Bed bugs are a growing problem in Toronto and around the world. They are parasites that feed on human blood. They are also difficult to find and remove, and just one can cause problems for your family for several months, or even years. To help you prepare better for an Orkin bed bug inspection, we have put together a bed bug prep sheet. Bed Bugs  are known to exist in: North America, Europe, and Africa. The United States is home to the most prevalent forms of these pesky critters. It is important to note that different varieties of Bed bugs exist and not all of them cause the same kind of infestation. For example, “Cimex lectularius” is the type of Bed Bug most notorious for invading humans’ homes. The only way to be sure they are not around however, is to consult your local Orkin representative.

Bed Bug Prep Sheet Orkin

Bed bugs can be found in people’s homes and personal property (purses, clothing, luggage)

Bed bugs can be found in people’s homes and personal property (purses, clothing, luggage). Although bed bugs typically nest near their hosts’ beds or other areas where people sleep, they can also live in many places within a home. In addition to their common presence in “sleeping areas,” bed bug infestations have been reported on mattresses and box springs; however, the bugs may also be found hiding behind headboards; inside cracks and crevices of the headboard or frame; under loose wallpaper; behind wall-mounted pictures or mirrors; under furniture including couches and love seats; inside alarm clocks that are placed along walls adjacent to sofas or chairs; in dressers/drawers as well as nightstands next to beds

Inspect the seams of mattresses, couch cushions and any cracks in furniture.

• Inspect the seams of mattresses, sofa cushions and any cracks in furniture. Bed bugs may be hiding there.
• Don’t forget to check clothing, luggage and other personal property. Bed bug eggs are very small (about 1mm long), so it may take a magnifying glass to see them.
• Use a flashlight to inspect dark areas as bedbugs usually hide during the day and come out at night to feed on their hosts’ blood. The best way to find bedbugs is by looking for signs of an infestation: shed skins or blood spots from feeding; dark fecal specks on sheets or mattresses; live bugs or eggs when inspecting with a magnifying glass; musty smell of feces left by nymphs after they have fed on you

Don’t use harsh pesticides.

Don’t use harsh pesticides.

It is best not to use any type of pesticide on your own, as there are potential hazards associated with their use. Never apply the pesticides yourself and never allow pets or children into areas being treated until the room has been completely ventilated.

Do not rely on home remedies or over-the-counter treatments (e.g., sprays).

There are many products that claim to kill bed bugs by themselves but they do not work as well as professional services because they do not reach all areas where bed bugs may be hiding. Additionally, these products can cause skin irritation and other health concerns if used improperly or in high concentrations when treating for bugs in homes or businesses.

Reduce clutter where possible to make inspections easier.

Reduce clutter where possible to make inspections easier.

Clutter around the home is a common sign of bed bugs. If you have excessive clutter, it’s important to minimize and eliminate them as much as possible. This will help make your inspection process easier for Orkin technicians and allow them to inspect more thoroughly for bed bug activity.

If you have lots of items on the floor, such as clothing or blankets, that can harbor bed bugs, we recommend removing them during your preparation process before our inspection begins.

Someone living with an infestation should consider professional help

If you have a bed bug infestation, professional help is required to get rid of them. A professional exterminator will be able to identify the source of the infestation and learn what steps need to be taken to eliminate it. At Orkin, we offer our clients assistance with solving their bed bug problems. We will work with you to identify the source of your bed bugs and develop a plan that includes all necessary services for your situation.