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th ei fp .c a Th e IF P -H al to n H ill s | T hu rs da y, Ju ly 19 ,2 01 8 | 4 It's high season for bedbugs, and those who feel their homes may be infested by the pesky blood suckers will likely need to know what their options are - and fast. Halton Region has received 25 bed- bug-related calls from concerned resi- dents so far in 2018 (and 42 bedbug-relat- ed calls in total in 2017), said Dr. Hami- dah Meghani, Halton Region's commis- sioner and medical officer of health. Although the region says bedbug in- festations are not reportable through their health department, representa- tives are available to aid residents in con- firming if they, indeed, are experiencing one. Here's what you need to know about bedbugs: They come out at night Bedbugs are visible throughout the day, but they most commonly bite at night. The hide out in mattresses, but al- so in other tight spaces, such as in base- boards and behind wallpaper. The bites resemble mosquito bites Bedbug bites are itchy red bumps that vary in size and severity, depending on the person who has been bitten and whether or not the bite has been aggra- vated at all. The appearance of bedbug bites is quite similar to that of mosquito bites. Like mosquito bites, if you don't scratch, bedbug bites will likely disap- pear quickly. Bedbugs are not known to carry any viruses. Bed bugs look like tiny brown seeds If you are wondering how these pests look, they are comparable to small, dark brown seeds. Bedbugs are oval in shape, they are flat, and they don't have wings. Adults are six to 10 millimetres in length. After feeding, the bugs swell up with blood and become red. Bedbug eggs are white, as tiny as a pinhead and often found in clusters. Bedbugs will feed on pets, too Bedbugs are not only a nuisance to you and your family members, they will also bite other mammals and birds. Having a bedbug infestation does not reflect the cleanliness of your home Bedbugs are brought in from outside sources. How clean or dirty a home is not an indication of why there is a bed bug infestation. Contacting a pest-control company is an efficient option to get rid of bedbugs However, according to Halton Region, there are a few other methods residents can try to get things under control: • Vacuum sleeping areas • Place vacuum bag in a sealed plastic bag outside to prevent bedbugs from es- caping • Steam-clean the carpet after vacu- uming to help capture more bedbugs and eggs • Discard all furniture and mattresses that are infested • Wash bedding and clothing in hot water • Clean bedroom frequently and avoid clutter • Seal all cracks/crevices/loose wall- paper to reduce shelter space for bed- bugs NEWS It's bedbug season - here's what you need to know VERONICA APPIA vappia@metroland.com Bed bugs look like small, brown, oval-shaped seeds. iStock/photo Thank you for voting us the best tanning Salon in Halton Hills! HAPPY 6 0TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY EILEEN & ERNIE COLES Open House Saturday, July 28, 2018, between 1:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. 63 Donaghedy Drive, Georgetown, Ontario, Best Wishes Only GEORGETOWN GARDEN CENTRE 140 GUELPH ST. 905-877-8882 A family run business since 1972! Gift Certificates Available HANGING BASKETS 10" & 12" Baskets Huge Selection of INSTANT COLOUR FOR THE GARDEN Full vibrant flowers from cuttings, not seeds! Geraniums 10 $19FOR BEAUTIFUL FLOWERS $1.99 25 LbagTOPSOIL $1.49 4 Pk. Flowering & Vegetable Plants for or $2.19 eachHERBS $2010 Large assortment of 4" Plant Stuffers 10 for $20 or $2.19 each 3 $39FORFROM Large selection of Perennial Plants or $8.99 each 3 $24FOR (1 Gal. Pot) SALE SALE GEORGETOWN GARDEN CENTRE Gold 2018 Halton Hills Thanks ForYour Votes! Hydrangea & Hibiscus Huge selection of these perennial plants. Lots of sizes and colours! November 2018 May 2019 2017/2018 SEASON June 2019 YOU'RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN THE M MaN USiC JR. THE M MaN USiC JR. B B E E A A And The S uT T yEAu globeproductions.ca T 2017/2018 SEASON Rabies & Microchip Clinic Sponsored by Dr. F Walker Location Ruffin's Pet Centre 140 Guelph St., Georgetown, ON (905) 873-0933 Prices & Services Rabies (3-year): $30 Microchip: $30 Cash Only Shelter 519.833.2287 Thrift Shop 905.702.8661 www.uppercredit.com info@uppercredit.com Charitable Registration #893738872RR0001 Sunday, Aug. 19, 2018 11:00 am - 2:00 pm