Bedbug FAQ

Q: What are bed bugs?
A: Bed bugs are small bugs that feed off human blood, usually while you are sleeping. Adults are 6mm long and brown or blood-red in colour, and eggs are white and 1mm long - impossible to see on most surfaces. Bed bugs reproduce quickly: adult females lay 2-4 eggs per day and eggs take about 1-2 weeks to hatch. This means that it is very important to deal with an infestation as soon as possible.

Q: How do I know if I have a bed bug infestation?
A: Bed bug bites are one of the main indicators that you have bed bugs in your home. You may also see small brown/black spots from blood or droppings in common bed bug hiding places such as:

Seams, creases, tufts and folds of mattress and box springs
Cracks in the bed frame and head board
Under chairs, couches, beds and dust covers
Between the cushions of couches and chairs

Q: Will bed bug bites make me sick?
A: Bites can leave itchy welts that appear minutes or days later. For some people, bites may cause allergic reactions. Bed bug bites may resemble mosquito or other insect bites, so on its own bites do not mean that you have an infestation. Bites are unpleasant but are not known to pose a health risk or carry diseases.

Q: What should I do if I think I have an infestation?
A: If you think you have an infestation it is important to deal with it as soon as possible. You can do a more detailed inspection of your home by following some basic guidelines. If you find an infestation or you aren’t sure, call us to arrange for a professional inspection.

Q: How can I avoid getting bed bugs?
A: Bed bugs most often move from place to place by attaching themselves to people, clothing or furniture. They can also travel through gaps in the walls.

We suggest:

At a hotel, don’t place luggage on the floor or bed
Frequently wash and dry clothes and linens on hot settings, especially after visiting someone with an infestation
Frequently vacuum your home thoroughly including bed, furniture and baseboards.
Eliminate hiding places by sealing holes in walls and floors and repairing wallpaper
Enclose mattress and box spring in protective covers (dust mite or bed bug certified)
Check and thoroughly vacuum used furniture

Q: Where can I learn more about bed bugs?
A: To learn more about bed bugs, the bed bug life cycle and what you can do about bed bugs, download our bed bug information or visit other online resources such as New York City’s bed bug information.