In looking through the WoodGreen Community Services Bed Bug Resource Manual (PDF), a great document we will discuss in a moment, I am struck by the beautiful photographs—and this from someone who generally avoids video and photographs of bed bugs. Indeed, I never thought I’d use that word about this subject.
But these are beautiful photographs of bed bugs by Dr. Tim Myles of the University of Toronto.
I think we’ve mentioned this before, but it’s worth underlining. This is what Dr. Tim Myles (and colleagues) wrote in 2003:
If the resurgence of bed bugs in shelters and other public facilities is not contained, there is the risk of a continuous and escalating growth in the source populations, leading to larger-scale infestations, which will require more frequent and costly control efforts later. As the source populations grow, the rate of spread will inevitably increase and bed bugs will start to appear in hotels, apartments, theaters, restaurants, public transit, hospitals and eventually detached single family homes.
Source: Bed Bugs in Toronto, Centre for Urban and Community Studies, Research Bulletin #19 (PDF).
Hotels, check, apartments, check, theaters, restaurants, public transit, hospitals, single-family homes, check, check, check, depressing check…
Another reason I like to point this out is that in all the press accounts that blame bed bugs on international travellers, there is very little mention of the long history of bed bugs right here in North America. More research and less speculation is in order.
Toronto has begun to address the resurgence of bed bugs in an organized way. Naturally, the longer you wait, the harder it is. Anyone who has had bed bugs knows this. They have a terrific knack for multiplying. But policymakers need to be made aware of this. We can’t wait until they all get bed bugs themselves.
Additional University of Toronto photographs are available here.
When is New York City going to act?
Have you written to your council member?
These pages may be of related interest:
