They're barely perceptible to the human eye, but for those dealing with an infestation of bed bugs, the problem is gargantuan.   And now more and more of us may be sharing our slumbers with the invasive critters. 

According to Toronto Public Health, the number of complaints about the blood suckers has quadrupled over the past two years.  Bed bugs have also made the move from homeless shelters and hostels into private residences.

"Bedbugs are infesting five-star hotels and small motels, really nice high-rise apartment buildings and not so nice high-rise apartment buildings," explains Michael Goldman of the Pest Management Association of Ontario.

Even more troubling is news of a super bedbug that's resistant to traditional treatments. 

Toronto City councillor Paula Fletcher, who sits on the board of Toronto Public Health, notes that the problem is disturbingly widespread. 

"It's not only here in Toronto," she said. "It's actually across North America and throughout the world in large urban areas. In fact people are going on vacations to Europe or Mexico, other cities, resorts, and they're coming back and they're bringing extra things back, not just souvenirs. They're bringing bedbugs back, too.

"The issue for us is how to deal with them."

That question was discussed at Metro Hall on Monday where Public Health officials met with  landlords and pest control experts to develop a citywide bedbug action plan.

"We really ... are concerned about the most vulnerable in our community, the elderly, those living with mental and physical challenges and those living in poverty," explained TPH spokesman Reg Ayre.

Here's some more info on bedbugs and how to get rid of them.