Ontario is spreading out five million dollars between its 36 Public Health Units to squash the growing bed bug problem.
The announcement on Monday is welcome news for the Grey Bruce Health Unit.
Bed bugs have recently been found in Port Elgin, Kincardine and Owen Sound.
The case in Owen Sound cost a Women’s Shelter over 10 thousand dollars to clean up.
Public Health Manager Bob Hart says there’s a high number of cases that are not reported.
Hart didn’t have the total number of cases in Grey Bruce but in 2009, Toronto Public Health received over 15 hundred infestation reports, up significantly from the 46 in 2003.
In addition to the five million dollars, Ontario is spearheading a new public education campaign that includes a website and a guide book.
Hart says that will help the public identify and report the pesty critters.
So now, Hart says staff are repairing a report to present to the Grey Bruce Health Unit Board at their next meeting to see what funds are available.
Part of the report will include consulting community groups to find out their needs.
