Gross! Vancouver ranked #2 most bed bug-infested city in Canada

Vancouver has the most expensive rent in the country and is almost the most bed bug-infested, too. 

Pest control company Orkin Canada has released its 2022 list of the top bed buggiest cities in Canada and Vancouver landed in the second spot. This marks an increase from 2021 when the city was the third-buggiest of the bunch.

The company's findings are based on the number of commercial and residential bed bug treatments carried out by the company in 2022 (Jan. 1, 2022, to Dec. 31, 2022).

The Pacific city follows Toronto, which claimed the top "honour" on this year's list. Another Ontario city, Sudbury, followed as the third most-infested metropolis in the country. 

Ontario continued to dominate the top five most-infested cities, with Oshawa and Ottawa placing fourth and fifth. Prince George was the only other B.C. city in the top 25.

The top 10 bed buggiest cities in Canada in 2022 are:

1. Toronto
2. Vancouver
3. Sudbury
4. Oshawa
5. Ottawa
6. Scarborough
7. Sault Ste. Marie
8. London
9. St. John's
10. Hamilton

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.