How Much Does It Cost to Get Rid of Bed Bugs?

Bed bugs are creatures that no one wants in their homes. Although they are not usually a health risk, infestations can quickly spread to an entire home. The larger the infestation, the more difficult and costly it is to get rid of the pests. The sooner the problem is addressed, the better.

The average cost to get rid of bed bugs is $750-$1,050, with the average homeowner spening around $900 on inspection, freeze treatment used for moderate infestation, and preventative treatment for two surrounding rooms.

Bed Bug Control Cost

Bed Bug Treatment Cost by Type

Treatments themselves range in cost and effectiveness; there are several ways to kill bed bugs, but not all are going to be suitable for every application:

Two or more methods may need to be used at one time to ensure a successful eradication of the bugs, and a follow-up visit and inspection may be necessary in 4 to 6 weeks to make sure the bugs are gone.

Bed Bug Fumigation Cost

It is very important to let a professional handle chemicals that kill bed bugs. If the bed bug pesticide treatment is applied incorrectly, it can be harmful to the health of people and pets. To perform this method of eradication, the professional will seal off the entire house or place of business and then fill it with an insecticidal gas. This will kill all of the bugs inside. Be aware that everyone will need to stay out of the building during the treatment, 2 to 3 days, for everyone’s safety. This method is great for reaching cracks and crevices, as it kills 99-100% of bed bugs and all other pests that are present in the space, but does release harmful VOC’s. Unfortunately, it also does not prevent reinfestation. A bed bug pesticide treatment should cost between $4 and $8 per sq.ft.

Heating Treatment for Bed Bugs Cost

Hot air that reaches temperatures of over 120 degrees is pumped ¹ into the spaces with bed bugs during a heat treatment. The hot air will remain in circulation for an hour or more with the use of fans. This method is best used in empty spaces, as the extreme heat can damage objects in the room. For this reason, items with low heat tolerance must be removed prior to treatment. This method does not use chemicals and will kill bed bugs in all stages ² of their life, but it does not prevent reinfestation. No one is allowed in the building during this treatment, but you can re-enter immediately. Many exterminators will even use their own generators, so as to not hike up the customer’s electric bill. Expect to pay between $1 and $3 per sq.ft. for heat treatment.

Bed Bug Chemical Treatment Cost

Chemicals that kill bed bugs can be sprayed or layed in the home or business. There are several types of chemicals that are used, including liquids for cracks, crevices, in molding, or along the edges of carpets. Aerosols can be used in furniture, bed frames, and box springs. There are many different types of chemicals that kill bed bugs that can be used. Each kills in a different way, but are not very effective on their own so they need to be combined with other types of treatment. Some of these chemicals work as a poison, others destroy the bugs’ outer protective coating, and some disrupt cellular function in the pest. This type of treatment may be combined with fumigation to reach the entire space. Chemical treatment should cost between $250 and $600 per room and $2-$4.50 per sq.ft.

Bed Bug Steam Treatment Cost

A steam treatment uses no harmful chemicals. Bed bugs cannot tolerate extreme hot or cold temperatures and will die when exposed to them. During this method, steam that reaches over 200 degrees will be applied to the infested areas. It should be noted that several passes are often necessary for this treatment to work. This will kill bed bugs in all stages ² of life. It can penetrate materials and soft surfaces, such as mattresses, better than other methods. However, it can damage some items such as electronics or wood furniture. Steam treatment for bed bugs should cost between $2 and $7.50 per sq.ft.

Bed Bug Freeze Treatment Cost

The freeze treatment is one of the newer, chemical-free methods that exterminators are using. Just as bed bugs cannot tolerate extreme heat, they also cannot tolerate extreme cold. This method uses high pressure to pump ¹ freezing cold temperatures into areas that are infested with bed bugs. It is basically like a powdered snow that will hit bed bugs and kill them instantly, but sometimes it can blow the bed bug away instead of killing it. This method is safer for many surfaces that may not tolerate high heat, but can have difficulty penetrating soft surfaces like mattresses. Keep in mind, too, that if it is not done correctly it could result in another infestation. Bed bug freeze treatments should cost about $500 per room or $3-$6 per sq.ft.

Bed Bug Exterminator Cost

Because home remedies are often ineffective, it’s usually recommended that you seek professional extermination. The costs for these services can range from $75 for a simple inspection to more than $4,000 for a whole-house heat treatment. This is because bed bugs may not infest your entire home; if you catch the problem early enough you may only need to treat one or two areas. However, if the bugs are discovered in multiple areas around your home, you may require more extensive treatments.

The labor and costs of exterminating are directly tied to the size of the infestation. Small infestations confined to a few areas will cost less than whole house infestations. Most exterminators charge either by the room, by the square foot, or by the job. Costs for labor range from $250 to $1000 per room, $1 to $7.50 per sq.ft. or up to $4,000 for whole house treatments single application.

Bed Bug Extermination Cost Per Room

The cost of bed bug removal can vary widely depending on the method chosen, the severity of the infestation, and how many rooms have been affected. Expect to find the average cost for bed bug extermination to range from about $400 for one room, up to $4,000 for the whole house.

Levels of Bed Bug Infestation

The earlier a bed bug infestation is found, the better. It is easier and less costly to get rid of light infestations. A professional exterminator can come do an inspection and determine the level of infestation. This can affect the method of extermination used and the overall cost.

Light Bed Bug Infestation

A light bed bug infestation would include 1-5 bed bugs found with no signs of breeding. This would need to be caught within 2 to 6 weeks of them entering your home. Freeze treatment, chemical treatment, or steam treatments work well for light infestations. Expect to pay about $250 to treat a light infestation.

Moderate Bed Bug Infestation

A moderate bed bug infestation will include signs of breeding. There will be adults, babies, and signs of eggs. A moderate infestation is contained to the original room and caught between 6 and 18 weeks of them entering your home. Freeze treatment, chemical treatment, or steam treatments work well for moderate bed bug infestations. Expect to pay about $400 to treat a moderate infestation.

Severe Bed Bug Infestation

A severe bed bug infestation will, at minimum, include multiple generations of bed bugs located in multiple rooms with breeding still occuring. An entire property can become infested with bed bugs, with the chance of them spreading to adjoining properties. This is the worst case scenario. Heat treatment or fumigation work best for severe bed bug infestations since they can treat the entire house. Expect to pay about $4,000 to treat a severe bed bug infestation.

Bed Bug Inspection Cost

Because bed bugs can hide behind wall paper, picture frames and other out of the way areas, it’s important that your exterminator conduct a thorough inspection. These can take 1 to 4 hours to complete and involve the exterminator checking your furnishings, carpets, walls, bedding, and other areas such as cracks and crevices within rooms of the home to determine which areas to treat. Some companies will include the cost of the inspection in with the cost of treatment, others charge between $75 and $200 per inspection.

Bed Bug Sniffing Dogs Cost

Bed bugs can be difficult to detect, so some companies may rely on canines to locate the source of the infestation. Dogs are able to detect up to 96% of bed bug infestations, even in difficult to see or out of the way areas. The cost of this inspection is between $300 and $600 for an average sized home.

Early Signs of Bed Bugs

The bugs themselves are very small, about 0.16 to 0.2-inches in length, or about the size of Lincoln’s head on a penny. Therefore, it’s often difficult to see the bugs themselves; most people first notice signs of infestation due to a rash, blister, or other signs of bites.

Other signs of a bed bug infestation include:

• Shedded carcasses of the growing larvae, which appear as small rust colored specks.
• Small, black colored spots on bedding or furnishings, which is the fecal matter of the bugs.
• A sweet, musty odor lingering around the areas where they live.
• Small bites that appear in a zig-zag pattern on your skin.
• Small, white, seed-sized eggs that are normally laid in small cracks and crevices.

It’s not uncommon for signs of a bed bug infestation to go unnoticed for several weeks to months, especially because some people will never show signs of bites.

How to Spot Bed Bugs

If you suspect that you have a bed bug problem in your home, it is best to investigate quickly. Watch for all of the signs listed above and follow these guidelines for how to locate bed bugs. Carefully inspect couch cushions, mattresses, box springs, curtains, bedding, electrical outlets, loose wallpaper, carpet edges, framed pictures, wall joints ³, and in the areas between drawers. Grab a flashlight and search all of these areas, looking for signs of a bed bug infestation. Be aware that you may find just one egg, but in most cases, the bugs like to congregate and there will normally be many eggs. Also be aware of smells and watch for a musty, sweet odor. Note that you may actually see a bed bug, so keep an eye out. However they are most active at night and hide during the day. Once you have taken a look around, if you are concerned about a bed bug infestation, it is best to call in a professional for confirmation.

What to Do Before Bed Bug Extermination

Sometimes it’s recommended that certain steps be taken prior to extermination. Old furnishings, for example, may need to be thrown out, and furnishings or decor that will not tolerate heat may need to be bagged and temporarily removed. Cluttered homes may need to be decluttered or to have a lot of debris removed before extermination can begin. Fabrics should be washed and dried on the hottest possible settings, and furniture should be steam cleaned. Loose items should be boxed for easier fumigation, and items should be moved away from walls. Many of these jobs you will need to tackle yourself; others are included in the cost of the extermination process. Ask your exterminator for a list of preparation tasks you will need to complete beforehand, and what they may be able to do for you and at what cost.

How Long Does It Take to Exterminate Bed Bugs?

A whole house treatment can take as long as 48 hours to complete. More than one application may be necessary to eradicate the bugs; a follow-up visit and inspection is usually recommended at a cost of between $75 and $200, about 4 to 6 weeks after treatment. If necessary, additional treatments may be scheduled at that time.

All About Bed Bugs

Bed bugs are brown, about the size of an apple seed, and oval in shape. They feed on the blood of humans or animals. After they feed, their bodies turn a reddish color and swell. They hide during the day and become active at night, which is when they bite and feed on the host as they sleep. These pests do not fly, but can move quickly and females can lay hundreds of eggs throughout their lives. They are able to live without feeding for several months at a time and are very difficult to kill completely once they invade your home. Bed bugs have not been found to transmit disease, but are an unwanted guest in any home.

Where Are Bed Bugs Found?

Because the bugs like to nest near a source of food, they are most commonly found on beds and couches, which is how they get their name. They can, however, also live in a number of places around your home including: carpets, curtains, picture frames, furnishings, pet beds, behind wallpaper, headboards, and inside cracks and crevices.

How to Prevent Bed Bugs

The best way to stop bed bugs is to prevent them from entering your home in the first place. Because most people pick up bed bugs during travel, it is recommended that you inspect hotel rooms and other areas you may be staying for signs of the bugs, including carcasses and rust-colored spots. Check on and under mattresses for signs of the bugs. Elevate your suitcase and keep it away from the bed to prevent them coming home. Purchase new toiletries for short trips and throw them away at the end. Wash and dry your clothing in hot water as soon as you return from a trip.

Keep in mind that hotels, hostels, dorms, and other places to stay are not the only locations to pick up bed bugs. They are often also found on public transportation. If public transportation is utilized, keep a watchful eye for signs of bed bugs. Additional prevention measures are a good idea if your lifestyle includes travel and/or use of public transportation. These include sprays or chemicals used as a deterrent around your home, and cost around $9 to $30 a bottle. Using a mattress encasement that is bed bug-proof is also a good idea. These cost about $50.

Bed Bug Health Risks

According to the CDC, bed bugs themselves are not inherently dangerous. They can however, lead ⁴ to itching and rashes, where a person may develop a secondary infection due to scratching. Some people may also suffer from extreme allergic reactions to bed bugs, leading to the need to seek immediate medical attention.

While the bugs aren’t dangerous, they are considered a serious nuisance and pest, and it’s generally recommended that you deal with the issue professionally as soon as it’s noticed to avoid spreading the bugs to others.

Enhancement and Improvement Costs

Structural Bed Bug Fumigation

Bed bugs may hide in small cracks and crevices where spray chemicals, steam, and even heat can’t reach. They may therefore reinfest your home after a typical treatment. If during inspection the bed bugs are found in the structure or foundation of your home, a structural fumigation may be recommended at a cost of $5,000 to $50,000 depending on the size of the home.

Integrated Pest Management

An integrated pest management plan is sometimes recommended for extreme infestations. This is a combination of different methods including chemical, heat, steam, and vacuum to help ensure that the pests are completely gone. It may also include prevention techniques to help keep the bed bugs from returning. This may include using monitoring devices, frequent inspections, a mixture of chemical and non-chemical treatments, and frequent cleanings/sanitation of the home. Costs may be in the range of $5,000 or more to treat serious problems.

Additional Considerations and Costs

• Leaving the home during the extermination process. If there is only a light or moderate bed bug infestation confined to one room and the steam or freeze method is chosen, it is likely that you will be allowed to remain in your home during treatment. If chemicals or high heat are being used, however, it will be necessary to leave the house.
• Insurance. Bed bug extermination is generally categorized under home maintenance and not covered under most home or renters’ policies. However, specific bed bug insurance does exist, although it will likely take some searching to find a company that offers it. Expect a bed bug insurance policy to cost about $60 per month.
• Treating rooms that do not show signs of a bed bug infestation. It may be worthwhile to treat rooms that do not show signs of a bed bug infestation. This depends on several factors and should be discussed with your exterminator. If it is very clear that the bed bugs have been confined to only one room and show no signs of reproduction, this may not be necessary. If the infestation has moved to moderate or severe, it may be a good idea to treat more rooms in the home.
• Home construction. If the entire home has been infested, the way the home is constructed will affect treatment and costs. If the home has a slab and has no space between the home and the foundation, the area under the house should not need to be treated. However, if a home has been built using pier-and-beam construction, bed bugs could be living under the house. This will add to the square footage used to calculate the cost.
• Clutter. The more clutter in a room, the more expensive treatment will be. It is more cost effective for a homeowner to remove all small items from a room before treatment. If you need help with this task, consider hiring a home organizer for about $60 per hour. Expect to add $50 to $150 per room to extermination fees for areas full of clutter.

Remodeling Terms Cheat Sheet

¹ Pumped: A device used to move air, liquid, or gas by mechanical means

² Stages: A temporary structure used during construction/maintenance/painting projects to raise and support workers (or one worker), required materials, and equipment

⁴ Lead: A naturally occurring heavy metal that is highly toxic to humans, and has been used in paint, gasoline, piping, and other applications