released its 2021 list of the top bed buggiest cities in Canada and Vancouver landed in the third spot. This marks an increase from 2020 when the city was the fourth-buggiest of the bunch.
Toronto maintains its buggy crown for the third year running, with another Ontarian city, Sudbury, taking second place. Following Vancouver is St John’s, which rose to the fourth spot (it was sixth in 2020). Oshawa was the third Ontarian city to crack the top five.
The company notes, however, that the "overall number of bed bug sightings nationwide remained similar to the year prior" and are below pre-pandemic levels.
The findings by Orkin Canada are based on the number of commercial and residential bed bug treatments carried out by the company in 2021 from Jan. 1 to Dec. 31.
The top 10 bed buggiest cities in Canada in 2021 are:
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Toronto
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Sudbury
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Vancouver
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St John’s
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Oshawa
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Scarborough
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Moncton
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Saint John
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Winnipeg
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Edmonton
Bed bugs are hitchhikers
Orkin says the pesky critters may find themselves new homes over the winter season. Unfortunately, bed bugs are adept hitchhikers and they can thrive in either clean or dirty homes.
Since bed bugs are talented home-hoppers, early detection is the best way to reduce the chances of an infestation. The creepy crawlers can move easily across a room and climb onto luggage or anything left on a bed in just one night.
Some things you can do to reduce the risk of picking up bed bugs as you travel include:
- 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.
