We are a team of highly trained and licensed pest control professionals with additional training in mould identification, asbestos management, and other environment-related issues that can affect your quality of living.
We have staff across the TCHC portfolio and respond to escalations through the Mayor’s Office, City Councillors, the Ombudsman’s Office, your superintendent, or react to environmental concerns raised by tenants.
When staff report mould at a building, we come out to confirm it is there and determine next steps for repair.
We support and recommend major building-wide projects including pest clean-outs and solutions to issues that cause pest problems, mould confirmation and remediation process coordination. We evaluate and assess treatment options for projects or individual units.
EHU staff provide quality assurance inspections for pest control vendors to ensure the pest control companies are compliant with current laws and regulations outlined in the Pesticides Act, and to monitor the quality of treatments in all TCHC buildings.
EHU provides reliable information to TCHC staff and tenants so staff can provide timely, effective pest control strategies to their respective communities and tenants are aware of treatment options and expected results.
Call 416-981-5500 to request a copy of this poster in an alternate language or format.
Bed bugs Environmental Health Unit (EHU)
Bed bugs are small, biting insects averaging 4-5 mm in length and are reddish brown. They multiply quickly, travel easily, and resemble an apple seed. Not all people get visible bite marks.
Bed bugs hide most of the time, and can be found in luggage, clothing, other personal items, and in places where people sit and sleep for long periods of time (public transit, libraries, and hotels).
Never take a mattress or sofa from the curb or garbage area. Be careful when buying used furniture or clothes. Make sure to inspect the item before bringing it home.
Reduce the number of hiding places by checking between your mattress and box spring, and by cleaning up clutter. This helps with early detection and treatment of bed bugs in your unit.
Standard treatment for bed bugs consists of a minimum of two treatments plus a final inspection. A unit may require more based on infestation levels.
Treating bed bug infestations involves the combined effort of site staff, the pest control technician, and the tenant.
If you think you have bed bugs in your unit, tell your superintendent or call the Client Care Centre (416-981-5500) immediately to book an inspection by a professional at no cost to you.
EHU and TCHC will work in partnership with tenants to keep units and buildings pest-free.
Call 416-981-5500 to request a copy of this poster in an alternate language or format.
Environmental Health Unit (EHU)
Cockroaches
Cockroaches live in small spaces where their backs and bellies are touching, such as cracks, or gaps in cardboard. They also gather near warm, moist areas where water sources are present.
Cockroaches are carriers of disease and can increase allergy symptoms and asthma complications among other health issues.
Removing your household garbage daily, cleaning food scraps, spills and crumbs will reduce chances of infestation.
Keep your food in sealed containers, including pet food. This will restrict access to food sources for cockroaches.
Cleaning behind your fridge and stove at regular intervals will help to remove food scraps and help with early detection of an infestation.
If you see cockroaches in your unit or suspect their presence, immediately notify your superintendent or contact the Client Care Centre (416-981-5500) to book an inspection and treatments by a professional at no cost to you.
EHU and TCHC will work in partnership with tenants to keep units and buildings pest-free.
Call 416-981-5500 to request a copy of this poster in an alternate language or format.
Rodents Environmental Health Unit (EHU) (mice and rats)
Rodents are carriers of bacteria and disease. You can get sick if you are bitten by a rodent, or if you are exposed to areas that are contaminated by rodent urine or droppings.
Rodents can cause damage to your home and belongings when they chew on them.
To prevent infestation, remove your household garbage daily. Clean up food scraps, spills and crumbs.
Remove food sources by using tight fitting containers for food storage.
Make sure your garbage is tied up and placed into the garbage chute or taken directly to the garbage collection area.
If you see rodents in your unit or suspect their presence, immediately notify your superintendent or contact the Client Care Centre (416-981-5500) to book an inspection and treatments by a professional at no cost to you.
EHU and TCHC will work in partnership with tenants to keep units and buildings pest-free.
Call 416-981-5500 to request a copy of this poster in an alternate language or format.
Never feed wildlife Environmental Health Unit (EHU)
Under Toronto’s Animal Bylaw, you are not allowed to feed wildlife or leave food out to attract animals.
When food is left out for wildlife, it can attract pests like mice, rats, and raccoons. This can attract other larger animals, like coyotes and foxes.
When you feed wild animals, they will stop searching for food naturally. Human food is very unhealthy for them.
Wild animals often carry diseases that can be dangerous to humans, like rabies. They also carry parasites like fleas and ticks. These pests can attach themselves to humans.
If you see someone feeding wildlife in or around your building, contact your superintendent or the Client Care Centre at 416-981-5500 to report it.
EHU and TCHC will work in partnership with tenants to keep units and buildings pest-free.
Call 416-981-5500 to request a copy of this poster in an alternate language or format.
Pharaoh ants Environmental Health Unit (EHU)
Pharaoh ants are small insects that are yellow or light brown in colour, and hard to see. They only live indoors and often found in warm, moist areas like plants, aquariums, piping, sinks and heaters.
Pharaoh ants feed mostly on sugars and proteins. They will search for water and other food sources if available. Removing garbage, water and food scraps will help prevent an infestation.
Pharaoh ants can get into food packaging because of their small size. Once inside, they will contaminate food.
Resolving pharaoh ant infestations is a group effort and relies heavily on teamwork between your site staff, the pest control technician, and you. Be prepared, be ready to leave your unit, and provide as much information as possible about the infestation.
If you detect pharaoh ants or feel your unit may be infested, please inform your superintendent or call 416-981-5500 immediately. Staff will help you book an inspection by a professional at no cost to you.
EHU and TCHC will work in partnership with tenants to keep units and buildings pest-free.
Call 416-981-5500 to request a copy of this poster in an alternate language or format.
Environmental Health Unit (EHU)
Mould
Mould usually results from poor ventilation and moisture from showers, cooking, and water that sits on surfaces for too long. It can grow on things like wallpaper, ceiling tiles, carpets, wood, and drywall.
Mould can cause negative effects depending on your overall health, age, and the amount of time you’ve been exposed to it.
How to prevent mould growth
Turn on exhaust fans when bathing, showering, and cooking. Open windows when possible, and wipe away excess moisture.
Control the humidity level in your home by limiting the number of fish tanks and plants. Don’t hang wet clothes indoors.
Leave room between your furniture and walls to allow air flow.
Small areas of mould (1 square metre or less) can be cleaned using a household cleaner. Scrub the area with the cleaner, sponge the area with a clean, wet rag, and pat dry.
If you notice water leaks or large amounts of mould in your home, immediately notify your superintendent or call 416-981-5500. Staff will help you book an inspection and treatment by a professional at no cost to you.
EHU and TCHC will work in partnership with tenants to keep units and buildings mould-free.
Call 416-981-5500 to request a copy of this poster in an alternate language or format.
