Our latest case study is on a bed bug infestation in a North York home. This case study shows how quickly bed bugs can spread and sheds light on a unique way we found a bed bug infested material.
Background
A family in North York contacted our entomologist after noticing bed bug activity in their bed and after getting several bites. So our entomologist came later that day for an inspection.
Inspection & Treatment
During the inspection, our entomologist confirmed bed bug activity in three separate areas of the home:
- Master bedroom (severe infestation)
- Home office (early-stage infestation)
- Living room (hidden infestation inside furniture)
Master Bedroom
The master bedroom showed clear signs of a heavy bed bug infestation, with activity concentrated in a large wooden bed frame. Wooden furniture especially furniture made out of pressed wood is one of the most difficult materials to treat effectively because bed bugs can hide deep inside cracks, and joints.
Due to the severity of the infestation and the structure of the bed, our team determined that disposal of the entire bed was the best and most responsible option.
Our team:
- Fully disassembled the wooden bed
- Carefully bagged each individual component
- Sealed and removed the items to prevent bed bugs from dropping or spreading
- Disposed of the furniture following proper pest control safety procedures
- This step alone significantly reduced the overall infestation level in the home.
Home Office
In the home office, the issue was much smaller and had been caught early. The only affected item was a couch, where we located:
- Two baby (nymph) bed bugs
- One adult bed bug
Because the infestation was incredibly limited, we did not have to dispose of the couch. Instead, our team treated the entire couch and surrounding areas using mechanical bed bug treatment methods.
Early detection in this room was the key to preventing the infestation from spreading further.
Living Room
The most alarming discovery occurred in the living room. While our entomologist was talking to the homeowner, the homeowner placed his feet on a cotton covered wooden footrest. At that moment, a large adult bed bug emerged out of the footrest, bit him, and went back into the furniture.
Our entomologist immediately inspected the footrest. He carefully cut into the fabric, and found that the interior was entirely made of wood and infested throughout.
The infestation inside the footrest was extensive and could not be treated effectively due to the structure of the furniture. Not only that, the footrest was long past its prime and was slowly deteriorating.
As a result, we:
- Safely bagged and sealed the footrest
- Removed it from the home
- Safely disposed of it
Outcome & Conclusions
Follow up inspections confirmed:
- No further bed bug activity
- No new bites or sightings
- Successful elimination of the infestation
This case highlights several important lessons for people across Toronto and the GTA:
- Bed bugs can infest multiple rooms, not just bedrooms
- Wooden furniture makes it incredibly easy for severe bed bug infestations
- Early detection saves furniture and reduces treatment time (like the home office)
- Safe disposal is sometimes necessary to fully eliminate bed bugs
