Welcome Home - Canadian Mental Health Association, Toronto ...

BED BUGS
HOUSING AND BEDBUGS HOUSING ASSISTANCE
Bed bugs are small, oval insects that feed on
human blood. They do not spread disease but
the bites can be very itchy.
What to look for:
• Bites on the skin
• Waste matter (reddish brown or black spots)
• Bloodstains or spots on bedding
• Eggs or eggshells (about the size of a grain
of rice)
• A sickly sweet smell
Dealing with bed bugs
If you think you might have bed bugs, call
Toronto Health Connection for information
about identifying and treating an infestation.
If necessary, a Public Health Inspector will
conduct a site visit. They may contact the
building management to ensure proper
treatment. In severe infestations, they may also
contact agencies to help with de-cluttering and
preparing the unit for treatment.
Notify the landlord or building manager.
Landlords have a legal obligation to maintain
the property. Tenants are responsible for
preparing for pest control treatment if they able
to do so physically. If a landlord fails to address
the issue, a tenant can make a Maintenance
Application to the Landlord Tenant Board. (For
more information, contact the customer service
line for the Landlord and Tenant Board at 416-
645-8080 or toll free 1-888-332-3234.)
If you have a vacuum, use a nozzle attachment
and vacuum all crevices on your mattress, bed
frame, baseboards and any objects close to
the bed. It is essential to vacuum daily, empty
the vacuum immediately and get rid of the
contents.
Wash all your linens in the hottest water
possible and place them in a hot dryer for 20
minutes. High heat is needed to kill the bugs.
Consider covering your pillows and mattress
with a plastic cover. Move the bed away from
the wall and keep sheets and bed covers from
touching the floor.
Remove all unnecessary clutter. Carefully
inspect used clothing or furniture before
bringing it into your home.
For more information contact
Toronto Public Health
Toronto Health Connection
416-338-7600
www.toronto.ca/health
Calls may be forwarded to a Public Health
Inspector for follow up.
Tenants who receive Ontario Works or Ontario
Disability Support Program should talk to their
worker about possible supports.
48
| A Guide To Services For Tenants | 2012-2013