Bedbugs not found on Edmonton Transit buses

Transitofficials say that no bedbugswere found after four city buses were fumigated earlier this year the first in February and three more earlier this month.

John Sirovyak, director of transit fleet management for Edmonton Transit, held amedia availabilityon Tuesday to reassure the public after media reports surfaced about the bus fumigations.

He said the buses were treated as a precaution after a bug-sniffing dog was unavailable.

"ETS buses are probably as clean as, or if not cleaner, than most other facilities," Sirovyak said."Imean, we clean them every night."

Transit riders were somewhat squeamish about the prospect of bed bugs on the bus.

"They're awful," said Richard Darrah."They've got to do a lot more to make sure the buses are clean before putting it out for people to ride."

"That's really gross," said Adrienne Piche."It makes me feel gross just sitting on the bus now.

Piche said she has no other option but to take the bus.

"Just stand upI guess. Just deal with it right. That's how it is in Edmonton."

Buses checked regularly, says ETS

Bed bugs (Cimex lectularius) are small, flat and oval-shaped insects that feed on the blood of people and animals.

Federal health officials say they are not known to spread disease and are not considered a major health risk.

Experts say bed bugs can be found in luxury hotels, resorts, cruise ships and vehicles, and don't indicate a lack of cleanliness.

The critters usually hitch a ride on people by infesting clothing, bedding or luggage.

People can be bitten anywhere on the skin, but the itchy bites are most often found on the face, neck, arms, legs and chest.

Edmonton's buses are cleaned daily and transit riders have nothing to fear, Sirovyak said.

Three times a year each bus is taken out of service and scrubbed down thoroughly inside with disinfectant.

"Really the public shouldn't be all that threatened about it," he said. "We do inspections continuously as part of our performance process.

There is no reason to have any worries."