Bed Bugs Toronto Treatment, Exterminator and Detection help

Bed bug dogs Toronto - K-9 bed bug detection

2011-12-26T19:29:00.004-05:00

Bed Bug Bites

Waking up with bites after a somewhat disturbed sleep to find little red, itchy bites on parts of your body is not something one expects yet more and more people in Toronto are waking up with these bites and are simply not sure what they are.

Those without pets (pretty much eliminates the possibility of flees) that wake up with unexplained bites are suspecting more and more that they have been the victim of bed bug bites.

Bed Bug Detection

When a new bed bug problem presents itself in a home, often the first sign is waking up with the bites that are left behind after a bed bugs feed. When a new bed bug problem is present in a home it can often be very difficult to find an actual bug as they are very good at hiding and only come out to feed during the early hours of the morning - and even that only happens every seven to nine days. As bed bugs procreate quickly, it is imperative that the bed bugs be detected sooner rather than later.

Bed bug detection can be accomplished in a number of ways. A trained professional has around a 30% chance of detecting bed bugs in the early stages. High tech devices that mimic a human's body temperature, scent and CO2 can be utilized, but by far the most effective method of bed bug detection is done with bed bug dogs.

Bed bug detection dogs can find a bed bug or egg quickly and with close to 100% accuracy! This can be done in as little as 30 minutes in a four bedroom home.

K-9 Bed bug detection

There are a number of companies in Toronto that offer K-9 bed bug detection. When selecting a company, ensure that they are certified by one or all of the following accreditation authorities in bed bug dog detection.

NESDCA - National Entomology Scent Detection Canine Association

NADDA - North American Detection Dog Association

These two agencies accredit not only the detection dogs but also the handler that accompanies that particular dog. In other words, the dog and the handler are certified as a team and they have proven their skills together in a number of important ways.

Each bed bug inspection dog team must demonstrate that they - as a team - are capable of detecting only live bed bugs and viable eggs. Makes sense, there is no sense in detecting dead bed bugs or non-viable eggs as that would be no good to anyone.

If you live in the Toronto area and suspect that you have bed bugs but aren't sure, contact a reputable Toronto bed bug detection dogs team, book an appointment and you should have your answer in less than an hour.

How much does it cost to get rid of bed bugs in Toronto?

2011-04-30T00:18:00.002-04:00

How much to kill my bed bugs?

Much like buying a car, the answer depends on what you get for your money. A recent survey suggests that if you are trying to hire a bed bug exterminator in Toronto you should do your homework. Bed bug extermination costs in Toronto vary according to a number of factors. If you are calling a large company that employs numerous people (secretaries, office staff etc.) you are undoubtedly paying a premium for the extra overhead that they in-turn pass along to you, the consumer.

A person dealing with bed bugs in Toronto should understand that the Federal Government of Canada has only approved a very limited number of pesticides that can be used by ANY company for bed bugs. It doesn't matter how large or small the company is - they can only use those limited products!

So, with that in mind - it would makes sense to hire a smaller, less overhead-burdened company to handle your bed bug problem. But, that's not the whole story.

Procedure is everything!...Read on...

Larger companies, or companies that 'specialize' in bed bug removal in Toronto have certain protocols and procedures in place to ensure that a proper bed bug extermination is completed. In addition, these companies usually have 'policy and procedures' that also ensure your safety. In other words, what you can expect get with a larger company or one that specializes in bed bugs is an organized structure that internally governs how they do the job. In other words, they have checks and balances to ensure quality.

That's not to say that smaller companies don't get it right - simply that your chances of having a thorough job done by a larger or specialized company are better - Much better!

With the mass media coverage of the bed bug problem in Toronto hitting record levels in the past six months, there have been numerous companies - one man start ups - that have hit the market. Be careful not to jump at the lowest price.

Here are some tips to help you choose what type of company you should be looking for - Ask them about the following:

Credentials: Make sure that the company is licensed by the Ministry of the Environment of Ontario

Guarantee: Make sure that the company offers a service guarantee

Membership: Make sure that the company you hire is member of the applicable organizations that cover pest control. SPMAO, NPMA, CPMA etc.

Accredited: It is always best to deal with a company that is accredited by the Better Business Bureau

Specialization: Find a company that has a proven track record of exterminating bed bugs.

To get rid of bed bugs in Toronto, the pricing structure should be based around what type of home it is. For example, a 5 bedroom house will surely cost more than a bachelor apartment... but how much more?

Bed bug extermination pricing in Toronto, if graphed over the last year, would look like a roller coaster. One year ago the average price for a 4 bedroom home was almost $2000. Today, the average price should be somewhere around $800. Now, as we discussed, not all bed bug treatments are alike!

Your exterminator should include at least two treatments for whatever price they quote to you. This has to do with 'breaking the life-cycle' of the infestation. It is rare indeed for a bed bug problem to be adequately dealt with in only one service!

Make absolutely sure that the company you go with will never leave you hanging. Meaning, make sure they offer a written service guarantee - no company can guarantee that you're bed bugs will be gone in a certain length of time - no company can do that! Bed bugs are simply too unpredictable an insect for that to be genuine. What you should look for is a company that will guarantee that they will come back if you need them to and utilize different methods of extermination specific to your particular situation. This is referred to as IPM or Integrated Pest Management.

Beware of the guy that tells you that "one treatment should do it" or "...you don't need a written guarantee - I'll come back, trust me..." If you hear comments similar to this - move on!

At the very least, make sure the company you hire is BBB accredited! The Better Business Bureau hold companies to the highest ethical and moral business practices standards. The vetting process is intense and regular checks are done by the BBB on their accredited companies to ensure that those standards are constantly being met. Any bed bug exterminator you hire should be accredited by the BBB!

Pricing: Our latest research shows a sampling as follows:

4 Bedroom house, full treatment including steam as necessary:

Orkin $1,600 http://www.orkincanada.ca/
Toronto Exterminator.ca $799 http://www.torontoexterminator.ca/

To summarize, you should go with a company that specializes in bed bugs extermination. They should be willing to spend some time with you on the phone and in person discussing your bed bug problem when they arrive. They should utilize IPM or Integrated Pest Management (different methods) to solve your bed bug problem. Appropriate pesticide application, steaming, dusting and vacuuming should do the trick.

Got Bed Bugs in Toronto? Don't Despair...You're in Good Company!

2011-04-29T20:49:00.001-04:00

Did you just find out you've got bed bugs in Toronto? Don't despair... You're in good company!

The bed bug problem in Toronto is growing at a furious pace. Not restricted to any one particular socio-economic group, bed bugs are affecting people from all walks now more than ever!

The typical route of a bed bug exterminator may see him in a boarding house one moment, a small two bedroom apartment in the downtown core the next and a multi-million dollar mansion after that - all in the same day!

Yes, it is true that there still remains a social stigma attached to having bed bugs, as the problem grows and is exposed to more media attention, more people will realize that there is simply nothing to be ashamed of. This can happen to anyone - and does, hundreds of times every single day of the week.

What to do?

Find a reputable, licensed bed bug exterminator (there is a good selection in Toronto) to do the job and follow their advice. Do what they recommend and it will greatly increase the likelyhood of a positive result.

Bed bugs are tough to get rid of! They are resilient and can live for unbelievable amounts of time between meals if they are forced to do so. They can become resistant to pesticides (even the 'good' ones) and are masters at evading them.

Even a reputable and licensed exterminator that truly has your best interests in mind may have to do a few treatments to solve the problem even if you've done everything that they've suggested to help (laundering, prep etc.).

Bed bugs can be beaten with the right knowledge, persistance and sometimes more than a bit of work.

Royal Forest Pest Control Reviews - Toronto Bed Bugs Treatment

2011-04-29T20:45:00.001-04:00

Looking for a full service bed bug pest control in Toronto?

Royal Forest Pest Control is a reputable full service bed bug exterminator located in Toronto. The integrated approach to get rid of bed bugs consists of an initial two treatments that comprise a full crack and crevice treatment in all rooms of the house and treatment of all furniture in those rooms (with the exception of the kitchen - a perimeter is done there) for each treatment when necessary. The two bed bug treatments are spaced 10 to 14 days apart and are designed to 'break the life cycle' of the bed bug infestation.

In certain circumstances a steam treatment of bedroom furniture may compliment the chemical bed bugs treatment. Steam can be a very effective method of killing bed bug eggs. Royal Forest will not apply pesticides to baby furniture, thence a thorough steaming of those articles is accomplished. Heat, when applied correctly, will kill bed bugs and their eggs and a professional bed bug specific steamer is utilized to do the job.

In addition to proper and professional bed bug extermination, it is very important to properly process bed bug infested laundry. Part of Royal Forest Pest Control is a laundry division.

The bed bug laundry is processed utilizing professional washers and computerized, high efficiency computerized gas dryers. Royal Forest dries the bed bug laundry at 180 degrees for one full hour - more than enough to do the trick.

Finally, a proper preparation of the bed bug infested home is an essential element of getting rid of bed bugs. Decluttering, moving of the furniture away from the walls by about a foot, emptying of dresser drawers and removal of light switch and electrical outlet cover plates and propping up of the mattresses and box springs are necessary to give the bed bug exterminator proper access to areas that must be treated.

Some people are unable to properly prepare their home for bed bug extermination or simply do not have the time to do so.

Royal Forest Pest Control has a 'Prep' division that will send out a team of two who are specifically trained to prepare a home for bed bug treatment.

If professional bed bug treatment / extermination in Toronto is what you're after, you can contact Royal Forest Pest Control at (647) 866-2253 or click on this link http://www.royalpest.ca/

Bed bugs treatment Toronto - Bed bugs heat treatment

2011-04-29T20:38:00.002-04:00

Heat alone is simply not the answer:

Well well well... the competition for your bed bug killing dollar is sure heating up in Toronto - excuse the punn but we couldn't resist!

As the bed bug problem continues to grow in Toronto more and more upstarts are popping up... Now we're seeing companies that have been using electric and other types of heaters to get rid of mould in the past now advertising that they'll come in and kill your bed bugs.

OK, let's look at this for a moment... ALL of it.

It is true that raising the temperature of a dwelling to the required temperature (thermal kill range) will kill bed bugs but only if it's done quickly enough to 'catch' them before they're driven deep into the walls. Like anything, if it's done right it may work, if not - you're likely in worse shape than before.

Thinking of bed bugs heat treatment in Toronto?
Some things you should be aware of:

Don't be fooled by claims of these new Toronto bed bug heat treatment companies that pesticides will somehow harm you! Pesticides that are approved for use in Canada are completely safe when applied as per the label and appropriate regulations.

Some heat companies claim to 'guarantee' full elimination with one treatment... this cannot be guaranteed - if you see this claim, move on! There is simply no way to guarantee it and any company that makes this claim should be treated with suspicion.

If you are looking for bed bug heat treatment in Toronto you should know that some of these new companies that tout heat as the only answer are simply scaring people into thinking that they are in danger. This type of marketing is simply disingenuous and could be described as down right fear mongering. Their goal is simple, scare people into thinking that a pesticide is dangerous, throw in the word 'green' and watch the money flow in... Unfortunately it will work on many.

For proof simply look at some of the "Heat preparation checklist" items that are required before the 'treatment'... Many household items must be removed before the treatment takes place... Some include certain types of pictures, frames etc., furniture and household plants - some even require that fire sprinkler systems be drained! If household items are brought back into the home without being treated - reinfestation is quite likely. When that becomes the case you may find yourself in a position where you've spent over $1000 just to find out that you've still got the problem and you have little or no recourse but to spend more money again.

Now, there are reputable bed bug heat treatment companies out there that are licensed and trained to apply whole-dwelling heat applications. Look for a company that has an Operator License issued by the Ministry of the Environment of Ontario. If they don't have one you risk having an uninsured company do work in your home - this could void your home insurance!

There is no 'magic bullet' when it comes to bed bug eradication - the IPM approach is shown to be the best method. This simply incorporates a number of techniques such as steam, dusting, caulking, pesticides and, yes, could include whole-dwelling heat too. Remember, there is no 'residual' (long-lasting) effect with heat - if they miss even just one bed bug, you're back to square one (with a lot less money in your wallet to boot).

If you're considering whole-dwelling heat to kill your bed bugs, do your homework and hire someone reputable or risk being burned in the process.

Update:
Since posting this article we've been getting frequent reports from people that have gone with these bed bug heat treatment companies and are finding out that they've been had... Remember, Mom always said "if it sounds too good to be true - it usually is".

Bed Bug Exterminator Toronto - Necessary steps to exterminating Bedbugs

2009-10-10T10:16:00.002-04:00

Got bed bugs in Toronto?

Here's what you need to know:

Bed bugs have been with us (humans) for a very long time and they have become a very big problem in the Toronto area in the last few years.

If you are suffering from bed bugs in Toronto and are looking to exterminate and rid yourself of your bedbug problem consider the following:

1) You need a reputable and professional bed bug pest control exterminator

2) You should treat your laundry or have it treated professionally to eliminate the bed bugs

Your bed bug exterminator should agree to spray twice. The first spray should kill most if not all of the bed bugs that currently live in your home. The second spray should take place 10 to 14 days later to kill the bed bugs that have hatched since the first spray took place but before the those new bed bugs have matured enough to lay more eggs. This is referred to as 'breaking the life-cycle'.

There are a number of reputable bed bug exterminators in the Toronto area that will do this properly.

Your laundry articles that have come into contact with the bed bugs and their eggs should be treated professionally. Often, people will have their bed bug problem exterminated but find later that some bugs/eggs still remained in their clothing, bedding or even drapes and, although their bedbug exterminator did their job correctly, the problem came back (or more accurately, wasn't actually gone) and they found themselves right back to square one.

Bugs'R'Gone Laundry specializes in treating laundry articles for bed bugs.

The timing of your bed bug extermination should be co-ordinated with the laundering of your bed bug infested laundry.

Your laundry should be picked up just before your bed bug exterminator arrives to do his/her job. This serves two functions; Your laundry will be on it's way to being cleansed of the bed bugs and your living space will be de-cluttered thus making it easier for your bed bug exterminator to do their job.

When choosing a bed bug exterminator in Toronto, ensure that they are able to service you quickly. It is not acceptable for you to be told that you must wait a week to receive a service call. Your bed bug exterminator should be able to arrive within 48 hours of your request for bed bug service. Most bed bug exterminators in Toronto will arrive the next day and schedule your follow-up extermination during the initial call with you.

Bed Bug Exterminator Toronto

2009-09-26T20:35:00.000-04:00

http://www.royalpest.ca/

Toronto Bed Bug Exterminator

2009-06-29T00:13:00.000-04:00

www.BugsRgone.ca

Cornell University now recommends 140 degrees in a dryer!

2009-05-12T15:41:00.000-04:00

Cornell University in New York is recommending that the minimum dryer heat for bed bug elimination be 140 degrees F.

http://www.nysipm.cornell.edu/publications/bed_bugs/files/bed_bug.pdf

Bed bugs can live for 550 days on one meal!

2009-05-02T11:20:00.000-04:00

According to the University of California's Agriculture and Natural Resources Department, bed bugs can live for 550 days on just one blood meal!

A bed bug can take six times its weight in blood, and feeding can take 3 to 10 minutes. Adults live about 10 months and there can be up to 3 to 4 generations of bed bugs per year.

Female bed bugs lay from 200 to 500 eggs (in batches of 10 to 50) on rough surfaces such as wood or paper. Eggs are covered with a glue and hatch in about 10 days. After hatching, the egg shells frequently remain on the substrate. There are five progressively larger nymphal stages, each requiring a single blood meal before molting to the next stage. The entire life cycle from egg to adult requires anywhere from 5 weeks to 4 months, depending on temperature. When temperatures are in the range of 70° to 82°F, development occurs most rapidly. Nymphs and adults generally feed at night and hide in crevices during the day. Common hiding places include seams in mattresses and box springs, cracks in bed frames, under loose wallpaper, behind picture frames, and inside furniture and upholstery.

Click the title to learn more!

Toronto Bed Bug Project

2009-05-01T17:13:00.000-04:00

Follow this link to the Toronto Bed Bug Project.

http://www.toronto.ca/health/bedbugs/torontobedbugproject.htm