MONTREAL, June 18, 2014 /CNW Telbec/ - Moving time is almost upon us and with it the possibility of an increase in bedbug infestations. Russell Copeman, member of the Montréal Executive Committee, responsible for housing, and Dr. Louis Drouin, responsible for urban environment and health at the Direction de santé publique de l'Agence de la santé et des services sociaux de Montréal (DSP), are reminding Montrealers to follow the prevention tips to contain the spread of bedbugs.
"As we all know, bedbugs have returned to most urban centres and Montréal is no exception. Since 2008, the Ville de Montréal and DSP have been working closely to implement actions to limit the spread of these insect pests and reduce bedbug infestations in residential buildings on the Island of Montréal. The recently released action plan to combat unsanitary housing 2014-2017 includes measures to intensify the fight against bedbugs," said Russell Copeman.
Dr. Drouin explained that "bedbugs bite during the night and feed on human blood and that these bites can cause itching and infection if scratched, as well as sleep disturbance and anxiety. Don't try to solve a bedbug problem by yourself using insecticides. The use of these products may be harmful to your health. Call a certified exterminator."
Bedbugs in your apartment
If you discover bedbugs in your apartment, immediately notify your landlord, who will need to call a certified exterminator. Never try to get rid of bedbugs by yourself. The use of insecticides may be ineffective, cause the bedbugs to spread to your neighbours' dwellings, and increase their resistance to extermination products. Acting rapidly is key.
Infested mattresses and furniture
Most bedbug infested mattresses and upholstered furniture can be treated. Before getting rid of such items, ask a certified exterminator for advice.
If they cannot be treated and the exterminator tells you to get rid of them, make them unusable by slashing the fabric. This way, people will not be tempted to bring the items home and they will avoid infesting their dwellings.
After slashing the fabric of your mattress, enclose it in a large plastic bag before taking it out of your dwelling. This way, you will prevent bedbugs from dropping from your mattress and infesting common areas and your neighbours' apartments. Large plastic bags are available for free at most Accès Montréal offices.
Never pick up mattresses, upholstered furniture, sofas, chairs, sofa-beds, futons or used clothing from the curb, even if they appear to be in good condition. They could be infested with bedbugs.
For more information on bedbugs, how to avoid infestations and tips for travellers, please visit the Website: avoidbedbugs.info.
SOURCE: Ville de Montréal - Cabinet du maire et du comité exécutif
Source:
Ville de Montréal
Direction de santé publique
Agence de la santé et des services sociaux de Montréal
Media Relations :
Ville de Montréal
François Goneau
514 868-5859
Agence de la santé et des services sociaux de Montréal
Ligne média
514 286-5709
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