How to Get Rid of Bed Bugs

What Are Bed Bugs?

Bed bugs are small, oval-shaped insects that feed on the blood of humans and animals. They are reddish-brown in color, wingless, and about the size of an apple seed. Bed bugs are nocturnal and often hide in cracks, crevices, mattresses, and furniture during the day.

Early Signs of Bed Bugs

Recognizing early signs of bed bugs can help prevent a full-blown infestation. Key indicators include:

Bed bug bites: Small, itchy, red welts that appear in clusters or lines on your skin.
Bed bug droppings: Dark spots resembling ink stains on mattresses, sheets, and furniture.
Bed bug eggs: Tiny, white, oval-shaped eggs or eggshells about 1mm in size.
Shed skins: Translucent, empty shells left behind by molting bed bugs.
Blood stains: Small, rusty spots on your bedding caused by crushed bed bugs.

How to Check for Bed Bugs

Inspect mattresses, bed frames, and box springs for live bugs, droppings, or eggs.
Examine furniture seams, cracks, and folds for hidden bed bugs.
Use a flashlight to check crevices in walls, carpets, and baseboards.
Look for signs of bed bugs on curtains, clothing, and backpacks.

What Do Bed Bugs Look Like?

Adult bed bugs: Flat, oval-shaped, reddish-brown, and about 5-7mm long.
Nymphs: Smaller and translucent, turning reddish after feeding.
Eggs: Tiny, white, and slightly sticky.

What Do Bed Bug Bites Look Like?

Bed bug bites are small, red, and often appear in clusters or straight lines. They are usually found on exposed areas like the face, arms, and legs. Are bed bug bites itchy? Yes, they are, and scratching can lead to secondary infections.

Identify the Infestation
- Check all suspected areas thoroughly.
- Confirm the presence of bed bugs using physical evidence like live bugs, droppings, or eggs.
Clean and Declutter
- Wash bedding, clothing, and curtains in hot water and dry on high heat.
- Vacuum mattresses, furniture, and floors regularly.
- Seal items in plastic bags and expose them to extreme heat or cold.
Use Chemical Treatments
- Apply bed bug sprays or powders labeled for indoor use. Best bed bug spray Canada brands include professional-grade solutions.
- Follow instructions carefully to avoid harm to pets and humans.
Heat Treatment
- Use a professional bed bug heat treatment to kill all life stages, including eggs. Temperatures above 50°C (122°F) are effective.
- Home dryers can also be used to treat smaller items.
Professional Extermination
- Hire a licensed exterminator for severe infestations. Services like bed bug exterminator offer effective solutions.
- Costs vary, but bed bug treatment prices typically range from $300 to $1,500, depending on the severity and method used.
Preventive Measures
- Use mattress encasements to trap and kill remaining bugs.
- Keep your home clutter-free to reduce hiding spots.
- Inspect second-hand furniture before bringing it into your home.

Bed Bug Treatment Price

The cost of treatment depends on the severity of the infestation and the method used. Heat treatments and professional extermination are the most expensive but highly effective.

Final Tips For How to Get Rid of Bed Bugs

Getting rid of bed bugs requires persistence. Early detection and immediate action can save you time, money, and stress. If DIY methods fail, consult a professional pest control service to ensure complete eradication.

Seal Entry Points: Regularly inspect and seal cracks in walls, baseboards, and furniture to prevent bed bugs from hiding and spreading.
Use Interceptor Traps: Place traps under bedposts to monitor and capture bed bugs as they move around.
Minimize Travel Risks: When traveling, inspect hotel beds and luggage racks. Keep suitcases off the floor and wash travel clothes immediately upon returning home.

Natural Remedies for Bed Bugs

For those who prefer chemical-free options:

Diatomaceous Earth: Sprinkle food-grade diatomaceous earth around infested areas. It dehydrates and kills bed bugs on contact.
Essential Oils: Some oils like tea tree, lavender, and peppermint may repel bed bugs, but they are not proven for full eradication.
Steam Treatment: Use a steam cleaner on mattresses, furniture, and carpets to kill bed bugs and eggs on contact.

Signs of Reinfestation

After treatment, remain vigilant for signs of reinfestation:

New Bites: If bites reappear, it may indicate some bugs survived or returned.
Live Bugs: Regularly inspect treated areas for lingering live bed bugs.
Increased Activity: Warm weather and increased travel can contribute to reinfestation.

Emotional Impact of Bed Bugs

Bed bug infestations can cause stress, anxiety, and even sleep disturbances. It’s important to:

Stay Calm: Understand that bed bugs are a common issue and can be resolved with proper measures.
Seek Support: Share concerns with friends or join online forums to learn from others’ experiences.

FAQs About How to Get Rid of Bed Bugs

What are bed bugs, and where do they come from?
Bed bugs are small, reddish-brown insects that feed on human blood. They spread through travel, second-hand furniture, or contact with infested areas.
How can I identify bed bug bites?
Bed bug bites are small, red, and itchy, often appearing in clusters or straight lines on exposed skin.
Are bed bugs common in Canada?
Yes, bed bugs are common in urban areas like Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal due to dense housing and increased travel.
What are the main causes of bed bug infestations?
Bed bugs spread through luggage, clothing, furniture, and even used items purchased second-hand.
How quickly do bed bugs spread in a home?
Bed bugs can move from one room to another rapidly, laying eggs that hatch in about 6-10 days.

What are the first signs of bed bugs?
Look for bite marks, dark droppings on bedding, shed skins, or live bugs in crevices.
How can I tell if I have bed bugs or another type of insect?
Bed bugs are small, oval, and reddish-brown. Unlike fleas or ticks, they don’t jump or fly.
Can I find bed bugs during the day?
Yes, but they are nocturnal and usually hide in cracks, mattresses, or furniture.
How do bed bugs hide in mattresses and furniture?
They hide in seams, tufts, folds, and crevices where they remain unseen during the day.
Are bed bug eggs visible to the naked eye?
Yes, they are small, white, and about the size of a pinhead but may be hard to spot.

What is the most effective way to get rid of bed bugs?
Heat treatment and professional pest control services are the most effective methods.
Can I use a steamer to kill bed bugs?
Yes, steam at temperatures above 50°C (122°F) can kill bed bugs and their eggs.
What are the best chemicals for bed bug removal in Canada?
Products like pyrethrin-based sprays and diatomaceous earth are effective but should be used as directed.
How do professional exterminators treat bed bugs?
They use heat treatments, insecticides, and sometimes fumigation to eliminate all stages of bed bugs.
Can I use diatomaceous earth to get rid of bed bugs?
Yes, it dehydrates bed bugs but works best as a supplemental treatment with professional help.

How effective is heat treatment for bed bugs?
Extremely effective; heat kills all bed bug life stages in a single treatment when done correctly.
Can I use my home dryer to kill bed bugs?
Yes, running infested items in a dryer on high heat for 30 minutes can kill bed bugs.
What temperature kills bed bugs instantly?
Temperatures above 50°C (122°F) kill bed bugs almost instantly.
How much does bed bug heat treatment cost in Canada?
Costs range from $500 to $2,000, depending on the infestation size and service provider.
Is heat treatment safe for pets and children?
Yes, but they should be removed from the area during treatment to avoid heat exposure.

How do I get rid of bed bugs without an exterminator?
Use a combination of vacuuming, laundering, steam treatment, and encasements for mattresses.
Can vacuuming eliminate bed bugs?
Vacuuming removes some bed bugs but won’t eliminate an infestation entirely.
Are there natural remedies for bed bugs?
Yes, options include diatomaceous earth, essential oils, and baking soda, though they are less effective than professional methods.
How do I use essential oils to repel bed bugs?
Tea tree oil and lavender oil can be diluted and sprayed on furniture, but they only repel and don’t kill bed bugs.
Can rubbing alcohol kill bed bugs?
Yes, but it’s a temporary solution and flammable, so use caution.

How do I prevent bed bugs from coming back?
Keep your home clutter-free, encase mattresses, and inspect luggage and furniture regularly.
Should I throw away my mattress if I have bed bugs?
Not necessarily. Use mattress encasements and professional treatments to save it.
Can mattress encasements stop bed bugs?
Yes, they trap existing bugs and prevent new ones from hiding in the mattress.
What steps should I take after bed bug treatment?
Continue vacuuming, inspect regularly, and use encasements to monitor for reinfestation.
Do bed bugs stay on clothes after washing?
No, washing and drying clothes on high heat kills bed bugs and their eggs.

How do I check for bed bugs in a hotel room?
Inspect the mattress, headboard, and furniture seams for live bugs, stains, or shed skins.
Can I bring bed bugs home from traveling?
Yes, they can hide in luggage or clothing. Always inspect and wash items after travel.
How do I protect my luggage from bed bugs?
Use luggage covers and keep bags off hotel beds or floors.
What should I do if I find bed bugs in my hotel?
Report the issue immediately and request a new room, preferably far from the infested area.
Are bed bugs more common in urban areas like Toronto?
Yes, urban areas with higher populations and travel rates have more bed bug infestations.

How much does bed bug treatment cost in Canada?
Treatment costs range from $300 to $2,000, depending on the infestation size and method.
Are bed bug exterminators worth the cost?
Yes, they offer effective solutions and reduce the risk of reinfestation.
What should I expect during a professional bed bug treatment?
Expect thorough inspections, heat or chemical treatments, and post-treatment monitoring.
How long does it take to get rid of bed bugs professionally?
It can take 1-3 treatments over several weeks to completely eliminate bed bugs.
What are the best pest control companies for bed bugs in Canada?
Companies like Orkin Canada, Terminix, and Rentokil provide reliable bed bug treatments.