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 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 legs, and arms
- Fecal stains on the mattresses of 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 very detailed inspection of every room.
In this case, we inspected the entire home including:
- Master Bedroom:
- Found live bed bugs and exoskeletons in the box spring seams.
- Found fecal stains along the mattress.
- Guest Room:
- Moderate activity with live bugs and eggs in the headboard crevices.
- Minimal signs on the carpet edges.
- Bathroom Near the Guest Room:
- Upon lifting a cotton cover on the lid of the toilet seat, we found a cluster of live bed bugs, eggs hidden deep in the fibres.
- This was the 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 Harbourage
Not many people, and even our entomologist did not suspect the bathroom as the source for the bed bug infestation. But in this case, the plush carpet on the toilet seat’s lid provided:
- Warmth: Due to nearby water pipes, bathrooms are often warmer than other rooms.
- 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 an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategy:
- Mechanical Treatment:
- Used vacuuming, mechanical crushing of eggs, and targeted steam treatment on cracks, crevices, and carpet edges to physically eliminate bed bugs and their eggs.
- 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 to other areas of the home.
Key Takeaways
- Bed bugs can infest unexpected areas, including bathrooms.
- Carpeted areas, especially near warm, moist spots can harbour large populations.
- Professional bed bug inspections are the only way 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.
