Bed bug control and elimination for homes and businesses in Vancouver, BC

Bed Bug control in Vancouver

1st Pest Control specializes in pest treatment, including bed bug control and elimination. Bed bugs are common in single-family houses, multi-family complexes, and commercial premises in the Lower Mainland. Our Certified Pest Control Technicians use industry-leading techniques and pest control technologies, so you can be confident that your home or business is being treated with the highest industry and safety standards.

We are more than just bed bug exterminators; by combining both environmentally friendly pest control services and an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach, we will create a specialized treatment program tailored to your specific location and infestation. Our mission is to eradicate pests in your home or business to give you peace of mind and to ensure the safety of you and those you care about.

How do bed bugs get in our homes?

Traveling increases the risk of a bed bug infestation as these parasitic insects can easily attach themselves to luggage or clothing. Staying in infested hotel rooms, using public transportation, or spending time in communal spaces can expose individuals to bed bugs. Inspection of hotel rooms, keeping luggage elevated, and washing belongings in hot water upon returning home are recommended preventive measures. Being cautious and vigilant can help reduce the chances of bringing bed bugs back home.

Bed bug extermination is becoming necessary to get rid of the bloodsucking parasites that have been making a comeback in Vancouver within the last decade. Two of the main reasons are: (1) Increase in travel and (2) Second-hand furniture.

International travel may be one of the main reasons for bed bug infestations
International travel may be one of the main reasons for rampant bed bug infestations.

Travelling

An infestation of bed bugs may frequently be traced back to hotels and motels, which are places that are frequented by tourists from all over the world. It is possible for bed bugs to enter homes and workplaces through clothing or bags, where they are subsequently moved. In the event that you are staying at a hotel and see any indications of bed bugs, particularly if you detect bites or observe blood stains on the bedding, you should exercise extreme caution when bringing your personal items back home.

If you suspect bed bugs in a hotel room, it is essential to take precautionary measures to avoid bringing them back with you in your luggage.

Here are some recommended safety precautions:

1. Isolate and inspect your luggage.

2. Use plastic bags to seal your clothes and other belongings inside plastic bags to prevent any potential bed bugs from spreading.

3. Hot wash and dry all your clothes upon returning home.

4. Vacuum your luggage: After unpacking, use a vacuum cleaner to thoroughly clean the inside and outside of your luggage, paying extra attention to seams, pockets, and crevices where bed bugs may hide.

5. If possible, use a garment steamer.

6. If you won’t be using your luggage for a while, consider keeping it sealed in a plastic bag to prevent any potential escape of bed bugs.

7. Monitor your home for signs of potential bed bug infestation in your home.

8. Remember that bed bugs can be excellent hitchhikers, so it’s important to take these precautions regardless of whether you found any definitive evidence of their presence.

Second-hand furniture from a thrift store may be carriers for bed bugs
Did you know that second-hand furniture from thrift stores may be carriers for bed bugs?

Second-hand furniture

To prevent bed bugs from infesting homes through used furniture, it is important to take certain precautions. Thoroughly inspect any used furniture before bringing it inside, paying close attention to seams, crevices, and cracks. Consider using a flashlight to illuminate hidden areas. Additionally, it is advisable to vacuum and clean the furniture thoroughly. If the presence of bed bugs is detected, contact us to eliminate the infestation effectively.

Do you suspect your home has bed bugs?

If you suspect a bed bug infestation in your home, the best starting point is to request a bed bug inspection. 1st Pest Control Certified  Technicians will accurately and quickly detect any signs of a bed bug infestation.

1st Pest control technicians inspect various areas of a house for evidence of bed bug infestations. Some common places checked include:

  • Mattresses and box springs (Seams of a mattress and underneath it)
  • Bed frames and headboards
  • Furniture
  • Baseboards and wall cracks
  • Areas typically within 6-8 feet of where the person spends the bulk of their time, typically a bed/couch/chair.

It’s important to note that professional pest control technicians are trained to inspect various locations thoroughly to identify bed bug infestations efficiently.

Rather talk to us? We are always happy to hear from you!

Certfied 1st Pest Control technician performing a bed bug inspection in a residential home
A certfied 1st Pest Control technician is performing a bed bug inspection in a residential home in Vancouver, BC
Where do 1st Pest Control technicians look for bed bugs in bedrooms
Where do 1st Pest Control technicians look for bed bugs in living-rooms

If an infestation is confirmed, we trust Aprehend®, a safe and highly effective biopesticide to eliminate bed bug infestations for good

Aprehend is simply the most effective treatment against bed bugs and it's the only method utilized by 1st Pest Control

1st Pest Control applies Aprehend®, a highly-effective biopesticide to control and exterminate bed bugs with no damage to humans or pets.

Read more…

Bed bugs - FAQs

Q: How much does it cost to treat for bed bugs?

Answer:

Controlling and eliminating bed bugs can vary in cost depending on the severity of the infestation, the size of the space, and the method used for treatment. Prices start at $325 for a one-bedroom condo or apartment. These costs include the inspection and treatment.

It is important to note that the cost can increase for larger homes, multiple rooms. We recommend to contact our office at 1-844-737-8226, or by email at: info@1stpestcontrol.ca to get an accurate quote.

Q: What do they look like?

Answer:

  • Bed bugs are flat and oval in shape, have no wings, lack the ability to jump, are primarily nocturnal and prefer to feed at night.
  • Mature bed bugs are reddish-brown and comparable in size and shape to an apple seed. Eggs are translucent to white in colouration.
  • Young bed bugs are yellowish-white, very small, and start out at approximately one millimeter long in size and growing up to four to five millimeters as an adult.
  • They feed on blood and have a preference for human hosts. A recently fed bed bug will be inflated, longer and are of a dark reddish-brown appearance.

Q: Where do they come from?

Answer:

  • Bed bugs are small and hard to detect, allowing them to travel easily from one place to another.
  • Multi-family residences are highly vulnerable to bed bug infestations as it is difficult to eliminate possible entry locations from adjoining units. They will typically enter through baseboards, electrical sockets, under doors, and other small cracks and crevices.
  • Bed bugs move quickly by crawling and can travel up to 20 feet in one night.
  • Single-family residences and businesses are also susceptible to bed bug infestation with method of entry normally by a bed bug “hitchhiking” its way into your property on your personal, contaminated belongings such as your suitcases, clothing, shoes, purses, backpacks and so on.

Q: How do I know if I have bed bugs?

Answer:

The following is a list of what and where to search for if you are concerned about a bed bug infestation:

  • Adult bed bugs – 5-7mm (roughly the size of an apple seed when fully grown – flat, oval shaped with 6 legs and 2 antennae – reddish-brown colouration)
  • Young bed bugs (nymphs) – 5 stages of growth, 1.5mm-4.5mm, translucent to reddish brown colouration depending on stage of growth
    Cast skins (golden colouration)
  • Bed Bug eggs – 1mm and are usually white or translucent in colouration
  • Fecal stains (black colouration) – appear to look like cracked black pepper at a distance but will not wipe away when brushed (stained).

Q: Will they cause any damage to my home or business?

Answer:

Bed bugs leave droppings and stains that are especially noticeable on fabric material. At a distance, droppings resemble cracked black pepper on a mattress, pillow or item of furniture. If a bed bug has recently fed on a human, they may also leave blood stains on surfaces.

As a result, bed and furniture items may need to be replaced if infested. Without bed bug treatment, your business may be left with a tarnished reputation and liability issues.

Q: What are the health risks of getting bit by bedbugs?

Answer:

While bed bugs are not known to spread diseases, infestation is still considered a health concern.

Reactions from bed bug bites are different for each person and range from no reaction to itchiness, swelling, redness, and other skin problems. Bed bug infestations may also affect the emotional and psychological well-being of the home owner or tenant.

Q: Where do normally bed bugs hide?

Answer:

Bed bugs have numerous hiding places and may be found throughout a residence. However, bed bugs prefer to reside near humans, who are their food source. They are attracted to human pheromone, carbon dioxide and heat.

Primarily, bed bugs will be concentrated in and around mattresses, bedframes, box springs, coffee tables and seating areas (e.g. fabric couches and sofas) where human hosts commonly remain sitting or sleeping for long periods of time. This allows the bed bug to feed undisturbed.

Q: Do I need to get rid of bed bugs?

Answer:

Without bed bug extermination, these pests will damage household furniture and other objects, causing the need for forced replacement of the items in order to eliminate the infestation.

The presence of bed bugs is stressful for those affected and might lead to sleeplessness, anxiety and other health-related issues.