Bed Bug Heat Treatment Toronto - Don't get burned!

Bed bug heat treatment Toronto

Heat is great but do your homework!

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....The important thing here is to use a company that uses the right equipment to get the job done right!

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.

Risk of fire if the WRONG equipment is used

Bed bug heat treatments are carried out safely, for the most part, quite regularly in North America. However, a recent bed bug heat treatment using propane went horribly wrong in Vancouver. The heat treatment resulted in a a massive fire causing $4.5 million dollars in damage to an apartment building and caused serious injuries to a number of people including two small children and a grandmother. See the following links:

Courtesy CTV News Bed bug heat treatment results in serious injuries

Courtesy CTV News Raw video footage of fire caused by bed bug  heat treatment
Metro Media            Bed bug heat treatment company charged and fined

The problem was that the wrong type of equipment was used and it resulted in disaster. However, there is one type of system that is 100% safe and poses no safety risks whatsoever... Keep reading!

Heat Treatment Options

There are a number of different types of systems used to kill bed bugs with heat. Propane, Electric and Glycol. 

The propane system, although the first to be utilized for this type of treatment has been replaced by more effective and safer methods - especially for higher levels of apartment buildings and large homes.

The electric based heater system has been shown to be effective but takes much longer to heat a space. This can cause repelling of the bed bugs into walls etc. and this system is often not powerful enough to heat an entire space to the required temperatures quickly enough to guarantee effective levels of heat penetration. 

Glycol. This system has been shown to be the safest and most effective heat treatment for killing bed bugs due to it's ability to heat a viscous liquid in a trailer outside of the premises and pump the heated fluid through to the heat exchangers located inside. 

This system has no risk of fire to the inside of the dwelling and the resulting heat produced for the heat extermination is far superior to any of the other methods. This reduces the time needed to get the job done and, unlike propane, the heat is more evenly distributed (with the help of supplemental fans).

Now, there are reputable bed bug heat treatment companies out there that are specially trained to apply whole-dwelling bed bug heat applications and make sure they have the proper insurance!

Bed Bug Heat Treatment Cost

The pricing for bed bug heat treatments in Toronto started out at over $1.50 per square foot. A couple of years after being introduced to the extermination market the price is somewhere around $1.00. The important thing to remember regarding price is the type of system being used. When considering the cost, setup and minimal intrusion to the dwelling, the glycol system comes out on top every time. 

After doing much research on the subject it is this author's opinion that the glycol system is, without a doubt, the one to go with. When consulting different heat companies simply ask... 'do you use a glycol based system?'... if the answer is 'no' find someone who does.

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. When done right the cost is well worth it.

Summary

Using heat to kill bed bugs is a fantastic way to eliminate the problem in one fell swoop. When done correctly, using the latest most effective equipment, getting rid bed bugs no longer needs to be the nightmare that it has been in the past.

A reputable bed bug heat treatment company in Toronto that uses the latest glycol based bed bugs extermination system is GreenTech heat purification. They service Toronto, Mississauga, Hamilton, Burlington, Richmond Hill, Thornhill, Etobicoke, Scarborough, Whitby, Ajax, Pickering, Grimsby, London, Oakville, Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge, Ancaster, Brampton, Windsor, Oshawa and Barrie. You can visit their website here www.greenbedbugheattreatment.ca

Pest Control Toronto - How much does it cost to get rid of bed bugs?

How much to kill my bed bugs in Toronto? Who should I hire?

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/

Bed bug detection dogs Toronto
In addition, often times it may be important to have a proper bed bug inspection performed in your home or business - hotel - apartment etc. There are a number of bed bug dog detection companies that offer bed bug detection / inspection services using specially trained bed bug dogs in Toronto. It's a great idea that is proving very effective in detecting bed bugs. A bed bug dog can find even one bed bug or egg in a room, quickly and effectively. If you're not sure that you have bed bugs, best to call in the dogs. The price should not cost more than around $400 for a multi-bedroom house, seems expensive but it's well worth it! In any event, if you are considering hiring a bed bug dog in Toronto make sure they are NESDCA certified - this is the highest certification that can be obtained by a bed bug dog detection team. 


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.

Bed Bug Dogs Toronto

Bed Bug Bites

Bed Bug Detection Dogs

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.

Bed bug dog Toronto - Bed bug dog inspection

Bed bug detection dog Toronto



Bed bug detection dog Toronto



Think you might have bed bugs? Waking up with unexplained bites? Have you looked around your bedroom and can't find anything?

You need a bed bug dog inspection!





Bed bugs can be hard to find! Especially when dealing with a new problem. The earlier stages of a bed bug's life present as very tiny bugs and they can be very difficult to see with the untrained eye.

Bed bug eggs are almost impossible to see, even if you know what to look for.

Enter the bed bug detection dog. These dogs are trained to sniff out even one bug or tiny little egg - and they can do it quickly!

The bed bug detection dog is relatively new to the inspection scene and have only been around for a few years. Their training is conducted much in the same way as bomb or drug detection dogs are trained.

The highest certification that a bed bug detection dog and handler can attain is that governed by NESDCA the National Entomology Scent Detection Canine Association. The dogs and their handlers are certified as a bed bug detection team utilizing strict guidelines and stringent testing. At this time,  NESDCA certification can only be obtained in the United States at only a few select locations. Operators from other countries (like Canada) invest significant amounts of time and large sums money in their bed bug dog program. Bed bug sniffing dogs can achieve close to 100% accuracy in a very short period of time and can conduct inspections in large areas such as movie theaters and hospitals - quickly with great success.

The bed bug dog can be used to accomplish a number of things. By far, most are used to a great extent to confirm (or not) that a bed bug infestation has made its way into a home, apartment or other living area. But, bed bug detection is also extensively used in hotels and other public areas as an ongoing bed bug prevention plan. Regular visits are made to these facilities to detect a bed bug problem in the early stages - this makes it much easier to rectify should one be detected.

Of late, more people are considering using bed bug dog detection to inspect a new home, condominium or apartment before moving in. In Toronto, there is not yet any legislation that requires a seller to disclose that there are bed bugs affecting the property that is for sale and savvy home buyers are realizing the importance of having a bed bug dog inspection prior to closing the deal.

The fight against bed bugs Toronto continues. Using a specially trained bed bug inspection dog is a wonderful and powerful tool that is being used more and more assist in that fight.


More information can be found at the Toronto bed bug dogs blog 
http://bed-bug-dog-toronto.blogspot.com/

CONSUMER WARNING: Toronto Bed Bug Scam Alert!

                                   

 

CONSUMER WARNING: Toronto Bed Bug Scam Alert!

Are you considering hiring an 'exterminator' that says he'll get rid of your bed bugs using just a steamer? ...Don't waste your money!

There are a number of new 'companies' in Toronto that have popped up in the last month that are misleading Torontonians into thinking that their bed bug problem can be solved by 'steaming' a room or two. Be forewarned - you're probably wasting your money!

Here's why you SHOULD NOT hire someone like this:

1) These 'exterminators' are usually NOT licensed

For the most part, these are simply savvy individuals who went out and bought a steamer and started calling themselves an 'exterminator' to try and make a quick buck off of unsuspecting people who need real help. They are dupping people into thinking that they're getting a great deal and that it's "green" to boot. Problem is - it usually doesn't work!

2) They are simply not trained

Steaming, while an effective method of killing bed bugs is only so if the steam actually contacts the bugs and eggs - every bug and every egg - and for the required length of time to achieve the kill. There is almost no chance that (even a properly trained and skilled) person could achieve complete bed bug eradication in an entire house with a steamer alone. Bed bugs don't always limit themselves to bedrooms! Steaming, while a great tool in the fight is simply only one tool that should be used in conjunction with others (pesticides, dusts etc.)

3) The 'scam' is in the details

These unscrupulous individuals are claiming "100 Satisfaction" and only using a steamer (and sometimes dust) but only 'treating' one room or two. Every experienced, legitimate exterminator knows that the bugs and eggs are easily transported throughout a dwelling - and are found in areas, rooms and furniture that one would not normally think they would be. There are only two ways to properly treat for bed bugs; The traditional residual, steam, vacuum and dust or the full-dwelling heat treatment. Steaming is only one tool that is used in conjunction with other methods by legitimate companies.

4) They prey on those with lower income

Because these illegitimate 'exterminators' charge so little yet make such lofty, rediculous claims they often take advantage of those who simply cannot afford to be exploited.

Becoming a licensed exterminator in Ontario involves Ministry certification and oversight. The certification conducted with direction through the University of Guelph. A number of examinations must be passed with a minimum of 75% on both. These examinations ensure that your legitimate technician knows what he's doing and will do it safely.

Don't be scammed - Hire a professional!

toronto-exterminator-bedbugs.blogspot.com

Link post
http://www.toronto-exterminator-bedbugs.blogspot.com/

Bed Bug Heat Treatment Toronto - Don't get burned, Do your homework!

Bed bug heat treatments in Toronto are not all equal

Toronto bed bug exterminators are using heat to kill bed bugs throughout the city more and more.

Using thermal treatments of an entire home can be effective in bed bug control but there are a few things that you should know before selection a heat treatment company. Educate yourself before selection a company.

Compare bed bug treatments carefully

To date there are three different ways to conduct a thermal bed bug treatm, each utilizing different equipment.

The three types of heat equipment are as follows:

1. Propane
2. Electric
3. Heat Transfer Glycol or HTF

Let's take a look at all three.

Propane

The propane system was the first to be introduced into the market and showed promise. It was the 'trailblazer' so to speak and introduced the bed bug exterminator companies to the idea of using heat to kill bed bugs.

There are, however, some significant drawbacks to this type of system. Firstly, the system is essentially inefficient as it draws cold outside air to be heated and much of the heat is lost in transferring into the treatment space.

Secondly, there is an inherent danger in using propane in and around a home its contents.

Finally, the combustion gasses resulting from using propane heaters vents into the home.

The propane system gets high marks for being the first but there are much better alternatives that have come along since.

Electric

The second type of bed bug heat system to come along is powered by simple electric heaters. These heaters are physically brought into the home for treatment.

Some companies bring along their own high-powered generator that stays outside and powers the system whereas other companies elect to use the homeowners own household power to run the system.

Electric bed bug heat systems are the most inefficient on the market. They take a long time to heat the treatment space and must be left on for up to twice the time of other systems due to their relative low BTU output.

The primary benefit to an electric system is that it can be brought into very high-rise apartment units to treat the bed bug problem.

The significant negative safety aspects of the electric system outweigh the above mentioned benefit. Having high-voltage electric heater units inside a home poses an obvious fire hazard and risk of electrocution.

Glycol

The latest entry into the bed bug heat treatment market in Toronto is the HTF Glycol based system.

This system uses a closed-loop heat transfer fluid which is safely heated outside of the home and pumped through to a series of 'heat transfer units' that are strategically placed into the treatment area. This system operates much like a radiator system.

The glycol system heat the fluid quickly and to a much hotter temperature than any other system. The temperature is computer controlled from the heat unit located outside. The fact that the HTF can be precisely controlled means that the system can be easily suited to any condition.

In addition, this type of system poses absolutely NO safety risk to the home or homeowner. In fact, the HTF fluid is not harmful to the environment and the system burners can actually operate on B5 Biodiesel.

The Glycol HTF system is by far the best!

If you're facing a bed bug problem you should seriously consider heat as a treatment. When done correctly and with the right equipment it should easily be able to rectify your problem in only a few hours on that same day.

The fight against bed bug in Ontario and Toronto in particular continues. Now we have an even better alternative to pesticides... Heat!

One Toronto based company that utilizes that utilizes the HTF bed bug heat system is GreenTech. You can visit them here: www.greenbedbugheattreatment.ca

Psychological Effects of dealing with Bed Bugs - Get help sooner than later!

In addition to being physically stressfull, dealing with bed bugs can also take its toll on your psychological well being.

If you are dealing with a bed bug infestation you are all too aware that what you are going through is physically demanding (preparing your home for extermination, living out of bags etc.) but you should be aware that your ordeal may be effecting your mental state as well.

Are you getting up in the middle of the night, flashlight in hand, looking for the bugs? This is a common and normal thing that most people do. Just the thought that, at any moment, a bed bug may be making its way over to you to feed on you is enough to keep anyone up at night.

People who are suffering with bed bugs often go weeks without sleep. Breaking the normal sleep pattern one or two nights in a row is easily recoverable but going weeks without a proper rest can wreak havoc on even the most level-headed individual. Throw kids, work and daily stress into the mix and you have a recipe for potential disaster.

The social stigma associated with having bed bugs can also wreak havoc on one's social life.

If you are feeling stressed and anxious to the point where you think that you need help - get that help sooner than later - don't be ashamed - help is simply a phone call away!

Pest Control Toronto - How much does it cost to get rid of bed bugs?

How much to kill my bed bugs in Toronto? Who should I hire?

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/

Bed bug detection dogs Toronto
In addition, often times it may be important to have a proper bed bug inspection performed in your home or business - hotel - apartment etc. There are a number of bed bug dog detection companies that offer bed bug detection / inspection services using specially trained bed bug dogs in Toronto. It's a great idea that is proving very effective in detecting bed bugs. A bed bug dog can find even one bed bug or egg in a room, quickly and effectively. If you're not sure that you have bed bugs, best to call in the dogs. The price should not cost more than around $400 for a multi-bedroom house, seems expensive but it's well worth it! In any event, if you are considering hiring a bed bug dog in Toronto make sure they are NESDCA certified - this is the highest certification that can be obtained by a bed bug dog detection team. 


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.