May 30, 2011
Province Launches Bedbug Website and Hotline
– – –Public Education Key in Battle Against Bugs: Rondeau
The province has launched a website and a new hotline to provide citizens with information and support in the ongoing battle against bedbugs, Healthy Living, Youth and Seniors Minister Jim Rondeau announced today.
“The bedbug hotline and website are essential pieces of our $770,000 provincial strategy to deal with bedbug infestations,” said Rondeau. “We believe that education is the best weapon against bedbugs, and our website and hotline will offer important tips and advice to help Manitobans deal with this significant pest problem.”
Citizens are encouraged to call the toll-free bedbug hotline at 1-855-3MB-BUGS (1-855-362-2847) with questions about prevention of bedbugs, how to identify an infestation and what steps to take when an infestation occurs. The hotline is staffed by trained operators from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Outside of these hours, callers can leave a message and the call will be returned the next business day. Hotline calls will be tracked to help evaluate the bedbug situation throughout the province.
The website at www.manitoba.ca/bedbugs provides a wide variety of information about bedbugs, including myths and facts, and fact sheets on how to prevent the bugs from entering your home and what to do if you have an infestation. E-mail inquiries are also welcome at bedbugs@gov.mb.ca.
“Public education is a key when it comes to the prevention and elimination of bedbugs and these new resources will provide the support Manitobans need,” said Mario Lopes of the Professional Property Managers Association. “We are very pleased with the province’s ongoing efforts to stop the spread of bedbugs.”
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