“Bah humbugs: Health officials warn Edmontonians about unwanted houseguests”

Bah humbugs: Health officials warn Edmontonians about unwanted houseguests

Posted: 23 Dec 2010 11:35 AM PST

Posted 2 hours ago

Edmontonians may be spreading more than Christmas cheer this holiday season.

Health officials have issued a warning to the public to avoid bringing home bedbugs.

Sandra Hamilton, spokeswoman for Alberta Health Services, says she receives 10 to 15 daily complaints of bedbug infestations, and that number has been increasing as the holidays draw near.

She estimates that many more people in our city may have the tiny blood-sucking insects in their sleeping places and not even know it.

"Not everyone gets the red bump, characteristic of the bedbug bite. Some just don't get a reaction," she explains. "You can get bitten without knowing."

If you are dealing with a bed bug infestation, there's no need to stay home and avoid the festivities.

"Reassure your friends and family that you are taking the proper steps to avoid bringing bedbugs into their homes," says Hamilton.

She says its important to put the clothes you plan to wear in the dryer for at least 30 minutes, and try to get dressed in a bedbug-free place, preferably a bathroom.

Hamilton also reminds residents that these little critters can travel on all sorts of items.

"With the Christmas travel season in full swing, Alberta Health Services is also asking travellers to be wary about where they store their suitcase.

"Keeping your suitcase under the bed is the absolute worst place for bedbugs," says Hamilton. "Keeping your luggage in the bathroom may be the safest place in the house."

She credits the typical white porcelain floor in the bathroom as the best place to spot the dark, four to five millimetre-long critters. Also ensuring laundry is clean and areas well-lit helps to keep the insects away.

"Bedbugs don't like light. They come out in the early-morning hours and eat every four or five days," she explains.

Alberta Health Services is asking residents with a major bedbug infestation to enlist a licensed pest control professional to assess the situation and have carpets steam cleaned over 45C.

With files from Sun Media

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