Although clutter can provide more places for bed bugs to hide, cleanliness is not a factor of whether or not bed bugs will be found in a home or building. Anyone, anywhere can be affected by bed bugs.

What are bed bugs?

• Bed bugs are small but adult bed bugs are big enough for you to see. Adult bed bugs look like the shape and size of an apple seed.
• Bed bugs do not jump or fly. They spend most of their time hiding and are usually only active at night. Bed bugs avoid light and do not like to be disturbed.

How do bed bugs enter a home or building?

• Bed bugs can enter any home or building by "hitchhiking" (attaching) onto clothing, bags, second-hand furniture, or electronics.
• They can also enter from neighbouring units by crawling through cracks or any holes in the wall.
• It is important to make sure the insects actually are bed bugs. We recommend that a professional pest control service be contacted to help prevent and manage bed bugs.

Do bed bugs transmit disease?

• Bed bugs do not transmit disease. However, their bites can cause an allergic reaction in some people.
• Frequent scratching of the bite marks or picking the scabs can case infections.
• People with severe and/or repeated infestations can feel anxious, worried, or ashamed. Speak to your family, friends, or support worker.

Resources

• Bed Bugs Fact Sheet - Ontario Ministry of Health
• Bed Bugs: How do I prevent an infestation? - Government of Canada
• Bed Bugs: How do I avoid them when travelling? - Government of Canada
• Bed Bugs in the Workplace - Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety
• The Bed Bug Resource Manual - Woodgreen Community Services Toronto