Imagine walking into work, grabbing a coffee, and settling into your desk—only to find out later that your office has a bed bug problem. That’s right. These intruders aren’t just a problem for homes; you can have bed bugs in the workplace. They can infest offices, co-working spaces, hotels, and others. And once they spread, they create more than just an itchy inconvenience. They can cost businesses thousands of dollars in lost productivity, reputation damage, and extermination costs.
Bed bugs are a national and global problem, affecting many businesses and employees. For example, according to a report by Toronto Life, bed bug infestations are a growing concern in the city. In fact, Toronto has ranked as one of the most bed bug-infested cities in Canada, according to annual data from Orkin Canada. No doubt, this is keeping companies like Bed Bug Treatment Pros in the Toronto area busy.
Unlike other pests, bed bugs aren’t attracted to food or moisture. Instead, they travel on people and belongings.
Here’s how it usually happens:
Employees or clients bring them in unknowingly. If someone has bed bugs at home, there’s a chance a few hitchhikers could latch onto their bag, jacket, or clothing and make their way into the workplace.
Shared furniture provides the perfect hiding spots. Bed bugs love soft surfaces like upholstered chairs, couches, and carpets—things you’ll find in many offices, waiting rooms, and co-working spaces.
Hotels and Airbnbs are high-risk zones. If your workplace requires travel, employees could unknowingly pick up bed bugs from an infested hotel or rental unit and bring them back to the office.
Public transportation can be a transfer point. Since bed bugs are great at clinging to fabric, they can spread through buses, trains, and rideshare vehicles.
The True Costs of a Bed Bug Infestation
If bed bugs find their way into your business, the financial and reputational damage can be serious.
Productivity Loss & Employee Morale
Nobody wants to sit at their desk worried about bed bugs. If employees suspect an infestation, it can lead to major disruptions.
People might refuse to come to work.
Some may insist on working remotely until the issue is resolved.
Employees who do show up may be distracted, anxious, or less productive.
Reputation Damage
For businesses that deal directly with the public, a single online review mentioning bed bugs can send customers running. It’s tough to rebuild trust once your business is linked to an infestation.
Financial Costs
Ignoring a small or potential bed bug problem can lead to financial losses.
If the infestation spreads, you may have to close parts of the office for treatment.
You could end up needing furniture replacements, deep cleaning, or fumigation—all of which come with steep costs.
In some cases, employees may pursue legal action if they feel the company didn’t handle the issue properly.
Bed bugs don’t just go away on their own—so the sooner you act, the better.
How to Prevent Bed Bugs in the Workplace
The best way to deal with bed bugs is prevention. Here are some things you can do in that regard.
Educate Your Employees
Since bed bugs travel via personal belongings, awareness is key. Employees should:
Know what bed bugs look like (tiny, reddish-brown, and about the size of an apple seed).
Check their home and workplace regularly for any signs of infestation.
Avoid placing bags and jackets on shared furniture.
Schedule Regular Inspections
Offices and hotels should routinely inspect seating areas, storage rooms, and furniture for any signs of bed bugs. Look out for:
Small blood spots on chairs or carpeting.
Tiny black specks (bed bug feces) in corners or seams.
Shed skins or egg casings near furniture edges.
Keep Your Office Clutter-Free
Bed bugs love tight spaces, so reducing clutter eliminates hiding spots. Encourage employees to:
Keep personal areas organized and tidy.
Store bags in designated areas instead of tossing them on couches or carpets.
Vacuum frequently—especially around upholstered furniture.
Respond Quickly If You Suspect an Issue
If anyone suspects bed bugs in the workplace, don’t wait—act immediately.
Isolate affected areas to prevent spread.
Have an extermination professional assess the situation.
Encourage employees to check their homes to avoid bringing them back.
Final Thoughts: Stay Ahead of the Problem
Bed bugs in the workplace might not be the first thing on your mind, but they can cause serious headaches if ignored. The good news is a little prevention goes a long way in keeping them out of your business.
If you ever suspect bed bugs, don’t try to handle them alone—professional treatment is the fastest and most effective way to eliminate an infestation. Addressing the issue early can save you time, money, and stress in the long run.
