A disturbing video circulating online has raised concerns among Toronto commuters after it appeared to show a bed bug crawling on a seat aboard a Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) Line 1 subway train.1 The 14-second clip, uploaded to Reddit on July 22, 2025, zooms in on a small brown insect moving across an empty seat. CityNews confirmed the footage was taken on the morning of July 21, 2025, on Line 1 (Yonge-University).2
The video quickly gained traction, with many viewers expressing discomfort and disgust. “I sat on the subway the other day, now I’m feeling itchy from watching this,” one Reddit user commented. Others suggested that the TTC should consider replacing fabric seats with plastic ones, similar to transit systems in Montreal and New York, to improve hygiene.3
Entomologist Antonia Guidotti from the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) confirmed that the insect in the video is indeed a bed bug. She emphasized that while such sightings are unsettling, they are not uncommon in urban environments. “It does happen. We do have bed bugs in the city. It doesn’t mean that you’re dirty. It doesn’t mean that you’re poor,” Guidotti explained.
The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) responded to the incident by reiterating its commitment to cleanliness. Spokesperson Stuart Green stated that all vehicles are cleaned every night. “While not common on the TTC, this is something public transit agencies around the world must deal with,” Green noted. He encouraged passengers to report any insect sightings through the SafeTTC app so that affected vehicles can be promptly removed from service and sanitized.
While bed bugs are generally not considered a health hazard, extreme infestations can pose risks, particularly for vulnerable individuals. Toronto Public Health (TPH) clarified that bed bugs themselves are not typically a health concern unless there are extreme infestations combined with health impacts. In such cases, TPH would become involved in any necessary investigations.
The recent video has reignited discussions about public transit cleanliness and the need for improved hygiene measures. As Toronto continues to grapple with bed bug issues, both public health officials and transit authorities are urging residents to remain vigilant and report any concerns promptly.
When it comes to bed bug infestations, locals may also turn to pest control experts for help. A reliable pest control service will offer a tailored approach to eliminate bed bugs and prevent future infestations. Pestend Pest Control offers professional bed bug extermination with advanced heat treatments and chemical-free options for both residential and commercial properties, ensuring effective and long-lasting results.
References
- TTC Line 1. Regular occurrence.” Reddit, 22 July 2025, https://www.reddit.com/r/toronto/comments/1m657hi/ttc_line_1_regular_occurrence/. Accessed 2 Aug. 2025.
- Casaletto, Lucas. “Online Video Shows Bed Bug on TTC Line 1 Subway Seat.” CityNews, 22 July 2025, toronto.citynews.ca/2025/07/22/ttc-line-1-bed-bugs-video-subway-toronto/.
- Ferreira, Beatriz. “‘Feeling Itchy Watching This,’ TTC Riders Alarmed by Video of Bed Bug on Subway, Transit Agency Says Vehicles Are Cleaned Frequently.” NOW Toronto, 22 July 2025, nowtoronto.com/news/ttc-riders-alarmed-by-video-of-bed-bug-on-subway/
