Bed Bug Control Services

Bed bugs are blood-feeding parasites that hide in cracks and crevices and come out at night to feed on human hosts. In Ontario, infestations are most commonly caused by the Common Bed Bug (Cimex lectularius), which thrives in homes, apartments, hotels, transit systems, and shelters. At PESTWISE, we specialize in thorough inspections and use both heat and chemical treatment options to eliminate bed bugs at all life stages — with guaranteed results.

Identification

  • Species: Cimex lectularius (Common Bed Bug)

  • Adult Appearance:

    • Reddish-brown, flat, and oval

    • Size: ~5–7 mm (apple seed-sized)

    • Swells after feeding

  • Nymphs:

    • Smaller, pale yellow or clear

    • Become darker after feeding

  • Eggs:

    • Tiny, white, oval (~1 mm)

    • Often glued into mattress seams or furniture joints

Life Cycle

  • Eggs hatch in 6–10 days under room temperature

  • Nymphs go through 5 molting stages, requiring a blood meal before each molt

  • Adults live 4–6 months, longer in cool or hidden conditions

  • Females lay 200–500 eggs over their lifetime

  • Bed bugs can survive several months without feeding

Behaviour

  • Nocturnal: Bed bugs feed at night and hide during the day

  • Attracted to: Body heat, carbon dioxide, and human scent

  • Feeding habits: Bite exposed skin while host is sleeping

  • Feeding time: Each blood meal lasts 3–10 minutes

  • Mobility: Do not fly or jump, but crawl quickly across walls, floors, and furniture

Common Hiding Spots

  • Mattress seams, box springs, and bed frames

  • Behind headboards and baseboards

  • Inside electrical outlets, picture frames, and curtain folds

  • Joints and seams of couches, chairs, and dressers

  • Under loose wallpaper or behind wall hangings

  • In luggage, backpacks, and clutter near sleeping areas

Risks & Concerns

  • Do not transmit diseases but pose health risks:

    • Allergic reactions and itchy bites

    • Insomnia, stress, and anxiety

    • Secondary skin infections from scratching

  • Emotional toll: Stigma and isolation are common in affected homes

Signs of Infestation

  • Red, itchy bites (often in rows or clusters)

  • Small blood stains on bedding or pillowcases

  • Dark fecal spots on mattresses or walls

  • Molted skins and tiny white eggs near seams

  • A musty, sweet odor (especially in heavy infestations)

Prevention Tips

  • Check used mattresses, clothing, and furniture before bringing them home

  • Use bed bug-proof encasements on mattresses and box springs

  • Keep clutter to a minimum around sleeping areas

  • Vacuum regularly (especially under beds and furniture)

  • Inspect hotel beds and keep luggage off the floor when traveling

Pestwise Treatment Approach

Our approach ensures full eradication — not just temporary relief:

1. Inspection:

  • Full check of beds, walls, outlets, baseboards, and furniture

  • We identify live activity, eggs, and nesting zones

2. Client Preparation: We provide a preparation checklist: laundry, decluttering, and access areas

3. Treatment Options:

  • Actisol application: penetrates deep cracks

  • Residual spray and dusting: long-term control

  • Fogging: reaches hard-to-access areas

  • Vacuum & flush: removal of visible bugs

  • Heat treatment (optional): for heavy or resistant infestations

4. Follow-Up Visit (14–21 days later)

  • Ensures life cycle interruption

  • 3-month guarantee starts after second visit

Warranty: We offer a 3 month warranty after treatment, with optional re-inspection.

Ready to get rid of bed bugs for good?

Contact PESTWISE today for a free consultation and 90-day guarantee after treatment.