Serving Edmonton for over 120 years

Bed Bug Exterminators Near You

Exterminate Bed Bugs Before They Spread!

Certified Pest Control Experts

BIRCH FUMIGATORS

est. 1900

Don't Let Bugs Get the Best of You

BIRCH FUMIGATORS

est. 1900

Don't Let Bugs Get the Best of You

What Do Bed Bugs Look Like?

Bed bugs are small, flat, oval-shaped insects that are about 4 to 5 millimetres long as adults. They are usually reddish-brown in colour and become darker after feeding.

Because of their flat bodies, bed bugs can hide in very small spaces around your home or business. Common hiding spots include mattresses, bed frames, furniture, baseboards, cracks in walls or floors, behind wallpaper, under carpets, under couches, and behind picture frames. Bed bugs often live in groups, and larger infestations may produce a sweet but unpleasant odour.

Problems Caused by Bed Bugs

Bed bugs do not spread disease, but they can cause itchy bites, irritation, discomfort, and stress. Bed bug infestations can spread quickly if not treated properly, which is why professional pest control treatment is strongly recommended.

What Should You Do If You Have Bed Bugs?

If you think you have bed bugs, it is important to act quickly to help prevent the infestation from spreading further. Follow these simple steps:

  • Remove clutter from the affected room or area to reduce hiding spots and improve treatment effectiveness.
  • Vacuum thoroughly around mattresses, furniture, cracks, baseboards, and flooring. After vacuuming, place the vacuum contents in a sealed plastic bag and dispose of it immediately outside.
  • Avoid moving furniture, clothing, or bedding into other areas of the home, as this can spread bed bugs.
  • Contact Birch Fumigators to schedule a professional inspection and consultation. Our experienced technicians will identify the infestation and create a customized treatment plan for your property.
  • Follow the preparation and treatment recommendations provided by our pest control professionals to help ensure successful elimination.

 

Professional Bed Bug Exterminators in Edmonton

The most effective way to eliminate bed bugs is with professional pest control services. Birch Fumigators has over 100 years of experience providing safe and effective bed bug treatments in Edmonton and surrounding areas. Our trained technicians use proven methods to locate and eliminate bed bugs quickly while helping prevent future infestations.

Important Bed Bug Facts

Understanding bed bugs can help you identify an infestation earlier and take action sooner:

  • Bed bug eggs are extremely small, about the size of a pinhead.
  • Adult bed bugs can grow to approximately ¼ inch long.
  • Bed bugs feed on blood while people and animals sleep.
  • Female bed bugs can lay up to 5 eggs per day.
  • Bed bugs can survive for more than a year without feeding.
  • Bed bug bites may go unnoticed because their saliva contains a mild anesthetic and anti-coagulant.

 

How to Help Protect Against Bed Bugs

Bed bugs can hide almost anywhere and are excellent at spreading between locations. These tips can help reduce the risk of infestation:

  • Inspect second-hand furniture, mattresses, electronics, and clothing carefully before bringing them indoors.
  • Avoid taking furniture or other items from dumpsters or curbsides.
  • Reduce clutter around bedrooms and living spaces to minimize hiding areas.
  • Regularly inspect mattresses, bed frames, and furniture for signs of activity.
  • Professional K9 bed bug inspections can help detect infestations early, even in hidden areas.

 

Bed Bug Treatment Options

Birch Fumigators offers several professional treatment options depending on the severity and location of the infestation.

Heat Treatment

Heat treatment raises the temperature of the affected area high enough to eliminate bed bugs at every stage of their life cycle, including eggs. This method is highly effective and minimizes the need for chemical treatments.

Dust Treatments

Professional dust applications may be used in wall voids, cracks, crevices, and around baseboards to help eliminate hidden bed bugs and reduce future activity.

Contact Birch Fumigators Today

If you suspect bed bugs in your home or business, contact Birch Fumigators today. Our experienced Edmonton pest control team can inspect your property, recommend the best treatment solution, and help you eliminate bed bugs safely and effectively.

Professional Pest Control Services

Don't let bugs take over - call Birch Fumigators today! Get a Free Estimate (Within the Edmonton Area). Go with the best pest control company Edmonton.

Professional Pest Control Services

Don't let bugs take over - call Birch Fumigators today! Get a Free Estimate (Within the Edmonton Area). Go with the best pest control company Edmonton.

Thousands of Satisfied customers

Frequently Asked Questions

It’s normal to see some pest activity after a treatment. As the products begin working, pests are often flushed out of hiding and become more noticeable before the population declines. This does not mean the treatment failed or needs to be reapplied immediately.

We recommend continuing normal daily routines and avoiding the use of over-the-counter sprays or cleaners in treated areas, as these can interfere with the effectiveness of the treatment. The products we use are designed to work over time and provide ongoing control rather than instant results.

If activity continues beyond the expected timeframe or seems to be increasing, contact our office so we can assess the situation and schedule a follow-up if needed. Our goal is long-term control, and we’re always happy to address any concerns after your service.

Preventing a bed bug infestation when travelling requires proactive measures to minimize the risk of encountering and bringing these pests back home. Firstly, it is advisable to research and choose accommodations with a reputation for cleanliness and proactive pest control practices. Upon arrival, inspect the room thoroughly, focusing on the bed, mattress, and nearby furniture. Look for signs of bed bugs, such as live bugs, dark stains, or shed skins. If any signs are found, request a room change away from the infested area. During your stay, keep your luggage elevated and away from the bed and furniture. Consider using luggage stands or placing luggage in sealed plastic bags for extra protection. After returning home, carefully inspect luggage and clothing before bringing them inside. Wash and dry all clothing on high heat to kill any potential bed bugs. By being vigilant and taking these precautions, you can significantly reduce the risk of a bed bug infestation while travelling.

The worst type of bed bug is known as the Cimex lectularius, or the common bed bug because it’s resistant to many insecticides. It can live for up to a year without eating and reproduce quickly. It often goes unnoticed because it only comes out to feed at night.

If you believe you have bed bugs, please let us know so that we can conduct an inspection of your home. Bed bugs are difficult to remove, therefore it is critical to hire a professional. Our highly trained experts will collaborate with you to create a treatment strategy that works best for you.

Bed bugs can move quickly, but they do not jump. They can travel quickly over floors, walls, and ceilings, but they cannot fly or jump. Bed bugs are often mistaken for other insects, such as fleas, cockroaches, and ants. If you think you have bed bugs, it is important to contact a professional to get rid of them before they reproduce and spread.

Under optimal conditions, with regular access to blood meals, a bed bug can live anywhere from 6 to 12 months. However, in the absence of food, these insects can go into a dormant state and survive for several months. During their lifetime, female bed bugs can lay hundreds of eggs, which allows for rapid population growth if not managed or eradicated.

Bed bugs can indeed spread through clothes. These pests are expert hitchhikers, easily clinging onto garments when someone is in an infested area. When these infested clothes are transported to new locations, bed bugs can migrate and establish themselves in new surroundings. For instance, if a person visits an infested hotel room and bed bugs latch onto their clothing, they can unknowingly transport these bugs to their home. To prevent this spread, it’s recommended to wash suspected clothes in hot water and dry on high heat, as heat effectively kills bed bugs and their eggs.

Yes, bed bugs can easily spread to other rooms in a house. They are adept at hitchhiking on clothing, luggage, furniture, and other items that are moved from one room to another. Additionally, bed bugs can travel through small spaces and cracks in walls, floors, and ceilings, enabling them to move between adjacent rooms or apartments. Their small size and flat bodies make it easy for them to hide and be inadvertently transported, increasing the risk of spreading throughout a home. Regular inspection and cleanliness can help prevent their spread, but professional extermination is often necessary if an infestation occurs.

Bed bug bites typically manifest as small, red, raised or flat welts on the skin. They are often itchy and can become swollen or inflamed. One distinguishing feature of bed bug bites is their pattern; they often appear in a line or cluster, as if the bug has bitten the individual multiple times while moving. This pattern is sometimes referred to as “breakfast, lunch, dinner.” It’s worth noting that reactions to bed bug bites can vary significantly among individuals. Some people may not exhibit any visible signs or symptoms, while others might experience an allergic reaction leading to larger red, swollen areas or even blisters. Additionally, the bites can take anywhere from a few hours to several days to appear, making it sometimes challenging to pinpoint when or where the exposure occurred.

Yes, there are methods and substances that can kill bed bugs nearly instantly or within a very short time frame. Here are a few:

  1. Heat: Bed bugs are highly sensitive to heat. If exposed to temperatures of 118°F (48°C) or higher for 90 minutes or more, they will die. Many professional exterminators use heat treatments, where they raise the temperature in a room or entire home to these lethal levels to kill bed bugs in all life stages. Portable heaters and fans are used to heat the room to about 135°F (57°C) for several hours, ensuring the heat penetrates all potential hiding spots.
  2. Cold: While heat is more commonly used, extreme cold can also kill bed bugs. They begin to die when exposed to temperatures below 0°F (-18°C) for at least four days. However, this method might be less practical for many people, especially for treating larger areas.
  3. High-proof Alcohol: Rubbing alcohol (90% or higher) can kill bed bugs on contact. However, it doesn’t have long-lasting residual effects, so it’s only effective when directly sprayed on the bugs. Due to its flammability, it should be used with caution.
  4. Direct Steam: Steam cleaners emitting a high-temperature jet of steam can kill bed bugs almost instantly upon contact. This method is especially effective for treating mattresses, furniture, and other areas where bed bugs are likely to be hiding.

 

It’s important to note that while these methods can kill bed bugs on contact or within a short time frame, addressing a full-blown infestation often requires a combination of treatments and a more comprehensive approach. Always take safety precautions when using any treatment, and when in doubt, consult with a pest control professional.

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