Bed Bugs

Nobody wants to deal with bed bugs, but with the right steps, you can protect your home, catch signs early, and handle them quickly if they show up. Let’s walk through what you need to know to keep your space bed bug-free.

What are bed bugs, and why are they a problem?

Bed bugs are small, flat, brown bugs about the size of an apple seed. They feed on blood—often while you’re asleep—and hide in tiny spaces.

• Why they’re a problem: While bed bugs don’t spread diseases, their bites can leave you itchy and uncomfortable. A bed bug infestation can also cause stress and make it hard to relax at home.

Don’t worry—anyone can get bed bugs. It’s not about cleanliness; these bugs can hitch a ride into any home.

How to check for bed bugs

Think you might have bed bugs? Here’s how to check the usual hiding spots.

Where to look:

• Your bed: Check mattress seams, edges, and corners.

• Furniture and walls: Look for cracks in bed frames, headboards, baseboards, and other nearby furniture.

• Other hiding spots: Bed bugs can be found behind wallpaper, inside electrical outlets, or even in pet beds and couches.

What to look for:

• Bugs: Small, flat, and brown.

• Eggs: Tiny white dots about the size of a pinhead.

• Droppings: Black or brown stains on sheets, mattresses, or walls.

Helpful tip: A flashlight can help you spot bugs in dark or hidden areas.

What to do if you find bed bugs

If you’ve found signs of bed bugs, don’t panic. Follow these steps to handle the problem:

Get professional help:

• Call a licensed pest control company—they know how to get rid of bed bugs safely and effectively.

• If you rent, tell your landlord right away. Landlords in Ontario are responsible for dealing with pest problems like bed bugs.

Prepare your home:

• Vacuum daily: Empty the vacuum bag into a sealed bag and throw it out immediately.

• Wash and dry on high heat: Bedding, clothes, and curtains should be washed and dried on the hottest setting to kill bugs and eggs.

• Declutter: Reducing clutter gives bed bugs fewer places to hide.

• Seal cracks: Close up cracks in walls, furniture, or baseboards where bed bugs might live.

• Dispose of infested items: If something can’t be cleaned (like an old mattress), bag it, label it as infested, and throw it away securely.

What bed bug bites look like and when to get help

Not everyone reacts the same way to bed bug bites. Here’s what you might notice:

Signs of bites:

• Mild reactions: Some people don’t notice bites at all.

• Itchy red bumps: Bites often appear in a line or cluster.

• Rare cases: Severe itching, swelling, or allergic reactions.

When to talk to a doctor:

• If bites are very itchy, swollen, or not healing after a few days

• If you feel unwell or anxious about the infestation

Not sure what bit you? Save a bug sample if you can and call us at 1-800-922-0096 for advice.

How to prevent bed bugs

The best way to deal with bed bugs is to stop them from coming into your home in the first place. Here’s how:

At home:

• Keep your home tidy and clutter-free so bed bugs have fewer places to hide

• Vacuum regularly, especially around beds and couches

• Seal cracks in walls, furniture, and baseboards

• Check second-hand furniture carefully before bringing it inside

• Avoid picking up furniture left on the curb

While traveling:

• Use hard-sided, light-colored luggage to make it easier to spot bed bugs

• Inspect your hotel room, especially mattress seams and headboards

• Keep your luggage on a hard surface, like a luggage rack, instead of on the bed or floor

• When you get home, wash and dry your clothes on high heat and vacuum your suitcase

What to do next if you think you have bed bugs

If you suspect bed bugs, here’s what you can do:

• Check your home: Use the tips above to look for bugs, eggs, or droppings.

• Get help: Call a pest control company or talk to your landlord if you rent.

• Need advice? Contact us at 1-800-922-0096 for guidance or visit Health Canada’s Bed Bug Information Page to learn more.

Additional resources about bed bugs

• Health Canada: Bed Bug Prevention Tips

• Bed Bug Tenant Rights in Ontario

• Common Bed Bug Myths