The Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care has invested $5 million to help the 36 public health units across Ontario fight bed bugs.
Health units can apply for funding to support bed bug-related programs that emphasize coordination with other local services, education and awareness, and/or support for vulnerable populations. The money will also be used to conduct a consultation with housing stakeholders to gather information to address the bed bug problem in Ontario homes. A new public education website has also been launched as a self-help resource to get accurate information and easy-to-use tips to combat infestations. The website includes fact sheets on tenant rights, how to identify bedbugs, how to prevent their spread, and when and how to choose a good pest control company.
The province has also released a document, applicable to all stakeholders, which discusses “An Integrated Pest Management Program for Managing Bed Bugs,” including how to identify bed bug infestations, perform inspections properly, prepare living areas for treatment and carry out pest treatments. The document outlines bed bug prevention through education of clients, residents, facilities managers, and landlords, and provides an educational resource for professionals and service providers, such as visiting nurses and social workers.
See the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care press release, “McGuinty Government Invests in Local Public Health Unit Programs,” January 10, 2011, available at www.health.gov.on.ca. To access the bed bugs information website, visit bedbugsinfo.ca.
Also see “An Integrated Pest Management Program for Managing Bed Bugs,” January 2011, available at bedbugsinfo.ca.