Better efforts needed against bedbugs

Re: “Bedbugs are still a problem in the city” (Gazette, July 17)

The feature about the N.D.G. family who didn’t recognize the signs of bed bugs points to several deficiencies in public-health campaigns. When tackling a chronic, hydra-headed problem (heat islands, ragweed, feral cats ...) a grand remedial strategy is devised to change habits, an insufficient army of inspectors is mobilized with fanfare, and the commercial sector steps in to offer services. Two or three years later, the problem flares up again into a media crisis. Surprise.

The number of upholstered sofas and mattresses, some wrapped in plastic and some not, on my local sidewalks has not diminished in the last three or four years. Most victims report the exterminator came promptly but usually returned within a week or two to repeat the treatment.

I think more research should be done in detection and how to prevent insect migration. The public needs personal help, such as visits from firemen (!) or a similar squad, and aid from technicians. A long-term problem needs a long-term solution.

Continued information is helpful. In Villeray–StMichel–Park Extension, Access Montreal is no longer allowed to display information pamphlets in English because, the mayor stated at a council meeting, the language inspectors make frequent visits. Does not public health trump linguaphobia? Could some of these language inspectors not be recycled to address the above-mentioned plagues of urban coexistence? M. McCutcheon

Park Extension