Home Health and Safety

Bed bugs

What do you do if you encounter bed bugs? Our public health inspectors can help you identify them, prevent them and tell you what to do if you have them in your home. Call us at 705-474-1400 ext. 5400 or 1-800-563-2808.

Tenants

Tenants that encounter bed bugs in their rental unit should contact their landlord or property manager. They are responsible for taking action and controlling the situation.

Landlords

Landlords are responsible for hiring a pest control company to make sure that the bed bugs are safely taken care of. Public health inspectors can help by providing information only. Your local municipality may have a property standards bylaw that deals with pests. Please contact them directly.

Mould

The Health Canada website provided details including health risks, locations where mould can be a problem and information regarding cleaning mould.

Not all mould causes health effects; there are different ways that tenants and occupants of a dwelling can respond to mould. The extent of health effects from mould exposure is less known, efforts should be made to keep mould growth indoors to a minimum. Mould growth may have a larger impact or illness for young babies, elderly, and people with asthma or weakened immune systems. If you or a family member feel unwell after being exposed to mould, speak with your health care provider.

Tenants

Here are some steps to take if you are a tenant dealing with mould in your home:

• Talk with your landlord about the issue. It is in their best interest to correct and deal with the problem early so that their property is not damaged further. Mould is often caused by water damage or insufficient ventilation.
• Take pictures of the problem. These are useful for medical appointments, enforcement officers and court.
• Go see your doctor if you are concerned that the mould is making you sick. Bring pictures of your living conditions with you to assist in making a diagnosis.
• You can put in a complaint to the local authorities if you are unhappy with the way your landlord is handling your concerns. Where you live will determine who you need to contact. If you live in a municipality, you can try the local building department or the municipal bylaw enforcement officer. Many municipalities have bylaws concerning residential standards. If the area you live in does not have these services, then you will need to contact the Landlord Tenant Board (1-888-332-3234).