Pest Control | HKPR District Health Unit

Pests can be found in both rural and urban communities. Home or property owners who think they are dealing with an infestation should contact a pest control professional. Tenants who believe they have a pest infestation should contact their landlord.

Rodents require food, water and shelter. The best way to prevent rodents on your property is to:

Store garbage in animal-resistant containers with tight-fitting lids and secure composters to prevent rodents from entering
Dispose of food waste in green bin and keep it in a locked position
Remove clutter, construction debris and garbage piles as wood piles and garbage are common harborage sites
Eliminate food sources such as fallen fruit, pet food left outdoors, grass seed, etc.
Keep areas around bird feeders and bird baths clean.
Cut tall grass and weeds from around your property.
Do not leave uneaten pet food out in the yard.
Seal cracks and small holes from around your house, garage or shed to prevent rodents from entering the foundation and walls.

Residents and business owners are responsible for maintaining their own properties to prevent issues with rodents.

If you are having issues with rodents on your property, implement preventative measures to deter them. You may also want to consider hiring a pest control company.

Bed Bugs

Bed bugs are small, brownish insects about the size of an apple seed. They typically come out at night to bite. Anyone anywhere can get bed bugs.

Bed bugs can be brought into a home on used furniture and used clothing. They can also be brought home in your suitcase after travelling.

Bed bugs can be identified and controlled using a licensed pest control company. There are things you can do to control bed bugs such as thorough vacuuming, steam cleaning, drying clothes at high temperatures, reducing clutter and sealing cracks and crevices.

Health Impacts

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 cause infections.
People with severe and/or repeated infestations can feel anxious, worried, or ashamed. Speak to your family, friends, or support worker.

Prevention

Sealing of cracks/crevices throughout a unit, apartment, or home can help prevent bed bugs from entering your home.
Just using pesticides will not kill all life stages of bed bugs. Bed bug prevention and control involves using pesticides, vacuuming, steaming, laundering belongings, and sealing areas and gaps where bed bugs can hide.
Contact a professional pest control service to treat any infested area(s) or room(s).

Additional 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

Gypsy Moths

The gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar) is an invasive species that feeds on deciduous and coniferous trees causing destruction. Currently, there is a significant increase in the presence of gypsy moths within our communities.

Health Impacts

During the gypsy moth’s larvae stage, the long hairs of the caterpillar can cause skin irritation or more severe allergic reactions like contact dermatitis. You may feel an itching, stinging, or burning sensation. The irritation may last a few days to two weeks. Tape can be used to remove any larvae hairs on the skin to prevent further skin reactions. After the affected area has been washed with soap and water, speak to your health care provider for treatment options.

Prevention

Wearing gloves, hand-pick caterpillars off your plants, and then soak them in soapy water. Understory shrubs and plants may also be affected, so check those as well for caterpillars.
Remove egg masses from the bark and branches of trees and place in soapy water for a day or two before disposing.
Wrap burlap banding & fencing around the trunk of possible host trees to trap and prevent the caterpillars from climbing the tree to reach the foliage.

Tenant and Landlords

If a tenant has a problem with bed bugs or any other pests, they should notify their landlord, superintendent or property manager so they can take action to try and control the issue. It is the landlord's responsibility to maintain the rental unit so that it is fit for habitation. It is the tenant's responsibility to cooperate with the landlord to help manage the bed bug and pest control problem. Tenants should always speak to their landlord, building owner or property management first and then contact your local municipal bylaw department and/or the Landlord Tenant Board if issues are left unaddressed.

Additional Resources