1. BED BUGS Information Session for Trades People & Service Personnel Date:

2. Evidence dates back to caveman days Parasite of man Resurgence in first world countries Resilient pest – resistance to pesticides No simple quick fix Integrate Pest Management – Best practice Bed Bugs

3. Why the Sudden Resurgence in Bed Bugs? This is likely due to a number of factors: Lack of public awareness International travel Bed bug resistance to insecticides Changes in pest management practices

4. Bed Bugs (Cimex lectularius) 101

5. Insect Identification Mahogany brown in colour before feeding Reddish brown in colour after feeding Eggs are pear-shaped and whitish in colour Excrement when sprayed with water will turn red

6. Life Cycle Each female can produce about 200 eggs Eggs attach onto surfaces Eggs hatch within 10 days to 14 days Adult bed bugs can survive for more than a year without feeding All stages (except for eggs) feed on blood of the host

7. Social Impact Bed Bugs Severely Impact the Most Vulnerable: The frail elderly Those living with physical and mental challenges Those living in poverty Those struggling with dependency / addiction issues The homeless and hard to house

8. A Health “Hazard”? Most people do not experience any adverse physical health reactions to bed bugs Bed bugs do not transmit diseases to humans Bed bugs are a fairly common “harmless” pest in the third world

9. A Health Issue Bed bugs do feed off the blood of humans A bite tends to cause a mild reddish localized inflammation and often disappears in 24 hours Secondary infections caused by scratching Allergic reactions (not very common) Psychological impacts can be severe – shame / withdrawal / impact on pre-existing mental and physical conditions Most vulnerable cannot deal with bed bugs They can spread quickly to entire building communities

10. A Health Issue

12. What You Should Know Anyone, anywhere can get bed bugs. Be vigilant Avoid sitting on or leaning against soft upholstered furniture or beds All equipment should be placed on hardened surfaces, such as tiled or hardwood floors Tyvek® knee-high booties can also be worn over shoes or boots

13. If you enter a property and suspect that it is infested with bed bugs… Immediately inform the property owner, landlord, superintendent, or property manager After leaving, carefully inspect all equipment and clothing. Place in plastic bags as an extra precaution Clothing can be placed in a dryer set on high for 30 minutes Use a HEPA vacuum for items that can’t be placed in dryer In the event your vehicle or workplace becomes infested, contact a licensed pest control expert

14. What NOT to do Do not try to treat bed bugs yourself, or spray pesticides on vehicles, equipment or clothing Do not take clothing or equipment suspected of having bed bugs into another building or vehicle

15. What is Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Integrated Pest Management is the coordinated use of pest and environmental information with available pest management methods... –To prevent unacceptable levels of pest infestation or damage –By the most economical means –With the least possible hazard to people, property, and the environment (EPA 2010)

16. IPM IPM is the most effective approach to prevent and manage bed bug infestations An IPM program places emphasis on prevention because it uses all necessary methods while minimizing the risk of pesticide exposure to occupants and safeguarding the indoor environment IPM programs will only work when there is a strong commitment by the resident, pest management service providers, property owners and support agencies (e.g. agencies that assist seniors, people in low income housing, persons with disabilities, and those agencies that promote public health etc.) An IPM program requires all parties to maintain their responsibilities to ensure the continuity of a successful program An IPM program includes prevention through education and awareness

17. IPM An IPM program for bed bug management includes the following: 1. Planning the IPM program, preferably before there is a bed bug problem 2. Educating everyone and raising awareness of bed bug habits, including where bed bugs can hide, the need to reduce clutter and proper disposal of untreatable items with an emphasis on prevention 3. Identifying the pest correctly 4. Inspecting all living areas for potential or suspected infestations 5. Keeping records, including when and where pests are found 6. Preparing for treatment 7. Performing treatments using several methods, including physically removing bed bugs, steam treatment or use of pesticides according to label directions 8. Evaluating the IPM program and following up with inspections and additional management procedures if necessary

18. For More Information To learn more about bed bugs, and what you can do to prevent, identify and treat them, visit: –www.bedbugsinfo.cawww.bedbugsinfo.ca –Contact your local public health unit – visit: http://www.health.gov.on.ca/english/public/contact/phu/phulo c_mn.html http://www.health.gov.on.ca/english/public/contact/phu/phulo c_mn.html