Bed Bugs

What are bed bugs?

Multiple bed bugs Bed bugs are small brown insects the size of an apple seed, with a small oval-shaped, flat body and no wings. Bed bugs do not fly or jump.

Bed bugs live where they can hide easily and feed regularly. Their flat bodies allow them to hide in tight locations: inside box springs, in mattress pads, under wallpaper, behind picture frames, and in electrical outlets for example. It is possible for anyone to experience a bed bug infestation.

Bed bugs usually come out at night to feed. Bed bugs are not known to spread disease and their bites do not generally require medical attention.

How do I prevent bed bugs from entering my home?

Reduce clutter
Vacuum often
Seal all cracks and crevices in wooden fixtures and furniture
Check any entry points that you share with neighbours and any openings of walls
Check new and used furniture you bring into the home for bed bugs
Do not bring in second-hand furniture off the street.
When travelling do not bring your own pillow, use light-coloured plastic luggage, inspect hotel rooms for bed bugs, and store luggage away from upholstered furniture
Upon return keep luggage on a hard surface away from areas where bed bugs can crawl and hide, wash and dry all clothing on a hot cycle, vacuum luggage and dispose of dust collector immediately

How do I know if I have bed bugs in my home?

Bed bugs in a mattress crack Check the following areas for presence of bugs, eggs, or droppings:

Mattress seams (including inside box springs and along bed frames)
Cracks & crevices in and around the bed
Surrounding furniture & baseboards in sleeping areas (i.e., dressers, night tables)
If you have a pet, check areas where your pet sleeps as well.
If you find signs of bedbugs, widen your inspection area to assess the level of infestation.

Look for black/brown spots for signs of bed bug activity, eggs which are small white spots, or bed bugs that may be dead or alive.

Bed bug bites

Person with red bed bug bites on their back Bed bugs are not known to spread disease and their bites do not generally require medical attention.

Some people have no reaction to bed bug bites, others may have small skin reactions, and some a known to have allergic reactions. Those living in infested homes may report anxiety and insomnia.

Since the bites present as itchy welts that may mimic other skin conditions, the only way to fully determine if the bites are caused by bed bugs is to have the bug identified.

If you are experiencing bite symptoms talk to your health care professional.

For identification of bugs contact us at 1-800-922-0096 or contact a licensed pest control company.

What should I do if I have bed bugs in my home?

If you have bed bugs in your home, you should speak to a licensed pest control company.

If you are a tenant, contact your landlord to speak to a licensed pest control company.

Once an infestation has been confirmed it is important that you take the necessary steps to ensure your home is ready for treatment. This is done by a licensed pest control company.

Such preparation would include:

Bed bugs checklist
Vacuum your mattress, bed frame, baseboards, and anything else around your bed every day. Place the vacuum bag into a garbage bag, and seal it before discarding.
Wash your clothing, bed sheets, blankets, mattress pads, and pillows in hot water and dry them on high heat for 30 minutes.
Remove unnecessary clutter.
Seal cracks in bed frames, floors, walls, and between baseboards
Repair or remove peeling wallpaper.
Tighten loose light switch covers.
Seal openings where pipes, wires, or other utilities come into your home.
Carefully bag, label, and dispose of infested items that can’t be cleaned.

More information