Toronto has become one of the busiest travel hubs in Canada. Between international visitors, domestic tourists, and people booking short stays for work or events, the city’s hotels and Airbnbs are rarely empty. But with this constant flow of guests, there comes one of the most frustrating and unwanted pests of all time. Bed bugs!
Bed bugs don’t care if you booked a luxury condo in downtown Toronto or a cozy basement suite near the Danforth, if the previous guest unknowingly introduced them, chances are they’ll be waiting for the next visitor. And while no one wants to imagine finding bed bugs in their Airbnb, it’s something that happens more often than you might think.
Here’s exactly what to do if you ever find yourself in this situation.
The First Signs: Spotting Bed Bugs in Your Airbnb
It usually starts with something small. A bite here, red lumps, a suspicious little mark on the sheets, or a strange crawling insect near the headboard. At first, you might shrug it off. Toronto, after all, is an old city with lots of creaky houses and apartments. But if you look closer, the picture becomes clearer.
Common early signs include:
- Small reddish-brown stains on sheets or pillowcases (from crushed bugs).
- Tiny black spots along mattress seams (bed bug fecal matter).
- Bites appearing in clusters or lines on exposed skin.
Many Airbnb guests only realize on the second or third night, when the bites start multiplying. That’s usually when the panic sets in.
Step One: Protect Yourself and Your Belongings
If you’ve identified bed bugs, stop unpacking immediately. One of the biggest mistakes guests make is spreading their clothes, bags, and personal items throughout the rental unit. This makes it much easier for the pests to hitch a ride back home with you.
Instead:
- Gather all your belongings and move them into the bathroom, it’s the least likely place for bed bugs to hide.
- Keep luggage zipped shut or place it in a plastic garbage bag.
- Avoid sitting or sleeping in heavily infested areas while waiting for a resolution.
This step is about containment. The goal is to limit the chances of carrying bed bugs home because the real nightmare isn’t just finding them in your Airbnb or hotel room, but accidentally importing them into your own house or apartment in Toronto.
Step Two: Document and Report the Infestation
Airbnb and most hotel companies takes guest complaints seriously, but you need evidence.
- Take clear photos of live bugs, stains, or bites.
- Record the date and time.
- Contact your host directly.
Most Toronto Airbnb hosts and hotel companies are reasonable and will want to solve the issue quickly, after all, their reputation depends on reviews.
Step Three: Prevent Bringing Bed Bugs Home to Toronto
This is the step too many travellers overlook. Even if you leave your short term rental and never return, the bed bugs may still leave with you. We get calls every year from people who picked up bed bugs during a vacation or work trip.
To reduce your risk:
- Wash all clothes in hot water immediately after leaving the Airbnb or hotel.
- Dry on high heat for at least 30-40 minutes (heat kills all life stages).
- Vacuum your luggage carefully, paying attention to seams and zippers.
- Store suitcases in sealed plastic bags or in the garage until you’re sure they’re clear.
If you start noticing bites after returning home, do not wait, or try to use D.I.Y. methods (they never work). Call a professional immediately. Early detection means the infestation can often be handled more efficiently and at a lower cost.
Why Are Toronto Airbnbs and Short-Term Rentals So Vulnerable?
Hotels and Airbnbs have long been associated with bed bugs, here are a few reasons why they are so prone and vulnerable to these pesky critters:
- High turnover of guests – New people every few days means more chances for bed bugs to be introduced.
- Limited oversight – Many Airbnbs and hotels don’t have regular inspections by pest professionals.
- Guests coming from other infested cities – Toronto is a travel hub. A single suitcase from New York, London, or Montreal can spread bugs instantly.
- Hosts unaware of the problem – Bed bugs are excellent at hiding. Some Airbnbs and hotels look spotless while bugs lurk deep in couches or baseboards.
When to Call a Professional Pest Control Company
Let’s imagine the worst-case scenario: you stayed in an Airbnb, followed all the steps, but a week later you start waking up with itchy bites in your own home. This is when you need to act fast. Bed bugs spread quickly and won’t disappear on their own. Over-the-counter sprays rarely work, and DIY attempts often make the infestation worse by pushing bugs deeper into hiding.
At Pest Solution Services, we’ve seen countless cases where Toronto and GTA residents unknowingly brought bed bugs home from hotels, motels, and Airbnbs. The good news? With a professional inspection and treatment plan based on science, the problem can and will be solved.
Final Thoughts: Stay Calm, Stay Smart
Finding bed bugs in your short-term rental is stressful, but it’s not the end of the world. By acting quickly, protecting your belongings, and reporting the issue, you can limit the impact on your trip. And if you do suspect the pests followed you home, remember: early intervention is everything.
If you’ve recently stayed in a Toronto Airbnb, hotel, or motel and are now worried about bed bugs in your own home, call Pest Solution Services. Our entomologist-led team specializes in discreet, effective treatments across the GTA, helping you get back to a bed-bug-free home, fast. Contact us today.
