Bed bugs infest local housing complex

THUNDER BAY -- A south-side housing complex is being treated for bed bugs.

Thunder Bay and District Social Services Administration Board CAO Bill Bradica confirmed that McIvor Court on Lincoln Street has bed bugs in more than 30 apartment units.

Residents of the Thunder Bay District Housing Corporation raised concerns at tenants meeting earlier this spring they believed some units had bed bugs but those residents were not reporting it.

“As a result of that, management decided that it would be proactive to inspect the entire building,” said Bradica, adding they found a significant number of bed bugs in three units and strong evidence of them in another 28 apartments.

A pest control contractor started treatment on May 11 and Bradica said it’s expected to take two weeks with follow up two weeks after that.

The treatment consists of the block method, recommended by the Thunder Bay District Health Unit, which entails treating not only the affected unit, but the units on either side as well as above and below.

Bradica said since pesticides with strong chemicals were banned, bed bugs have seemingly made a comeback, but the insects are also a problem in private apartment complexes and hotels.

“We do feel we’re better equipped to deal with it,” he said.

If furniture has been compromised, TBDSSAB will arrange for disposal and Bradica said they will assist tenants in applying for housing security fund. Under that fund, they could be entitled to financial assistance in replacing the affected furniture.