In the beginning of August a video came out on the internet that made a lot of people who ride the subway in Toronto feel really uncomfortable and worried. This video was taken by someone who was riding the TTC subway. It shows bed bugs moving around on a seat inside one of the Line 1 subway train. The video became very popular on the internet quickly with people sharing it on places like TikTok, X, Reddit and Instagram.
So you are riding the bus or the subway in Toronto and the GTA. You are worried about bed bugs. We are experts on bed bugs. We want to tell you what happened with bed bugs, what it means for you and most importantly how you can protect yourself and your home from getting bed bugs when you ride public transportation like the bus or the subway.
What the Video Shows: Bed Bugs on the TTC Line 1
The now-viral video shows one visible bed bug crawling across the fabric of a TTC subway seat. The insect is clearly identifiable by its flat, oval body, and reddish-brown colour which are key characteristics of this pesky critter.
In the video the bug appear alive and quite active, and the video’s clarity leaves little doubt about what’s crawling on the seat. The footage triggered thousands of comments from concerned Toronto and GTA commuters, many of whom now say they refuse to sit on subway seats.
Public Reaction: Widespread Concern Across Toronto
The incident has ignited a wave of concern throughout the city. “This is my worst nightmare,” one rider wrote on Reddit. Another Reddit user suggested his own pest control idea, which was both misleading and potentially ineffective: “Was this reported to the TTC? They need to heat treat that ASAP.” This isn’t just online paranoia. Bed bugs are really good at moving and can survive a lot. When people use transportation it is easy for bed bugs to catch a ride, on our clothes, backpacks or bags. Once bed bugs get to our homes or workplaces they reproduce quickly and are very hard to get rid of.
But this isn’t just online paranoia, Bed bugs are highly mobile, and resilient pests. Public transportation provides ideal conditions for their spread, especially when infestations go unreported or untreated.
How Did TTC Respond?
The TTC acknowledged the video, stating that they were investigating the claim and would clean and inspect the subway train in question. According to their spokesperson, all TTC vehicles undergo daily cleaning and monthly deep cleans, with additional spot treatments as needed. The spokesperson also urged commuters to report such sightings on the SafeTTC app.
How To Protect Yourself In Public Transits
As a pest control company that has been serving Toronto for over 15 years, we have seen bed bug infestations in places many people assume are safe: movie theatres, offices, hotel lobbies, rideshares, taxis, and public transit. These types of public areas are extremely ideal for bed bugs. This is because it allows them to easily hitch on clothing, backpacks, briefcases, and luggage. And once they hit your home or building, they reproduce quickly and are extremely hard to eradicate without professional treatment.
Bed bugs are tricky, but not unbeatable. Here are tips our entomologist recommends for you to avoid bringing them home from a TTC commute:
Before and During Your Commute:
- Look before sitting on fabric subway or bus seats for visible signs of bed bugs.
- Crawling bed bugs, small black stains, droppings, or shed skins.
- Keep your bags and purses on your lap, not on the seat or floor.
After You Get Home:
- Change your clothes.
- Inspect your belongings, especially seams and pockets (bed bugs love to hide in these spots).
- Avoid placing backpacks, purses, or shoes directly on beds, couches, or carpets without checking for signs of bed bugs.
- If you suspect of any bed bugs on your clothes, immediately put your clothes in the dryer on high heat for 30-45 minutes.
Signs You May Have a Bed Bug Infestation
If you suspect that you may have come into contact with bed bugs, here are some signs to look out for:
- Clusters of itchy bites.
- Blood spots on sheets or pillowcases.
- Fecal stains on the mattress or box spring.
If you notice any of these, do not wait. The longer you delay, the worse the infestation becomes.
What the TTC Bed Bug Incident Teaches Us
The viral TTC bed bug video is an important reminder that bed bugs can show up anywhere, even in places we rely on daily. Public transit, shared seating, shared living spaces, and high traffic areas are ideal environments for these pests to travel unnoticed from one person to another.
But this does not have to lead to panic, it should lead to preparedness. The key to avoiding a costly infestation is early detection, expert guidance, and proven treatment.
Contact us today.
