What Are Bed Bugs and How to Get Rid of Them

As pests go, bed bugs are one of the most irritating and hard-to-spot bugs that a homeowner, renter, business owner or even pest control company can deal with. When it comes to bed bugs in the Greater Toronto Area, the general rule continues to be, “if you see one, or think you have one, you need to call a professional ASAP.” Not all pest control companies have the experience, expertise, and equipment necessary to safely and effectively treat a bed bug infestation, so that it doesn’t reoccur. Plus, not all chemicals and treatment methods will work on bed bugs like they might with other kinds of insects and pests. Dealing with bed bugs is definitely a specialty within pest control and hiring a reputable pest control company in Toronto is key if you want to get rid of them quickly and permanently. Let's discuss how to identify and treat a bed bug infestation.

What Are Bed Bugs? 

Bed bugs are parasites that feed exclusively on the blood from mammals - humans, pets, livestock, etc..  They typically hide and lay eggs very close to places where humans are present for more than 45 minutes a day. For example, a kitchen chair may be fairly inhospitable for bed bugs, but your bed or sofa is just the right spot for them to lay their eggs and look for food. Bed bugs most often choose sheltered and undisturbed hiding spots that are dark and close to the sleeping surface - seams and trim around mattresses are especially common nesting areas. In cases where a bed bug infestation has become severe, they can be found in closets, on bookshelves and in other places throughout the home where humans do not linger.

How To Identify Bed Bugs

There are a few ways to see if you have a bed bug infestation. Just seeing some fecal matter or “one” bed bug should be taken seriously, because there are inevitably many more. Bed bug fecal matter is typically dark brown or black and leaves behind stains that look similar to ink or dirt spots. More than likely you’ll notice a “rash” or itchy bites on your skin that are usually small and red, if there is any reaction at all. Not everyone will get a reaction to bed bug bites. In fact, 30% of the population does not have a reaction when bitten by a bed bug. If you suspect bed bug activity, or have any indicators from places you’ve visited or guests that they have a bed bug issue and you’ve visited recently - getting a professional to come take a look is a good first step. In the GTA, bed bugs can be fairly common, so scheduling a Toronto bed bug inspection should be done right away.

Good pest control companies can identify bed bug bites instantly, and create a scale of severity of bites which can then help them determine if it's time to inspect or treat the home or place of work for a bed bug infestation.  Don’t hire just any pest control company, ensure they are experts in treatment of bed bugs - it will make an immense difference in your long term outcomes after treatment.

Bed Bug Treatment

Bed bug exterminators historically use a variety of methods to treat an infestation - while the most effective method is a three-step process. Most pest control companies employ ONE of these methods, while the excellent Toronto bed bug exterminators employ all three.

Heat Treatment:

Heat treatment for bed bug control is performed via a hand-held heat gun. This direct heat source is applied to beds, couches, chairs, and any other bed bug-infested area.  

This is effective treatment as a first step because heat will kill the bed bug eggs, there is no damage to the furniture, it can instantly work to kill all the bugs and eggs treated, and it helps mitigate pesticide resistance in the bed bug population.

Power Dusting Treatment:

For step two of effective bed bug treatment, a fine silica dust insecticide is injected into walls and crevices through electrical sockets and gaps underneath baseboards. Surge protectors, power bars, and other electrical items stored near or underneath the bed are also treated with the powder.  

This method is effective because it coats the wall cavities and provides a powder barrier around the home. It also causes bed bugs to die instantly on contact, which can keep bed bugs from spreading to adjacent apartments, condo units, and attached homes. This is an essential step and provides long-lasting treatment.

Residual Sprayer Treatment

For the third step in the three step treatment process, a precision surface sprayer is used to apply a fine mist of fluid that leaves a residue onto the backs, sides and bottoms of your fabric covered furniture - such as couches, bed frames, mattresses, and chairs.  Baseboards, floors and door jambs through the home are also treated with this spray.

This treatment is effective because it kills bed bugs as they emerge from hiding.  It kills the bed bugs on contact and protects for up to six months. As bed bugs continue to come out of hiding, they’re killed on contact as well. This method is fully approved by the Ontario ministry of Environment as non-toxic for humans and pets, which makes it an impactful and long-term last effort in a 3-step solution.