Bed bugs are spreading terror in France. They bite in public transport, schools, hospitals, cinemas, restaurants… In Montreal too, exterminators report that they are seeing an increase in infestations this fall, while the city is reporting a decline in cases.
Published at 2:55 am. Updated at 5:00 am.
At Exterminateurs Associés the phone never stops ringing. Technicians perform at least one bed bug treatment in Montreal homes every day, says Michel Grenier, the company’s owner. His team also decontaminated a taxi, a restaurant and a school bus in recent weeks.
“The best example I can give you is the Régie du Logement. A tenant was sitting in the waiting room and he had two nails on his coat. This person probably took the bus and subway. “The bugs had several opportunities to take off their clothing to hide in public places,” says the exterminator.
PHOTO JOSIE DESMARAIS, THE PRESS
Michel Grenier, owner of Exterminateurs Associés
According to Mr Grenier, the housing crisis is having a direct impact on the number of infestations. Tenants who pay affordable rent are afraid to talk to their landlord if they have a bed bug problem, he explains.
However, eradicating pests (such as bed bugs, mice, cockroaches, etc.) is the responsibility of the owners.
“There are tenants who pay $700 or $800 for a 4½ apartment and don’t want to talk about it. They are afraid of being thrown out,” he explains. “But there are also owners who don’t want to take responsibility,” he adds.
Sean Jourdain, owner of Royale Extermination, also speaks of “never-before-seen” autumn. “I don’t know what’s going on!” I could show you my calendar. Bed bugs usually multiply less when the cold comes. However, we have just as much work as in the summer, even more,” explains the exterminator, who only specializes in fighting bed bugs. The latter also took part in a World Pest Control Congress held in Honolulu in early October to find out how best to combat the nocturnal animal.
PHOTO DAVID BOILY, LA PRESSE ARCHIVE
The destruction of pests such as bed bugs (photo), mice or cockroaches is the responsibility of the owners.
Mr. Jourdain suspects that the epidemic in France is having an impact on Quebec. France is a popular destination for Quebec travelers and Quebec also attracts French tourists, he says.
According to national media, France has actually been dealing with a “plague,” an “epidemic,” and a “plague” of bed bugs since the start of the school year in September.
Less than a year before the Olympic Games in Paris there is even talk of “psychosis”. On social networks, desperate Internet users publish hundreds of pictures of bites or bug-like insects.
Bed bugs have been spotted in public transport, hotels and cinemas. According to Agence France-Presse, two schools were temporarily closed so that the premises could be decontaminated. In addition, a hospital emergency room was relocated to allow the eradication of blood-sucking insects.
Decline in Montreal
In Montreal, statistics show a decline in the number of bed bugs. According to pest controllers, the city has recorded 1,473 pest infestations since the beginning of the year. In comparison, there were 2,547 reports in 2022, 1,684 in 2021 and 1,537 in 2020. Prior to 2019, the city always saw at least 2,500 infestations per year. However, these numbers are not necessarily correct, believe Michel Grenier and Sean Jourdain. Although declarations are mandatory, many pest controllers do not complete them, they say.
The number of calls asking the city to come to citizens’ homes about bed bugs also drops to 311. This is because the city may require a property owner to hire a pest control company. It can also issue $1,000 tickets to individuals or $2,000 to businesses that do not comply with municipal regulations.
According to this indicator, the situation has steadily deteriorated since 2018 [le 311]. However, the city remains vigilant, especially as travel has strongly resumed since the end of health measures.
Philippe Sabourin, spokesman for the city of Montreal
The Société de Transport de Montréal (STM) has also not recorded an increase in the number of infections on its buses or subways. Since September 1, the organization has received three complaints about bed bugs, but in all three cases the users did not see the insects, emphasizes Amélie Régis, management consultant at the STM.
“If an employee reports or suspects the presence of bed bugs, the affected bus or subway will be immediately quarantined. An extermination operation is then carried out. Only when the intervention is complete and conclusive will the vehicle be put back into operation,” explains Ms. Régis.
How to prevent an infestation
- Avoid clutter.
- Check the used clothing you buy.
- Check the used items you buy.
- Take precautions and carry out checks before moving.
- Take precautions when traveling.
- Check your luggage when you return from your trip.
Learn more
231 Number of calls received in 2023 at 311 to the city to assess a bed bug problem in a home and intervene with the owner
Source: City of Montreal