How to Avoid Bed Bugs This Winter in Toronto – Homeowner Tips

It’s only October and it is getting cold in Toronto and the GTA. You can already feel and and smell the snow coming. Winter in Toronto might make you think pest season is over, no mosquitoes, no ants, no flies. But that is not true. Bed bugs never take days off. In fact, winter is actually one of the most busiest times for bed bugs. These tiny, flat insects don’t freeze, hibernate, or die off when the snow hits. Instead, they stay warm and active inside homes, condos, and apartments across the GTA.

At Pest Solution Services, we see bed bug infestations spike every winter, especially right after the holidays. So, let’s talk about what Toronto homeowners should watch out for this winter to keep their homes bed bug–free.

1. Holiday Travel and Visitors – The #1 Winter Risk

Between December and February, travel and family gatherings make it easy for bed bugs to move around. They don’t fly or jump, they hitchhike. All it takes is one suitcase, one winter coat, one piece of clothing, or one overnight guest to bring them in.

How bed bugs spread in winter:

• Hidden in luggage, clothing, or bedding from hotels, Airbnbs, or other homes
• Brought in through guests’ belongings during holiday visits
• Transferred via used furniture or blankets shared between homes

What to do:

• When you return from travel, unpack directly into the laundry — wash and dry on high heat for at least 30 minutes.
• Inspect luggage seams and zippers before storing.
• If guests are staying over, keep bedding clean and vacuum guest areas after they leave.

2. Used Furniture and Curbside Finds

Toronto’s winter means moving season slows down, but people still grab “free furniture” from online marketplaces or curbs. That’s one of the most common ways bed bugs spread in the city.

Even a single infested chair, couch, or nightstand can bring a hidden colony into your home.

What to watch for:

• Tiny black dots (bed bug feces) on furniture seams
• Blood spots or shed skins in couch cushions
• A sweet, musty odor (common in larger infestations)

What to do:

• Avoid curbside or second-hand furniture unless it’s professionally inspected.
• If you must buy used, check all seams, screw holes, and joints — and vacuum or steam clean thoroughly before bringing it inside.

3. Luggage and Winter Clothing Storage

During winter, many Toronto residents store travel bags, coats, or blankets in closets, often without realizing bed bugs might be hiding inside from a previous trip or visit.

What to do:

• Dry-clean or heat-treat winter coats and comforters before storing.
• Use bed bug–proof covers for duffle bags or garment bags if you travel often.

4. Warm Indoor Heating Creates Perfect Bed Bug Conditions

Toronto homes are sealed up and heated during winter, which means ideal temperatures for bed bugs to feed and breed. While other pests die off, bed bugs thrive indoors at 20–25°C.

Watch for these early signs:

• Small black dots or reddish stains on sheets, headboards, or baseboards
• Itchy bites that appear in a line or cluster
• Tiny shed skins or white eggs along mattress seams

Pro Tip:
Regularly inspect beds, couches, and recliners and not just in bedrooms. Bed bugs can live anywhere you sit or rest frequently.

5. Ignoring Clutter and Winter Storage Areas

During the colder months, people often move boxes, bags, and blankets into storage rooms, basements, or closets. Unfortunately, bed bugs love these cluttered spaces, especially if there’s warmth and fabric to hide in.

What to do:

• Declutter regularly, avoid letting piles of clothing or boxes sit untouched.
• Vacuum baseboards, under furniture, and behind beds every few weeks.
• Reduce hiding spots by sealing cracks in furniture and walls.

6. Apartment and Condo Residents – Be Extra Watchful

In multi-unit buildings, bed bugs can travel between apartments through shared walls, vents, hallways, and common rooms (like garbage chute rooms) especially in older Toronto buildings with baseboard heating.

What to do:

• Notify property management immediately if you suspect bed bugs. Early detection prevents spreading.
• Check common walls (bedroom walls, outlets, baseboards) for signs.
• Use interceptors (small cups) under bed legs to detect movement early.

7. Prevention is Easier Than Treatment

Once bed bugs settle in, they’re difficult to eliminate without professional help. But the good news?
Most winter infestations can be prevented with simple habits:

• Inspect luggage, coats, and bedding after travel
• Avoid used furniture without inspection
• Keep your home clutter-free and vacuum often
• Use protective mattress encasements
• Call a licensed pest control expert if you spot early signs

Stay Vigilant This Winter

Toronto winters bring more than just snow. They also bring hidden risks for bed bugs.
Because homes are sealed and heated, bed bugs thrive quietly until they multiply.

By being proactive and watching for these signs, you can stop a small problem from turning into a major infestation.

If you notice any signs this winter, Pest Solution Services is here to help. Our certified entomologist can identify the issue, provide honest guidance, and apply proven treatments designed for Toronto homes. Contact us.