Key insights 

Montreal’s bed bug problem is worsening, jumping from 17th spot in 2021 to 12th in Orkin Canada’s ranking of the most infested cities in Canada.  According to the National Collaborating Centre for Environmental Health and Rentokil, Montreal’s rising bed bug issue is driven by high-risk locations, costly extermination services, and increased global travel. Second-hand furniture risks also contribute. Bed bug infestations not only cause anxiety and social isolation, but they can also harbor harmful bacteria like MRSA. Additionally, improper pesticide use can lead to fatal incidents, according to NCCEH.  The Government of Quebec advises Montreal residents to reduce clutter, inspect second-hand items, and check new homes for infestations. They’re also advised to stay vigilant while traveling to reduce bed bug risks.  Homeowners must hire a certified exterminator at the first sign of bed bugs. Tenants must contact their landlords, while residents in low-rent housing must report to the local housing offices as per the Government of Quebec.

Bed bug infestations are on the rise, posing challenges for residents, businesses, and public health officials. As Montreal climbs higher on national rankings for bed bug prevalence, it becomes clear that urgent action is needed.

According to The Montreal Gazette, the city climbed up to 12th place on the list of the top 25 bed-bug infested cities in Canada based on Orkin Canada’s ranking. This is a significant jump from its 17th position in 2021.

Orkin Canada determines its ranking based on the number of bed bug treatments performed throughout the year. This means the increase in Montreal’s ranking likely means an increase in professional extermination services.

Comparatively, Montreal’s bed bug problem is still less severe than in cities like Toronto and Vancouver, which ranked first and second in 2022.

With their high population densities and frequent travel activity, these cities provide ideal conditions for bed bug spread. But with Montreal’s rise, it may soon face similar challenges without effective preventive measures. 

Factors contributing to bed bug infestations in Montreal

According to the National Collaborating Centre for Environmental Health (NCCEH), bed bugs in Canada can be traced back to early European settlers. The use of pesticides like DDT nearly eradicated bed bugs following World War II.

However, with DDT and similar chemicals banned, bed bug infestations have returned. This led to a resurgence in the early 2000s.

Proximity to at-risk locations 

According to the NCCEH, these pests thrive in cities where people sleep or gather. This makes housing complexes and hotels prime locations.

University accommodations, libraries, and even COVID isolation centers also have significant reported cases of infestation. 

High cost of extermination services

Effective bed bug removal often requires multiple treatments, which can be expensive for tenants and homeowners. 

Vulnerable populations (including children, disabled persons, and low-income families) are at a higher risk of exposure. These groups also face financial barriers that make action difficult to take promptly.

Increase in global travel

According to a prominent extermination service in Canada, Rentokil, increased global travel also influenced the rise of bed bug infestations in Montreal. 

These pests easily latch onto luggage, clothing, and personal belongings, allowing them to be unknowingly transported from one place to another.

Access to second-hand furniture

As per Rentokil, second-hand furniture is another major contributor to infestation. 

Since bed bugs can survive for months without feeding, an infested couch or mattress can harbor pests long after it has been discarded. 

Discarded furniture left on the curb poses an even greater risk, with longer exposure to elements. Even if they appear clean, bed bugs can hide in seams and cracks.

Impact of bed bugs on Montreal residents

While bed bugs are not known to transmit diseases to humans, they are still a significant public concern in Montreal and worldwide. 

A study from the University of South Dakota showed that bed bugs can harbor bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites. This includes antimicrobial-resistant bacteria like MRSA. 

According to the NCCEH, one of the most serious consequences of bed bug infestations is the psychological toll on affected individuals. People living in infested conditions often experience anxiety, depression, and even social isolation due to the stigma surrounding bed bugs.

Previous research has documented extreme cases of psychological distress linked to bed bug infestations. In a study from the American Journal of Case Reports, bed bugs were revealed to be a contributing factor to suicide cases. 

Similarly, improper pesticide use poses significant health risks. In a 2015 report from CBC News, an illegal phosphine pesticide used in a Fort McMurray apartment led to the deaths of an 8-month-old baby and a 2-year-old child.

These impacts, with insights from cases around the world and in Canada, highlight the immediate need for prompt measures.  

Prevention and control measures for bed bugs in Montreal

Montreal residents must take steps to minimize the risks of bed bug infestation. The Government of Quebec advises on taking proactive measures to deal with this issue.

• Avoid clutter and second-hand items: Reduce clutter to limit bed bug hiding spots. Additionally, inspect second-hand products, including clothing and furniture. Carry them in a sealed bag and treat them with hot steam. 

• Inspect a new home: If you’re moving into a new house, inspect common hiding spots like bedrooms. If there are signs of bed bug infestation, inform the landlord or request a certified exterminator.

• Stay vigilant while traveling: Keep luggage off the floor by placing it on a rack or in the bathtub. Upon arrival at the hotel, inspect the bed and room for bed bugs. It’s also best to avoid storing clothes in drawers. 

Legal and regulatory measures for bed bugs in Montreal

At the first sign of bed bug infestation, homeowners must act quickly by hiring a certified exterminator. According to the Government of Quebec, the extermination company should hold a C5 or D5 permit. 

On top of that, the employees must also have a CD5 certificate from MELCC. To verify this, homeowners can check the Registre public de la Loi sur les pesticides on the MELCC website. 

For tenants, they must inform their landlord immediately if they discover bed bugs. The landlord is responsible for hiring a professional exterminator.

Meanwhile, those living in low-rent housing (HLM) should report infestations to the local Office municipal d’habitation to ensure proper action is taken.

Both homeowners and tenants must carefully follow the exterminator’s instructions before, during, and after the treatment. Proper preparation is essential for an effective extermination. 

References

• American Journal of Case Reports. Suicide following an infestation of bed bugs (2013). https://amjcaserep.com/abstract/index/idArt/883926 
• CBC News. Phosphine poisoning: 2nd child dies in Edmonton hospital (2015). https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/phosphine-poisoning-2nd-child-dies-in-edmonton-hospital-1.2974258 
• Government of Quebec. Exterminating bed bugs (n.d.). https://www.quebec.ca/en/housing-territory/healthy-living-environment/exterminating-bed-bugs 
• Government of Quebec. Recognising bed bugs and preventing infestation (n.d.). https://www.quebec.ca/en/housing-territory/healthy-living-environment/recognising-bed-bugs-and-preventing-infestation 
• National Collaborating Centre for Environmental Health. Bed bugs back in view (2023). https://ncceh.ca/resources/blog/bed-bugs-back-view 
• Orkin Canada. Canada’s Top 25 Bed Bug Cities Of 2022 (2024). https://www.orkincanada.ca/blog/canadas-top-25-bed-bug-cities-of-2022/ 
• Rentokil. Bed bug control for homes and businesses (n.d.). https://www.rentokil.com/ca/help-and-advice/pest-insights/bed-bugs 
• University of Minnesota. Experimental study suggests bed bugs could be vector for MRSA spread (2023). https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/antimicrobial-stewardship/experimental-study-suggests-bed-bugs-could-be-vector-mrsa-spread