SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE - An infestation of bed bugs has been confirmed in two Yellowknife apartment buildings, according to the Department of Health and Social Services.

Duane Fleming, territorial chief environmental health officer, said the two cases in Yellowknife along with cases in two other NWT communities are the first confirmed instances of the insect in the territory. Fleming declined to name the other two communities because he did not want to single them out.

"Anyone can get bed bugs. It's not an indication of the cleanliness of their house," Fleming said.

Bed bugs have grown to become a problem internationally over the past 10 years and their growth is suspected to be due to the banning of harmful pesticides and insecticides, like DDT. Increase in the number of people travelling worldwide was also cited as a factor.

"We are almost certain someone brought them from down south." Fleming said. "They are hitchhikers and can jump on anyone's clothes, luggage and items."

Flemming said an exterminator has dealt with an apartment unit in one of the Yellowknife buildings and bed bug exterminator in the other building - also a single apartment - is almost complete. Still, Fleming is recommending people check their homes for signs of the creatures.

Bed bugs feed on blood - usually at night when people are sleeping. Bites are small, red and slightly itchy, but not all people react and bites can go unnoticed.

Bill Melville, with Orkin Pest Control in Hay River, said an in-house study found 95 per cent of people bitten do not show bite marks.

Bed bugs are commonly found in or near the bed - five to six feet away - because they won't travel far from the food source. The bugs are small and live in cracks and crevasses and can be found in furniture and any small place.

Bed bugs are about the size and shape of an apple seed but, unless fat from feeding, they are very thin and live in spaces as thin as a credit card. When checking for bed bugs one should start with the mattress and check for signs of black dots of bug excrement around the seams, Fleming said.

"So you might actually see the signs of bed bugs before you actually see a bed bug," said Fleming. "In your sheets, you might see little blood spots where you might have crushed one where you rolled over."

They also molt, like most bugs, so look for shells in tight spaces around your bed and living room area.

Bed bugs are not known to carry human diseases and can be exterminated.

Bed bugs cannot live in extreme heat or cold, so hot washing and drying your clothes and bedding will kill them. Furniture can also be put outside for three days in -15 C or colder.

Thoroughly vacuuming everywhere including tight spaces and corners will suck up adults, and steam cleaning furniture and carpets will kill both the eggs and adults.

Fleming did not recommend the use of pesticides as they could potentially harm children or pets, adding it is an option best left to professionals.

People with questions who want to report cases can call the Department of Health and Social Services.

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