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Bed Bug infested furniture - Public Health disposal instructions

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How to Manage Bed Bug Infested Furniture
Many people feel that throwing away an infested piece of furniture will get rid of the problem. This may reduce the number of bed bugs, but does not help the overall problem. Furniture should only be thrown out if it can no longer be used or properly cleaned and a professional pest control service is going to provide a treatment. New furniture will be subject to infestation if the larger problem is not addressed.

Mattress Encasements
For mattresses and box springs you can get mattress encasements that are specifically designed for managing bed bugs. Mattresses that are encased trap any bed bugs inside. They will eventually die of starvation; remember bed bugs can survive without a blood meal for more than six months. Any new bed bugs can be quickly and easily detected. Clean up is easier when using a mattress encasement. Encasements should be tight fitting (few creases or folds) and used on box springs as well as mattresses.

Disposal the Last Resort
Furniture that is infested with bed bugs that cannot be salvaged needs to be disposed of in a manner that will prevent the further spread of bed bugs. In the process of removing a piece of furniture bed bugs can escape into hallways and make their way into new apartments spreading the problem to new areas. Precautions need to be taken.

If you decide to throw out bed bug infested furniture:

  1. Take apart, make sure it cannot be used, deface or damage- in the case of mattresses; these can be slashed or otherwise damaged as to be made unusable
  2. Wrap in plastic so bed bugs cannot escape. This should be done in the unit before it is removed
  3. Post a warning sign "Do Not Take"
  4. Put in trash shortly before pick-up, so it doesn't sit for a long time

For more information please contact Toronto Public Health by calling Toronto Health Connection during business hours.

Residential - bulky item - furniture - metal items - appliances - collection