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BED BUG CONTROL & ELIMINATION
Bed bug tips, prevention, and treatments
Over the past several years, we have seen an increase in Bed bug activity, with most infestations located in Residential homes, rentals, and hotels. Bed Bugs have been around for thousands of years, but only recently has social media and the news outlets started to focus on their ever-increasing activity levels. In today’s day and age, negative reviews can ruin reputations and destroy businesses – this proves to be more than true when the review involves Bed Bugs. So, it begs the question – What are Bed Bugs? Today, were going to cover everything you need to know regarding treatments, tips, FAQs, prevention, signs of an infestations, and more.
what are bed bugs?
Bed Bugs are tiny, brown, flat insects that live off the blood of mammals, yes that means humans, and mostly humans. They don’t stop there; Bed Bugs have been seen feeding on both Cats, Dogs, and even Pigs! Its important when inspecting for Bed Bugs, to also check your pets. You can do so by running a fine comb through their fur at night (optimal feeding time), or by taking them to your local Veterinarian. Female Bed Bugs lay their eggs about 2-3 at a time and are extremely hard to locate. Because Bed Bug eggs are coated in a sticky, chemical resistant substance, they can adhere to just about any surface, even upside down! It takes about 7 – 10 days for the eggs to hatch. When they do, the eggs spawn off hungry and blood thirsty Bed Bugs in search of their next meal.
An adult bed bug is reddish-brown in color and about 3/16 of an inch long. They are flatter and transparent when between meals, but after a recent feeding, they appear dark in color and engorged, taking on a more oval appearance. Bed Bugs are often mistaken for other insects like Fleas, Ticks and even baby Cockroaches. Contrary to what some people think, bed bugs don’t fly or jump like Fleas or Mosquitoes, but they do share a similar meal of choice (blood). Bed bugs can crawl on just about any surface. Upon proper inspection, you can find them on your sheets, walls, furniture, vents – and even the ceiling. Because Bed Bugs are hard to spot, it’s best to hire the services of a Local Pest Control Company with proper experience and training.
How many eggs does a bed bug lay?
A female Bed Bug can lay about 90 – 110 eggs in her lifetime. In almost all cases, there is never just one female, especially if the infestation is low-medium to medium-high, they can multiple at such a rapid rate, all a Bed Bug needs is a food source.
Do bed bugs sleep?
Because they are most active at night, finding a small or new infestation can be hard, its always a good idea to constantly inspect your body for bites, and your bed for Bed Bug skin shedding or blood spots (Bed Bug Feces).
how often do bed bugs feed?
One of the main issues when locating and treating Bed Bugs is that they rarely starve. Some Species of Bed Bugs can go up to 12+ months without a bloodmeal, patiently waiting out of sight, drawn out by the carbon dioxide we breathe ready to feast.
How can I be proactive against bed bugs?
We always recommend white sheets and pillowcases for quicker and more noticeable infestation identification, washing sheets every 4 – 5 days. Also, to be proactive, Bed Bug covers on both the mattress and box spring are a must have.
How to Tell if You’ve Been Bitten by a Bed Bug?
In most Bed Bugs infestations, the host will have been bit for quite some time before they realize that they have an active Bed Bug problem in their home or hotel. The problem with most insect bites, is that it’s extremely hard to tell the difference between a Bed Bug Bite, Spider Bite, and Mosquito Bite – Especially if the host is very sensitive to insect stings.
In most cases, Bed Bugs will feed at night, unless of course you work nights and sleep during the day, Bed Bugs are most active when you are not. This a great defensive trait they have developed to stay out of sight and in the shadows, waiting to feed undisturbed. Now for the fun part! To feed, Bed Bugs pierce the skin of their victim and inject an anticoagulant like Mosquitoes. This enables the hosts blood to flow easier, resulting in a quicker feeding time, this feeding time can last between 5 to 10 minutes and in almost all cases is 100% painless. Unlike other insects, Bed Bugs don’t stick around for long after they have fed. Once full, Bed Bugs quickly take off back to a secluded area, digesting their meal in peace.
What does a bed bug bite look like?
During the summer, identifying a Bed bug bite tends to be a much harder task. A Bed Bug bite can easily be mistaken with one from a Mosquitoe, ant, spider, tick, or even skin irritations from mites, dust, grass, or other possible allergens.
Bed Bug heat treatment vs chemical application?
There are two main types of treatments in Canada when dealing with Bed Bugs – Heat, and Chemical – Chemical being the more popular of the two. Both can eliminate Bed Bug infestations but do come with their individual pros and cons. Due to its lower cost, active residual, and guarantee time, chemical is usually the preferred choice. For homeowners completely against the application of commercial grade insecticides, and don’t mind paying 3x – 4x more, heat is likely the best bet, but should be completed by a licensed Pest Control provider.
Here's an interesting bed bug fact
Up to 30% of the human population doesn’t show signs of Bed Bug bites, marks, or welts. Example: A husband and wife could be sleeping side by side, the wife is showing several bed bugs bites on her body, while the husband is left untouched (or so he thinks).
Where do Bed Bugs live?
Bed Bugs were given their name mostly because they live on, and around your bed. Bed Bugs inspections should initially be focused on the seams of the mattress, box spring, and headboard areas. Bed Bugs are drawn out by the carbon dioxide human’s breath, so typically they will stay within a few feet of the head area. Larger infestations can be seen on the ceiling, baseboards, dressers, drawers, tv units, and behind picture frames.
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health concerns and bed bugs
Although it has yet to be proven that Bed Bugs can transmit diseases to humans, Bed Bugs are still the #1 insect having the most physiological impact on their hosts. The thought of being eaten alive while sleeping can make even the bravest soul shiver in fear and discomfort. In most cases, Bed Bug bites or risk of diseases are the least of concern. After the infestation has been identified and confirmed, then begins the sleepless nights, anxiety, stress, paranoia, and even depression. Mice, Spiders, Ants, and Cockroaches, these are all common pests, but when you mention a Bed Bug infestation to friends or family, people tend to keep their distance.
how do you get bed bugs and where?
Its hard to say where exactly Bed Bugs originated from, but what we do know, is that Bed Bugs date back to as long as humans have been alive, even ancient Egyptian times. No matter where you sleep, live, stay, or travel, it’s always a good idea to check your mattress, sheets, and pillows for any type of activity or signs. Contrary to public belief, in most cases, Bed Bugs have absolutely no relation to cleanliness. It doesn’t matter how tidy you are, a clean and spotless house can still end up with an active Bed Bug infestation. For some reason, most of the population tends think that only people who live in messy homes or have poor hygiene can get Bed Bugs – FALSE. You can find them in the finest of hotels and the fanciest of apartment buildings. Bed Bugs don’t care if you’ve got laundry on the floor, have dishes in the sink, or haven’t showered in days, anyone can get a Bed Bug infestation, even YOU! If you have a Pest Control Edmonton issue, contact us today!
Bed bugs are experienced travelers. They usually make their way into a home on clothes, shoes, luggage or furniture. You could be sleeping in nice hotel or crashing at a friend’s house on the couch, that’s all it takes to have a bed bug hitch a ride and come home with you. Although uncommon, Bed Bugs can also be found in movie theaters, hospitals, and gyms. One of the most common ways to get Bed Bugs, is by bringing used furniture into a home. Items like mattresses, box springs, or anything else that would go in a bedroom can easily transport Bed Bugs from one home to another. If you buy a used mattress or box spring online or at a yard sale, there is a good chance that you’re getting more than you bargained for. Once they get into your home, it’ll be a nightmare getting them out. Before bringing ANY used items inside, carefully inspect them for Bed Bugs activity or signs of a previous infestation.
Can I treat Bed Bugs myself?
Yes, but almost always, No… Chemicals purchased at local hardware stores don’t carry the punch that commercial grade insecticides do. They also don’t have the lasting residual effect that does the most work. Bed Bug heat treatment units can be rented by homeowners; however, the cost is high, and if done incorrectly, can result in a failed treatment, damage, and even fire.
Will Bed Bugs bite my dog or cat?
Although Bed Bugs prefer feasting on humans, they can bite both dogs and cats. It’s important if you suspect a Bed Bug infestation, to also inspect your pets.
It’s too cold in Canada to have Bed Bugs, right?
FALSE. Bed Bugs are found everywhere in Canada, even in igloos! Most infestations are in highly populated cities and travel destinations; however, Bed Bugs can be found in even the most remote of locations.
When do Bed Bugs bite?
Bed Bugs are most active when you are not. Typically, this is during the evening hours between 12am and 4am. However, if you work nights and sleep during the day, Bed Bugs will adapt their feeding schedule with your hours of rest.
How to Check for a Bed Bug Infestation?
Bed Bugs don’t come out to be found easily, so it’s important when doing a Bed Bug inspection to THINK like a Bed Bug, where would you hide? As mentioned above, locating new or small Bed Bug infestations can be like finding a needle in a haystack. Focusing on the mattress, box spring, and sheets is the first step when trying to inspect for Bed Bug activity. The first thing you need to do is carefully remove any bed sheets and take them immediately to the dryer, dry on high heat for 30 minutes or more. Then, take your bed apart, piece by piece, do this slowly as to not disturb and scatter the insects. Inspect inside the seams of the mattress, then flip the mattress over and repeat. We recommend using gloves, a flashlight, and the help of a friend or family member when flipping over the mattress or lifting anything heavy. Before buying a home it’s important to inspect all bedroom areas for signs of an active Bed Bug Infestations, make sure you find a Realtor that’s experience and has an understanding of pest that can cause damages.
Remember – there is NO SUCH THING as being to thorough in a Bed Bug inspection. Knowing exactly what to look for is crucial in order to successfully identify a Bed Bug infestation. While performing an inspection, you want to look for three things. First, check for dark brown or red spots, these are Bed Bug feces (your blood). Usually you will find them in bunches where the Bed Bug hides to digest their meal. The second thing you want to look for is skin shedding’s left behind by Bed Bugs. As Bed Bugs grow, they molt, leaving empty shells of their previous shape and size. A blood meal is required between each molt for a Bed Bug to move on to its next stage in life. This means, if you find several skin shedding’s, then chances are the infestation in more than just a “few bugs”. Lastly, you want to look for the bugs themselves. With a trained eye, this is the easiest way to spot for activity, especially around the mattress seams and underbelly of the box spring. It’s best to inspect during the day as Bed Bugs are less active and can be spotted before they start to crawl away. Our Calgary Pest Control technicians are standing by!
Where do bed bugs hide?
Bed bugs can be found mainly in bedrooms, but for larger infestations, activity can be seen in bathrooms, living rooms, and storage areas.
Should I wear gloves?
Yes, especially when in contact with an insect who feeds on blood, you should wear protective gloves. Also, its best to use a flashlight when doing a Bed Bug inspection to properly spot any activity and signs.
Bed Bug identification
Unsure if you found a bed bug? Contact us today at [email protected] and one of our trained technicians will be able to identify the insect right away.
Will bed bugs die if I turn up my heat?
No, Bed Bugs will only die at temperatures above 47.C and above. Turing up the heat will have zero effect on an active Bed Bug infestation. Leaving an infested mattress or box spring in the sun also will have little to no effect. If you have an active Bed Bug infestation, call a professional Pest Control company.
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OTHER LOCATIONS TO FIND BED BUG ACTIVITY
It’s important to not limit your search to just the mattress and box spring. Bed Bugs have been found hiding on books, TV’s, shelves, baseboards, dressers, drawers, walls, ceiling, lights, vents, electrical outlets, headboard, basically all areas of a bedroom. Bed Bugs also love to hide in wood – It’s a safe place for them to lay their eggs as well due to all the cracks and crevices. After you have successfully completed inspecting the bedroom, it’s time to move on to furniture in the living room and common areas. Couches, chairs, recliners, and tables are all great spots for Bed Bugs to hide, patiently awaiting their next meal.
Finally – check the carpet. This can be a difficult task depending on the color, texture, and length of fibers. Focusing on carpet along the baseboards is the most likely place to find Bed Bug activity. A good way to check for Bed Bug activity in carpeted areas, is to completely empty the vacuum and go over a selected spot. Then, layout the contents to inspect – this is best done with a canister vacuum. If you find a Bed Bug, stop the inspection immediately, and contact a local Pest Control Company right away. To be sure, take an image of the suspected Bed Bug next to a coin for reference in size, then send it to a local pest control company for proper identification. One Bed Bug, or hundreds, the treatment process will be the same. Stopping the inspection once a confirmed Bed Bug is found will decrease the chances of the insects spreading before a professional treatment can be applied. If you need help with Bed Bug identification, contact us today.
PREP WORK IS KEY FOR ALL BED BUG TREATMENTS 1 (855) 600-0039
HOW TO PREPARE FOR A BED BUG TREATMENT
Before a professional treatment can be done, a large amount of prep work needs to be completed inside the home. If you hire a Pest Control Company, and they do not provide a detailed list of preparation instructions, find a new company ASAP! When a house is not properly prepared, the treatment almost ALWAYS fails – This is a proven FACT.
Here is a general list of things to do prior to a Chemical application by a pest control company.
• Strip bedding from all beds, keep cleaned and not cleaned items separated.
• Remove all clutter from the floor, vacuum, and dispose of bag/canister, clean vacuum.
• Wash all sheets and clothes on HOT and dry them at a temperature of at least 120 degrees for the recommend 30+ minutes.
• Removal ALL items from dressers and drawers, inspect for activity, keep away from bedroom area until after 2nd application.
• Removal all pictures, posters, and frames from the wall, place on mattress.
• Unplug and leave all electrical equipment in place.
• Remove baseboards from walls in bedrooms.
• Remove all electrical outlets in bedrooms, bathrooms, and living rooms.
• Only leave Bed, Frame, and furniture in bedroom, including empty drawers & dressers or TV units. ALL other items should be removed completely.
• For aquariums, unplug filter and cover tank with towel.
• Prepare to be out of house for 2 hours during treatment, and 4 hours after – (6) Hours. This includes all children, pets, and animals.
• Its recommended that people with current health issues, asthma, or elderly stay away from the treated areas for 8 hours.
• Do not apply water to sprayed areas for 14 days after treatment, doing so will wash away any residual, the residual is what does the most work.
• Keep a few sets of clothes to wear for the next 2 weeks, all other clothing and lines must be dried on high heat for 30+ minutes and kept in garbage bags tied up until after the second treatment has been completed. Its best to label clean bags and keep them in the living room or out of the house completely.
• If you have any questions, contact the Pest Control Company providing services.
Depending on the size of infestation, if the mattress is completely infested, its best to throw it out and start fresh, the same goes for couches, chairs, recliners, and other large furniture items. Make sure to completely wrap the mattress or box spring in plastic before transporting the items through the house to ensure the Bed Bug infestation doesn’t spread. After prep work is completed and infested items have been removed from the house completely, immediately put your clothes in the dryer on high heat for 30+ minutes.
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How to Treat for Bed Bugs?
Recent statistics show that when it comes to Bed Bugs, 97.8% of homeowners are unsuccessful at eliminating an infestation without the help from an experienced, licensed, and trained Pest Control Company. Simply put, chemicals purchased from local hardware stores don’t work as advertised and should not be used by homeowners when dealing with a Bed Bug infestation, big or small. This will only cause the infestation to spread out and be much harder to treat in the long run. There are two main types of Bed Bug treatments in Canada – Chemical and Heat. Both have their own pros and cons, but the most popular option by far is chemical. It’s important to remember, chemical applications should come with a guarantee – In Canada, 90 days is industry standard. Stay clear of any pest control provider that charges per visit or offers no guarantee, Bed Bugs are one of the hardest insects to eliminate, the last thing you want is to have a company provide the service and disappear overnight. Check out this article on What Not To Do When Trying To Get Rid Of Bed Bugs.
Heat Vs Chemical Treatments
Heat: Bed Bug heat treatments involve the use of commercial heaters, fans, and electrical equipment set up throughout the house. It is strongly advised that if choosing to have a heat treatment done, you hire a professional Pest Control Company that specializes in heat treatments. Failing to properly execute a Bed Bug treatment using heat can results in damaged items, live Bed Bugs, and even fires. Heat treatments offer no residual effect, if the Bed Bug infestation is not 100% killed off during the initial treatment, then other treatment(s) must be completed. Aside from the usual heat treatment cost being 3x – 4x more than chemical treatments, the damage caused by heat treatments can end up costing more than the actual service itself. For Canadians completely against chemical applications, heat is the way to go. If you are looking for a more cost-effective solution, a chemical treatment would be best. Regardless of which option you choose, ALWAYS get a guarantee from the hired Pest Control provider
Chemical: Bed Bug chemical applications are one of the more popular choices, mainly due to initial cost being quite a bit less than heat. As of 2019, commercial grade chemicals are becoming more and more regulated, local Pest Control Companies must posses proper licensing, experience, and knowledge before applying chemicals under federal law. When hiring an exterminator for any Bed Bug related treatments, always ask questions. Chemical applications typically include 2 treatments, 2 weeks apart. This is to kill off any hatched eggs as most chemicals can’t penetrate Bed Bug eggs. When having a chemical treatment done, the insecticides active ingredient carry’s a long residual effect that stays active for weeks, sometimes months after the treatment, working to kill insects long after the treatment has been completed. You can see more information regarding Bed Bug treatments on our FAQs page.
WHATS THAT SMELL AFTER TREATMENT?
If you smell a chemical scent after your Bed Bug treatment, just open a few windows to let the air circulate.
Can I buy the chemicals a company uses?
Commercial grade chemicals can only be purchased by a licensed Pest Control operator. This is both Federal, and provincial law.
Can I stay home during the treatment?
Unfortunately no, everyone including pets vacate the property. Talk to your technician regarding time period and re-entry time. Each job can vary depending on what chemicals are used.
What does a treatment cost?
General Bed Bug chemical applications cost between $600 – $2500+. This depending on many variables, size of infestation, square feet, number of bedrooms, city, chemicals used, and much more. In Calgary, the average cost for a normal sized home with a small to medium active infestation is roughly $850 – $1200. With heat treatments, expect to pay 2x – 3x more, this also depends on the company treating and guarantee they offer.
Proactive bed bug tips and actions
Although we ALWAYS recommend contacting a Pest Control provider ASAP if Bed Bugs are present, there are some things that can be done to help with treatments, be proactive, and to monitor for activity. Keep in mind, the longer you wait to contact a professional, the larger the infestation will get, along with the costs associated. Some of these preventive measure’s homeowners can do include:
• Launder all belongings when back from vacation before putting them away.
• If spending the night away from home, immediately upon returning, place all clothes in the laundry. Do not throw into laundry basket or leave on the floor.
• Do not buy used bedding or furniture.
• Replace your box spring and mattress every 5 years.
• Vacuum frequently and inspect the vacuum canister contents once every month.
• Constantly be on the look out for signs and symptoms of Bed Bug bites and infestations.
• ALWAYS have a Bed Bug Cover on both the mattress and box spring in all bedrooms.
• Use white sheets, comforters, and pillowcases to easily spot Bed Bug activity.
• Wash all bedding every 4 – 5 days.
• Do a proactive Bed Bug inspection once a month.
The number one location most Bed Bugs are found, is inside residential homes. Not only can a Bed Bug infestation multiply at an alarming rate, you can pick them up by simply visiting a friend or family members home. Bed Bugs love couches, chairs, beds, and any other locations where humans sit or lay down for an extended period. If you know someone who is currently going through a Bed Beg infestation, offer your support and understanding – Bed Bug infestations aren’t fun. They cause damage, are not cheap, and above all else, cause large amounts of stress and anxiety.
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Commercial Bed Bug Control
What do hotels, motels, and cruise ships have in common? They are all hot spots for active Bed Bug infestations. With so many different people sleeping on the same mattress over such a short period, one of them is bound to bring in Bed Bugs. Therefore, we always recommend before staying in a Hotel, to ask if they have an active Bed Bug program. Although hotels, motels, and cruise ships wash their sheets daily, this won’t eliminate a bed bug infestation on the mattress or box spring. Before you unpack your belongings, do a quick Bed Bug inspection. Focus on the mattress, box spring, headboard, and nightstands. If Bed Bugs are found, not only have you potentially saved yourself thousands of dollars in treatment costs, let management know and you will almost certainly receive a room upgrade. Commercial Pest Control can be tricky, success rate usually depends on speed of application to ensure an infestation doesn’t spread.
It’s good to understand most commercial establishments can’t control getting Bed Bugs, and if you find an active infestation, to let management know ASAP. This helps control the infestation more effectively, and ensures the problem is fixed immediately before spreading. Hotels, motels, and cruise ships should have active pest control programs. A program would consist of an exterminator doing random inspections once every 30 days in different units, inspecting for pest related issues and focusing on Bed Bug activity. By doing this, the establishment is being proactive in the fight against Bed Bugs, not reactive. Before booking a trip, google the hotel or Airbnb rental you plan on staying in. Read the reviews, testimonials, and any pest related data on the location.
I found a bed bug in my hotel
Don’t panic, you aren’t alone! The first thing to do is take images of the Bed Bug and location. Once done, notify management ASAP.
Should I bring my own pillows?
IF you have room while travelling, its always a good idea to bring your own pillows and pillow cases.
A review mentions bed bugs where im staying
Try to keep an open mind, it could have been a one time instance, or a fake review aimed towards the establishment your staying at. Continue to read reviews, if you only find one mentioning Bed Bug activity, chances are the problem has been fixed. If you choose to stay, and no Bed Bug activity is noted, write an honest review reassuring other potential customers.
What does a treatment cost?
General Bed Bug chemical applications cost between $600 – $2500+. This depending on many variables, size of infestation, square feet, number of bedrooms, city, chemicals used, and much more. In Calgary, the average cost for a normal sized home with a small to medium active infestation is roughly $850 – $1200. With heat treatments, expect to pay 2x – 3x more, this also depends on the company treating and guarantee they offer.