What Are Bed Bugs and How Do You Identify Them?

Bed bugs (Cimex lectularius) are small reddish-brown wingless insects about the size of an apple seed (4–5mm). They feed exclusively on blood while people sleep and hide in cracks, seams, and crevices during daylight hours.

Common signs of a bed bug infestation

Itchy red bites in rows or clusters on exposed skin — arms, neck, back, legs
Rust-coloured blood spots on mattress seams or sheets
Dark fecal spots (ink-dot sized) on mattress seams, headboards, and baseboards
Shed skins (translucent husks) near mattress seams and furniture joints
Live bugs visible under flashlight along mattress seams and bed frame joints
Sweet, musty odour in heavily infested rooms

Why Bed Bugs Are a Serious Problem

Bites cause itching, skin irritation, secondary infections, anxiety, and insomnia. A single female can lay 200–500 eggs in her lifetime — eggs hatch in 6–10 days. One undetected pregnant bug introduced via luggage or used furniture can produce hundreds of offspring within two months. In apartments and condos, bed bugs migrate between units through wall voids and electrical conduits.

In Ontario, landlords have legal obligations under the Residential Tenancies Act to address infestations promptly. The longer you wait, the larger and more expensive the treatment.

Why DIY Bed Bug Treatment Almost Always Fails

Consumer sprays do not kill eggs. Eggs hatch 6–10 days later and the cycle restarts.
Resistance is widespread. Most GTA bed bug populations are resistant to pyrethroid consumer sprays.
You cannot reach their hiding spots. Bugs in appliance motor housings, wall voids, and deep furniture joints are inaccessible to consumer products.
Incomplete treatment causes scatter into new rooms — spreading the infestation and increasing treatment cost.

How AstraHive Treats Bed Bugs — Step by Step

Option 1: Professional Chemical Treatment (2–3 visits)

Thorough inspection — all bedrooms, living areas, and harborage sites identified and documented.
Written preparation checklist provided — launder bedding on high heat, declutter, move furniture slightly from walls.
Visit 1 treatment — Health Canada registered insecticides applied with crack-and-crevice equipment to mattress seams, box springs, bed frames, baseboards, and all harborage areas.
Follow-up at 10–14 days — timed to target bed bugs hatched from eggs since visit 1. This visit is essential for complete elimination.
Final assessment — additional visits provided under guarantee if needed.

Option 2: Heat Treatment (single-visit option)

Inspection and setup — industrial heating equipment positioned throughout the unit.
Whole-unit heat treatment — room raised to 49–55°C for a sustained period, lethal to all life stages including eggs. Temperature sensors confirm lethal heat throughout.
Post-heat residual application (recommended) — light insecticide application provides buffer against re-introduction.

What to Expect After Treatment

Chemical: Some live bugs visible for 7–14 days as they contact treated surfaces — this is normal. Activity decreases significantly by week two.
Heat: Activity stops within 24–48 hours. Follow all preparation instructions carefully.
Mattress encasements recommended after any treatment to eliminate hiding spots.
AstraHive’s guarantee covers return activity — we come back at no charge within the warranty period.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does bed bug treatment cost in the GTA?

Chemical treatment ranges $350–$1,000 depending on rooms and severity. Heat treatment ranges $500–$1,200 for a residential unit. Call 905-925-8427 for a free consultation and accurate quote.

How do I prepare for bed bug treatment?

We provide a detailed prep sheet when you book. Generally: launder all bedding on high heat, reduce clutter, move furniture slightly from walls, and ensure all rooms are accessible. Proper preparation significantly improves results.

Do I need to leave my home during treatment?

For chemical treatments, vacate for 4–6 hours. For heat treatment, vacate the full unit for 6–8 hours. We give you a clear re-entry time.

How did I get bed bugs?

Bed bugs hitchhike on luggage, used furniture, clothing, and boxes. Getting bed bugs is not related to cleanliness — anyone can get them. High-risk sources: hotel stays, second-hand mattresses or upholstered furniture, and neighbouring units in multi-unit buildings.

Will bed bugs come back after treatment?

Professional treatment eliminates the existing population. Re-infestation requires re-introduction from an outside source. Our guarantee covers return activity from the treated population — not new introductions.

Bed Bug Treatment GTA — AstraHive Pest Control