Montreal bedbug problem 'out of control,' exterminators say

Bedbug infestations in Montreal are at an all-time high, sayexterminators who can hardly keep up with demand.

"There's more than last year," saidHarold Leavey of Maheu Extermination Lte. Hiscompany employs 25 full-time exterminators.

"In 2000, I would handle one or two bedbug cases a year," he toldCBC'sFrench-language service, Radio-Canada.

"Now it's 50 to 100 a day."

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Some neighbourhoods are more affected than others, like Parc-Extension, St-Henri and Pointe-Saint-Charles. In Hochelaga-Maisonneuve,a single street has 20 affected homes.

TheGrande Bibliothquealso used an exterminator to treat bedbugs in September.

"I've never seen this in my 60-year career," said Ronald Maheu, founding member of the Association qubcoise de la gestion parasitaire. Among the 125 member companies, several doubled their business since last year.

Exterminators say bedbugs are more resistant to chemicals than before. It's not uncommon to make two or three visits, Maheu said.

Problem remains 'stable': city

The City of Montreal, however, doesn't see the bedbug problem getting worse.

"We're not seeing an increase, but rather a problem that remains stable," said Marianne Cloutier,head ofsanitation in the city'shousing department.

Exterminators say that not everyone reports an infestation, and many try to solve the problems themselves. An extermination can cost $450 for a two-bedroomapartment.

Cloutier said that landlords can face fines for not treating bedbug problems.

Here's a break down of where bedbugs are most commonly found - and what can be done to prevent an infestation.

On mobile? Go here to see the interactive.