Ecopest Inc

Listen, no one ever wants to rate a pest company. Ever. Unfortunately, I’ve been in a position that allows me to provide a glowing review.
In 2013, we unfortunately brought a couple hitchhikers home from vacation. Bed Bugs. Yup, it happens. And it doesn’t matter where you stay, all that matters was who was in that room before you.
We got back from a one week road trip to BC, where we stayed at two different hotels, and a Bed & Breakfast place. I remember when the day after I got home, I went out for my BF’s bridal shower/​staggette. I got home at night, and my neck and shoulders were so itchy. I looked in the mirror and saw red bumps, and half asleep I said to myself «wow, I must’ve used A LOT of hairspray». I thought it was just a sensitive skin reaction.
Well, that same night, my boyfriend who had already went back to work messaged me that he had bites. When I read that in the morning, I FFFFFFREAKED!!! I instantly knew… bed bugs. Well, not instantly, but a quick google that shows the trademark 3 bites in a row confirmed my suspicions.
This was Saturday morning. I immediately called everywhere and every place was closed. I left a practically crying voicemail for Ecopest. I could not sleep. Since I had to wait until Monday for a dog to come, I set up my own «detection». I read online that you HAVE to sleep in your bed. If you move and go sleep on a couch, the bed bugs can detect your body heat and they will find you, and infest another piece of furniture. So anyways, I decided I was going to get double sided tape and tape the entire perimeter of the top of my bed lol. I thought that would prevent them from cross and biting me. Well, I woke up Sunday morning and there was as big black spot (like a ink splat) on the double sided tape. So the bed bug made it across the tape, bit me, and got somewhat stuck on it’s way back to it’s hiding spot. Gross. I slept on the couch Sunday night. LOL… and I put double sided tape along the doorway to my bedroom. No way was I ever sleeping in that bed again.
Ecopest called me Monday morning and booked the dog for Tuesday. At the same time, I booked the spraying because I knew I had bed bugs. The dog came, confirmed we had a very small amount of bugs (apparently less than 3). And because we lived in a condo, I had to knock on all my neighbours doors and tell them they also had to get an inspection. Luckily, there was no spreading.
We were told by Ecopest how to prepare for the spraying. This the fun part. We had to wash all our clothing, and dry on HIGH HEAT. I said bye to quite a few clothes that didn’t survive high heat. Then we place them in a garbage bag and pile in the centre of a room. I had about 7 costco size garbage bags full. I left the clothes hanging in my closet because I figured they were safe… off the ground. So it was just the dressers, the bedding, and stuff that was on the floor. Then you have to pull all your furniture away from the walls. This was fun doing by myself. Boyfriend out of town working, and no way would I ask a friend to come help and possibly take a hitchhiker home. The spray technician pops out your baseboard too, so they can spray behind.
I also had my mattress taken away, even though you can technically keep it in a cover for a year. And again, no way was I going to ask someone to hep me with it. I have plenty of family with trucks… but I paid a junk removal company to come take it away. $ 150. Ouch.
So come treatment day, you have to stay out of your place for several hours, I can’t remember the exact period. I believe the praying was on Wednesday, so I stayed at a hotel for two nights.
When I came back, I got everything all organized again, but I was paranoid. Super paranoid. I can’t remember whether I thought I had a new bite, or I thought I saw something, but I called Ecopest about my concern. They were very nice, and understanding, and sent the technician out again, who confirmed I was just a crazy paranoid LOL. Who can blame me though? They way Ecopest handled that though was wonderful. They have a guarantee, and it’s an expensive service, so it’s comforting that they guarantee their work.
It’s been two years, and it’s safe to say they took care of my problem. I slept on an air mattress for one month just to make sure the bugs were gone before I bought a new mattress.
This was a very expensive process… so educate yourself on how to check for bed bugs when travelling. Since then, I’ve come across bed bugs one other time when I was down in Florida. And this was an immaculately clean place. Take time to learn about these things, because not only are bed bugs a costly experience, your home will be turned upside down, and you’re the one that has to turn it upside down.
But 5 stars for Ecopest for being so quick, professional, and delivering results! And if you’re in the same unfortunate position I was in, please use Ecopest.