Toronto Tops Orkin’s Bed Bug Cities List for Seventh Straight Year

Orkin Canada has unveiled its latest ranking of the top 25 “bed buggiest” cities in Canada, with Toronto maintaining its position as the most bed bug-infested city for the seventh consecutive year. The rankings are determined by analyzing the number of bed bug treatments conducted by the company in both commercial and residential properties throughout 2023.

While Toronto secured its place at the top of the list, there were notable shifts in other cities’ rankings. Sudbury, Ont., climbed to the second spot, with Oshawa, Ont., following closely behind in third place. Vancouver experienced a drop from second to sixth place, while Winnipeg ascended to seventh place, entering the top 10 after ranking 11th in the previous year.

The top 10 bed bug-ridden cities in Canada, as per Orkin’s report, include Toronto, Sudbury, Oshawa, Hamilton, Ottawa, Vancouver, Winnipeg, St. John’s, Sault Ste. Marie, and Scarborough.

In light of the recent bed bug incidents in Paris, Orkin Canada emphasizes the importance of vigilance among residents and tourists. While bed bugs are visible to the naked eye, their cryptic nature and adept hiding abilities make them challenging to detect and eradicate. It is recommended to seek assistance from trained professionals at the first sign of a bed bug infestation.

Dr. Alice Sinia, an entomologist with Orkin Canada, underscores the resilience and hitchhiking capabilities of bed bugs, cautioning that they can easily travel unnoticed on clothing, luggage, and furniture. These pests can infiltrate various spaces, including baseboards, electronics, bedding, wallpaper, and sofas, posing a significant challenge to control and eliminate.