At Pest Solution Services, we’ve seen bed bugs hiding in almost every place imaginable, beds, couches, baseboards, electrical outlets, toilets, guitars and even garbage rooms. But this case study from a Toronto condo truly surprised us, and it proves why having an entomologist-led inspection is essential when dealing with bed bugs.
An Unusual Sighting in the Kitchen
A senior woman living in her Toronto condo was walking out of her kitchen one day when she felt something crawling on her legs. Looking down, she was shocked to see not one, but two bed bugs climbing on her. Terrified, she immediately called Pest Solution Services for help, after a quick Google search for reliable and quality bed bug extermination services.
When she explained her story, even we were skeptical. Bed bugs are not typically found in kitchens, as they prefer to stay close to sleeping or resting areas where they have easy access to humans at night. That is why they are called “bed” bugs. At first, we suspected it might be a case of cockroaches or another kitchen pest. However, our entomologist still scheduled a full inspection right away.
A Shocking Discovery in Her Slippers
When our entomologist arrived, he conducted a meticulous inspection of the entire condo, giving extra attention to the kitchen since that was where the client first noticed the bugs. He carefully checked the counters, baseboards, and appliances but initially found nothing unusual. Determined not to overlook a single detail, he continued examining every corner and item in the kitchen and home. Eventually, he made a shocking discovery, the bed bugs were hiding inside the woman’s slippers.
The insects were tucked deep into the Velcro straps of the slippers, using the soft fabric as their harborage. Every time the client wore them in the kitchen, the bugs would emerge and crawl onto her skin to feed.
When we asked why she kept those slippers in the kitchen, the client explained that they were her “kitchen slippers”, a pair she always wore only when cooking or walking in the kitchen. Unknowingly, this habit had given the bed bugs a perfect place to live and wait for their host. These clever pests would patiently wait for the women to wear the slippers, and when she would they would feed on her and even hitchhike with her to move to other areas of the condo.
Here is a video of what our entomologist found:
How Did They Get in The Slippers?
Although we were able to identify the slippers as the main source of the infestation, the origin of the bed bugs themselves remains a mystery. There are a few possibilities:
- The slippers may have been thrifted or second-hand, carrying bed bugs when she first acquired them.
- A visitor could have introduced bed bugs that eventually found their way into the slippers.
What we do know is that bed bugs are highly adaptable and will hide in any small, fabric-based space that provides shelter and proximity to a food source. They are truly clever and smart.
The Treatment: Swift and Targeted
Once the source was identified, our entomologist carried out a thorough treatment of the unit, targeting not just the slippers but also surrounding areas to ensure the infestation had not spread. The slippers were effectively restored, and our team applied precise, IPM treatments to eliminate any remaining bed bugs.
Follow-up monitoring confirmed that the infestation had been completely eradicated.
Lessons Learned
This case highlights several important lessons for Toronto, GTA, and GTHA residents dealing with bed bugs:
- Bed bugs can hide anywhere: Even in unexpected places like slippers, shoes, or clothing.
- DIY solutions will fail: WIhtout a professional inspection, this client may never have found the true source.
- Finding the source is critical: If the true source of the infestation is not identified, bed bugs will continue to survive and spread, no matter how many treatments are applied. Locating and eliminating the source is the most crucial step in any effective bed bug service.
- An entomologist’s expertise is critical: Only a science-based inspection can uncover rare hiding spots like this.
- Early action prevents spread: By calling us as soon as she saw the bugs, the client avoided a much larger infestation.
Conclusion
At Pest Solution Services, we know that every bed bug case tells a story, and no two infestations are ever the same. This senior’s case proves that bed bugs are resourceful, and without expert help, they can remain hidden in the most unlikely places.
If you suspect bed bugs in your home or condo, don’t ignore the signs. Contact Pest Solution Services, Toronto’s entomologist-led bed bug specialists, for an inspection and treatment plan that eliminates bed bugs at the source.
