Province Commits $5 Million To Fight Bed Bugs
Posted January 10, 2011 2:06 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Just over three months after Toronto MPP Mike Colle organized the Bed Bug Summit to brainstorm solutions to the ever-growing problem, the province announced $5 million in funding to help local efforts to stop the spread of the pernicious pest.
The 36 health units across the province will now be able to apply for funding for bed-bug related programs, the province announced Monday, including increasing awareness and education about the insects.
Toronto Public Health and Woodgreen Community Services established the Toronto Bed Bug Project in 2008 in response to a startling increase in local infestations.
Infestation reports in Toronto jumped to more than 1,500 in 2009 from 46 in 2003.
Colle’s summit was held Sept. 29, 2010 and brought together tenants affected by bed bugs, pest control experts, politicians and public health workers. A list of recommendations was forwarded to the provincial government.
Aside from the new funding, the province has also set up a new website where the public can go to learn about bed bugs. It will also be distributing a new guide on how to prepare your home for treatments.
Officials on the provincial level are also trying to better assessment strategies for bed bug infestations.
