They may be short on snow in Vancouver, B.C., but one thing they have plenty of - bed bugs!And with so many people in town for the Olympics, their numbers could really skyrocket.
This problem isn't exclusive to Vancouver B.C. Bed bug infestations have been moving like a steady wave across north america (from the east to west) since the mid-1990's.
But within just the past two to five years, the bed bug population has exploded - up 70% here in our state. In Canada, some exterminators say they've seen a 300% spike, adding bed bugs are now their #1 pest problem.
The tiny, reddish-brown bugs love to feast on your blood while you sleep. They crawl out from the cracks and crevasses in your mattress or box spring. They do bite and can sometimes leave people with an itchy red rash.
But don't let the name fool you. These bugs love to latch onto people's luggage, purses, and baggage, so they're easily transferred from one place to another
"Like on trains, planes, and hotel rooms," says Ekhard Mueller with Sprague Pest Solutions. " Also, we find them in public places like movie theaters, furniture and coffee shops - literally where a lot of people come through."
One theory behind the rash of bed bug cases - increased and easier world travel. And with tens of thousands of people coming in for the Winter Games, it's a perfect opportunity for these expert hitchhikers to catch a ride on visitors luggage, to or from B.C.
But there are some things you can do to protect yourself
* If you're staying in a hotel, check the mattress, headboard, and the box spring thoroughly. Adult bed bugs are visible to the naked eye - so are the little red and black specks of fecal matter they leave behind.
* When you come home, inspect your luggage. Leave it in the garage for a day or two, then wash your clothes in hot water and run them through a hot cycle in the dryer. The intense heat will kill them.
* If you have an infestation, call an exterminator. There are some green solutions in addition to the traditional pesticides. For example, Sprague Pest Solutions uses special heaters to heat a room, home or apartment to 120 degrees. After 8 to 24 hours, the bed bugs are gone. Sprague also has a specially trained dog who can sniff out live bed bugs in your home.
* Purchase special bed covers designed to keep bed bugs from reaching you.
This problem isn't exclusive to Vancouver B.C. Bed bug infestations have been moving like a steady wave across north america (from the east to west) since the mid-1990's.
But within just the past two to five years, the bed bug population has exploded - up 70% here in our state. In Canada, some exterminators say they've seen a 300% spike, adding bed bugs are now their #1 pest problem.
The tiny, reddish-brown bugs love to feast on your blood while you sleep. They crawl out from the cracks and crevasses in your mattress or box spring. They do bite and can sometimes leave people with an itchy red rash.
But don't let the name fool you. These bugs love to latch onto people's luggage, purses, and baggage, so they're easily transferred from one place to another
"Like on trains, planes, and hotel rooms," says Ekhard Mueller with Sprague Pest Solutions. " Also, we find them in public places like movie theaters, furniture and coffee shops - literally where a lot of people come through."
One theory behind the rash of bed bug cases - increased and easier world travel. And with tens of thousands of people coming in for the Winter Games, it's a perfect opportunity for these expert hitchhikers to catch a ride on visitors luggage, to or from B.C.
But there are some things you can do to protect yourself
* If you're staying in a hotel, check the mattress, headboard, and the box spring thoroughly. Adult bed bugs are visible to the naked eye - so are the little red and black specks of fecal matter they leave behind.
* When you come home, inspect your luggage. Leave it in the garage for a day or two, then wash your clothes in hot water and run them through a hot cycle in the dryer. The intense heat will kill them.
* If you have an infestation, call an exterminator. There are some green solutions in addition to the traditional pesticides. For example, Sprague Pest Solutions uses special heaters to heat a room, home or apartment to 120 degrees. After 8 to 24 hours, the bed bugs are gone. Sprague also has a specially trained dog who can sniff out live bed bugs in your home.
* Purchase special bed covers designed to keep bed bugs from reaching you.
