Toronto Public Health can identify several of the most common insect pests including bed bugs. If you
are unsure of what pest you have you can bring it in to be identified. Call ahead to book an appointment.
If we are unable to identify the pest, there are entomologists and diagnostic labs available to assist.
First Steps to Bed bug Identification:
Bed bug lifecycle
Blood spots on bedding
First Steps to Bed bug Identification:
Does the insect in question resemble any of the above stages within the lifecycle of bed bugs?
Are you seeing blood spots on your bedding as indicated in the above picture?
Are you experiencing bites at night?
If so, you may have bed bugs and you can prepare a sample for identification.
Preparing Your Insect Sample: Do Not Bring In Live Insects
Collect the pest in question (adults are the easiest to identify)
Do not squish, identification will be harder if not impossible
Do not tape, it is easier to handle the insect if it is not taped
Put insect(s) in a clear watertight container (e.g. baby food jar) with rubbing alcohol 70%, this will kill and preserve the insect
Where to bring your sample:
South Region
44 Victoria St. 18th Floor
East York Civic Centre, 850 Coxwell Danforth Ave.
2340 Dundas St. W.
North Region
North York Civic Centre, 5100 Yonge St. 2nd Floor
West Region
Etobicoke Civic Centre, 399 The West Mall, 4th Floor North
September 2010
