Toronto is no stranger to bed bugs. For years, the city has battled these pests in homes, apartments, hotels, and even transit systems. But as of 2025, the problem appears to be growing again, and homeowners across the GTA are beginning to notice.
At Pest Solution Services, we’ve seen a steady rise in calls from residents who believed bed bugs were “a thing of the past.” The truth is, these pests never disappeared. In fact, according to recent reports, Toronto remains one of the most bed bug–infested cities in Canada.
So, what’s behind this resurgence? Let’s look at the data, and science that explains why bed bugs are making a strong comeback, and what Toronto homeowners can do about it.
High Population Density and Travel
Toronto is one of the most densely populated cities in Canada, and as City of Toronto’s Bed Bug Information Portal notes, high density combined with shared spaces allows bed bugs to move easily between units, homes, and public buildings.
(Source: City of Toronto Bed Bug Program).
Post-pandemic travel has also increased dramatically. More visitors, Airbnbs, and hotel stays mean more opportunities for bed bugs to hitchhike on luggage and clothing (read our blog to know what to do if you find bed bugs in your Airbnb).
Milder Winters and Indoor Heating
Contrary to what many people believe, winter doesn’t eliminate bed bugs. These pests are well adapted to indoor life. Toronto’s cold season doesn’t affect them much because they live and breed in heated environments year-round.
Milder winter temperatures also help them survive in vehicles, storage units, and moving trucks, places that might once have been too cold for them to persist.
Why Bed Bug Eggs Survive So Many Treatments
Over the years, bed bugs have developed strong resistance to many insecticides. Meaning, insecticides that once worked well against them no longer do. This is one of the main reasons DIY sprays and over-the-counter products rarely solve a bed bug problem. At best, they might kill a few visible adults, but they don’t reach the hidden eggs or younger nymphs buried deep in furniture seams and cracks. Within a few weeks, those eggs hatch, and the infestation quickly returns, often spreading further than before.
It is important to note that this point continues to prove a message shared in several of our blogs. That point is, “spray and pray” treatments will always fail. The only type of treatment that is truly effective against any type of pest (especially bed bugs), is a treatment based on science (like ours).
Used Furniture and Online Marketplaces
As Toronto’s cost of living continues to skyrocket, more people are turning to secondhand furniture from online marketplaces or curbside pickups. Unfortunately, this is one of the most common ways bed bugs spread into new homes. Even a small cluster of eggs on the underside of a chair or mattress can lead to a full-blown infestation. Bed bug eggs are incredibly small and can cling to fabric or wood surfaces undetected. Once inside, they hatch and begin multiplying rapidly.
The Science Behind Bed Bug Survival
Bed bugs are built for endurance. They can live for months without feeding and hide in tiny cracks no wider than a credit card. Their eggs are coated in a sticky substance that allows them to stay attached to surfaces, even during cleaning or vacuuming.
This makes complete elimination extremely difficult without professional treatment. While some insects die easily from temperature or humidity changes, bed bugs can survive in a wide range of indoor conditions.
They are also silent invaders. Most homeowners don’t notice them until the infestation is well established. That’s why early inspection is key.
What We’re Seeing at Pest Solution Services
At Pest Solution Services, our data from the last two years shows a clear upward trend in bed bug cases across Toronto, Vaughan, Mississauga, and Brampton. Some of the most surprising cases from the last couple of years comes from workplaces and vehicles where people rest between shifts. We’re also finding that infestations are spreading faster due to shared living arrangements, frequent travel, increased furniture movement during relocations, and public transit systems.
How Homeowners Can Protect Themselves This Year
If you live in Toronto or the surrounding GTA, here are steps you can take to reduce the risk of bringing bed bugs home:
- Inspect secondhand items carefully before bringing them indoors. Check seams, zippers, and wooden joints.
- Be cautious when traveling. After staying at hotels or Airbnbs, inspect your luggage and wash clothing in hot water immediately.
- Vacuum and declutter regularly. Bed bugs thrive in hidden spots behind baseboards, beds, and furniture.
- Avoid DIY chemical sprays. Overuse can cause bed bugs to spread deeper into walls or adjacent rooms.
- Call a professional early. Early intervention prevents larger infestations and saves you money in the long run.
Toronto’s Bed Bug Problem Isn’t Going Away — But It Can Be Controlled
Our approach is rooted in entomology. The science of insect behavior and biology. We don’t just “spray and pray.” Instead, we focus on complete eradication using methods that target all life stages of bed bugs: eggs, nymphs, and adults.
We use precise, science-based techniques such as mechanical treatment (crushing eggs and removing visible clusters), professional-grade steam systems that reach over 120°C, and targeted heat applications to ensure bed bug eggs and hidden pockets are destroyed. Our treatment plans are continuously reviewed and refined to maintain maximum effectiveness, adapting as bed bugs evolve and develop resistance
Bed bugs are resilient, but with the right science and expertise, they can be completely eliminated. Toronto homeowners should stay proactive, especially during the colder months when people spend more time indoors. If you suspect bed bugs in your home, don’t wait for bites or visible signs to worsen. Contact Pest Solution Services, Toronto’s bed bug specialists, for a detailed inspection and treatment plan designed for your home or building.
