At Pest Solution Services, we’ve seen bed bug infestations in every type of property from luxury penthouses to suburban homes. But every so often, a case surprises even our experienced entomologist. This particular Toronto home had what seemed like a straightforward bed bug problem: two bedrooms showing clear signs of activity. However, our inspection revealed an unusual and easily overlooked source.
The Initial Call
The homeowners first contacted us after waking up with multiple bed bug bites for several nights in a row.
When our certified entomologist arrived, the family reported:
- Bed bug bites on arms and legs
- Small black spots (fecal stains) on the mattress in two bedrooms
- No visible signs in other areas of the home
Detailed Inspection
Our bed bug inspection process goes far beyond checking beds and furniture. We perform a meticulous, top-to-bottom inspection of every room.
In this case, we inspected the entire home including:
- Bedroom 1 (Master Bedroom):
- Found live bed bugs and cast skins in the box spring seams.
- Detected fecal stains along the mattress piping.
- Bedroom 2 (Guest Room):
- Moderate activity with live bugs and eggs in the headboard crevices.
- Minimal signs on the carpet edges.
- Bathroom Adjacent to Guest Room:
- At first glance, no visible bed bugs on walls or fixtures.
- Upon lifting a cotton cover on the lid of the toilet seat, we discovered a concentrated cluster of live bed bugs, eggs, and fecal matter hidden deep in the fibers.
- This was the true source of the infestation, explaining why both bedrooms, located next to the bathroom were affected.
Why The Toilet Lid Cover Was the Perfect Bed Bug Harborage
Most homeowners don’t suspect the bathroom as a hiding spot for bed bugs, but in this case, the plush carpet on the toilet seat’s lid provided:
- Warmth: Bathrooms often stay warmer, especially with nearby hot water pipes.
- Moisture: Slight humidity from showers created a comfortable environment.
- Accessibility: Easy travel routes to bedrooms via baseboards and wall voids.
Treatment Plan
Pest Solution Services uses a science-based, human-first approach to bed bug control, never relying on “spray and pray” methods.
For this home, we applied a customized Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategy:
- Mechanical Treatment:
- Used advanced, non-chemical methods, precision vacuuming, and targeted steam treatment on cracks, crevices, and carpet edges to physically eliminate bed bugs and their eggs, ensuring effective, chemical-free control.
- Source Removal:
- The contaminated cover was removed and disposed of according to pest control safety standards.
- Follow-Up Monitoring:
- Installed bed bug monitors in both bedrooms and bathroom.
- Conducted a follow-up visit after 7-14 days to confirm zero bed bug activity.
Results
Within one treatment cycle and follow-up inspection, the home was completely bed bug free. The homeowners were relieved, especially knowing the infestation was traced to such an unexpected location. Without finding and treating the toilet lid’s cover, the infestation would have continued to spread, potentially to other areas of the home.
Key Takeaways
- Bed bugs can infest unexpected areas, including bathrooms.
- Carpeted areas, especially near warm, moist spots can harbor large populations.
- Professional bed bug inspections are essential for detecting hidden sources.
- Early intervention and proper identification save time, stress, and money.
Why Choose Pest Solution Services for Bed Bug Removal in Toronto
If you suspect a bed bug problem, don’t wait for it to spread. Our certified entomologists at Pest Solution Services specialize in fast, discreet, and effective bed bug control across Toronto and the GTA.
We don’t just treat the symptoms, we find the source and eliminate the problem for good.
Contact us today
