Toronto's medical officer of health is calling for a comprehensive plan to cut the number of bedbug infestations in the city.

Dr. David McKeown has recommended an "action committee" to tackle the problem, made up of several groups:

• City divisions, including public health; shelter, support and housing administration; social services; and municipal licensing and standards.
• Housing providers.
• Health-care organizations.
• Community groups.
• Landlord and tenant representatives.

Under the plan unveiled Tuesday, the medical officer of health would report on the progress of the committee within six months.

Toronto Public Health surveyed 12 pest control companies in December 2007 and received six responses. All six reported an increase in numbers of inquires and calls related to bedbugs from 2006 to 2007. The majority of calls were in apartment buildings.

Public health officials want the committee to develop strategies to track and report cases of bedbugs, and come up with ways to control infestations.

Bedbugs are nocturnal blood-sucking insects that attack humans and other mammals.

The insects have a lifespan of about one year and during this time an adult female can lay between 200 and 400 eggs.

In recent years, governmental agencies and private organizations have reported a resurgence in
bedbug infestations. The reasons for this resurgence are thought to be increased international travel, bedbug resistance to pesticides and the increasing urban population density.

People in apartment units make 78 per cent of all complaints or requests for service to get rid of the pests, Toronto Public Health said.

While there is no evidence that bedbugs can transmit disease, their bites can cause local irritation and allergic reactions.