Bed Bug Exterminator Costs
Bedbugs are common pests that require unique solutions to eradicate. Treatment options range in price from $210 for a single room to as much as $7200 for a large home.
Nationwide, most homeowners spend an average of $1690 for professional extermination. Learn more here about bed bugs, treatments
and their costs.
| Bed Bug Extermination Costs | Zip Code | Bedrooms | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low | Mid | High | |
| Material Prices | $8.00 – $10.00 | $50.00 – $75.00 | $85.00 – $120.00 |
| Labor Cost | $90.00 – $130.00 | $140.00 – $330.00 | $300.00 – $650.00 |
| Total | $98.00 – $140.00 | $190.00 – $405.00 | $385.00 – $770.00 |
| Average Cost Per Bedroom | $119.00 | $297.50 | $577.50 |
How Much Does Bed Bug Extermination Cost?
On average, you can expect to pay roughly $200 – $400 per room for bed bug treatment depending on the level of infestation. A typical 3-4 bedroom house will cost on average $1100 and $1700 to treat bed bugs. Get a free quote from professional exterminator company near you.
What are bed bugs?
Bed bugs are insects that feed on human blood — they’re a unique species. Ubiquitous in all fifty states, they’re round, flat and measure 4–5 millimeters. They travel from place to place in luggage and on furniture and clothing, but once they’ve found a permanent home, they like to live in areas where people sleep according to the EPA.
Look for them in and around:
- Mattresses and box springs
- Headboards
- Furniture
- Bedding
- Electrical outlets
- Baseboards
- Wallpaper and more
Bed bugs hide during the day and emerge overnight to seek a blood meal. Unlike fleas, they don’t travel far so infestations may be limited to a single room — but under optimal conditions, they grow to maturity in under six weeks and can produce three or more generations in 10–12 months. Just a few bed bugs can grow into a significant population within months, but thankfully, exterminators have a wide range of treatment options.
Bed Bug Treatment Costs
The best treatment for bed bugs depends on the layout of your home and the extent of the infestation. A pest control expert will do a thorough evaluation before making recommendations. Inspections can take hours — bed bugs can be difficult to find — so prices range from $75 to as high as $250.
But there’s no better way to find the most effective treatment option, and in some cases, exterminators will waive the inspection fee if homeowners hire them to do the work.
Average Bed Bug Treatment Costs
Most homeowners spend between $1100 and $2300 to get rid of bed bugs. Expect to pay $200–$440 to spot-treat a single bedroom up to $7200 for whole-home treatment. Nationally, the average cost of professional extermination is $1690.
Bed Bug Treatment Costs By Area
Most exterminators charge by the room or by the square foot. Rooms average $200–$600 — rates per square foot range from $1–$4 for chemical and heat treatments to $5 and up for whole-home fumigation.
If ongoing treatments are required, a monthly service contract may be a more economical option. Charges range $90–$130 on average.
Bed Bug Treatment Cost by Type
Bed bug infestations are tough to tame, but exterminators offer the best in both chemical and non-chemical treatments.
| Bed Bug Treatment | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Chemicals & Pesticides | $200–$400 per room |
| Freeze Treatment | $435+ per room |
| Heat Treatment | $1–$3 per square foot |
| Fumigation | $3–$6 per square foot) |
| Steam Removal | $250–$500 per room |
Bed Bug Chemical Treatment Cost
Like fleas and termites, bed bugs have become resistant to over-the-counter pesticides in the last decade, so while you can purchase treatments at the hardware store, it’s not recommended.
Exterminators have advanced formulas that kill bed bugs at all life stages, as well as the equipment and expertise necessary to apply them safely. Treatment takes anywhere from 2–3 hours, and homes should be well-ventilated after. Expect to pay $200–$450 per room for professional chemical treatment.
Bed Bug Heat Treatment Cost
Heat is among the most effective ways to kill bed bugs — both adults and eggs die at temperatures of 122 degrees Fahrenheit and above. Special heaters bring the indoor temperature up quickly, and the process takes 6-8 hours to complete.
Since it’s chemical-free, it requires no special safety precautions, and the home is safe to enter immediately after treatment. Prices range from $600 for heat-treating a single room to $3500 for an average-size home.
Bed Bug Steam Treatment Cost
Steam is another effective non-chemical treatment. Reaching 200 degrees Fahrenheit, it kills bed bugs on contact, and because it’s easier to pump into cracks and crevices, it’s a faster and more budget-friendly option than dry heat.
Treatment time varies from an hour or two for a small space to a day for a multi-room home. However, while dry heat is safe for most furniture and other household items, steam can damage moisture-sensitive items, such as musical instruments — precautions are required. Costs range from $250-350.
Bed Bug Freeze Treatment Cost
Exterminators can use specialize equipment to produce icy carbon dioxide “snow” that kills bed bugs on contact. The treatment takes a few hours and leaves no harmful residue behind, but it’s not as complete a solution as heat or chemicals. Bugs have been shown to survive temperatures as low as 13 degrees Fahrenheit, so a few could survive, requiring repeat treatment. Expect to pay $450 per room up to $2100 for an average home.
Bed Bug Fumigation Cost
Occasionally, bed bug infestations are so severe that the best solution is to fumigate the whole house. Homes are sealed in a tent and filled with pesticide gas that penetrates deep into mattresses, carpet and furniture. It takes at least a day to complete the process plus an additional day or two to ensure gas is fully ventilated. Whole-home fumigation costs more than other bed bug treatments — up to $4 per square foot in the south to $9 per square foot in northern states — plus the costs of living elsewhere while the treatment is completed.
Integrated Pest Management Costs
In areas where household pests are common, it’s not unusual for exterminators to recommend an Integrated Pest Management (IMP) plan. IPM is an ongoing, multi-faceted approach using monitors and spot treatments to deal with the ongoing threat of infestation in areas where bed bugs are endemic. It’s the best way for homeowners who’ve struggled with repeat infestations to keep their space bug free. After initial treatment, IPM rates range from $90–$120 monthly.
DIY versus Professional Bed Bug Treatments
Homeowners can purchase a broad range of chemical bed bug treatments as well as steam applicators, but is DIY treatment the best way to go? Probably not.Bed bugs are elusive, and for each one you see, there are many more hiding. Pest control experts are not only trained to treat bed bugs, but they also have the skills to find them, and that’s half the battle.
Exterminators also have access to the most effective pesticides and knowledge to use them safely.A minor bed bug infestation can get out of hand quickly, so why risk letting it get out of control when a pro can get the job done right the first time?The EPA has a great guide you can follow if you decide to go the DIY route: EPA Bed Bug Removal
FAQs
How does a bed bug infestation start?
Bed bugs live almost everywhere people do. Top sources include motels, movie theaters, laundromats, dormitories and hospitals. They hitch a ride to your home in bags, backpacks, luggage and clothing. Contrary to popular belief, bed bugs are not associated with dirty conditions, but clutter gives them extra space to hide.
Why are bed bugs so hard to find?
Bed bugs like to hide where it’s cool and dark, and they only feed every 5–10 days. The chances that you’ll see them in any significant number are low unless the infestation is severe.
Do bed bugs bother pets?
Bed bugs will bite pets, but they prefer to feed on humans. They can, however, hide in pet bedding.
What are the signs of a bed bug infestation?
Live bed bugs can be challenging to find — look for them between a mattress and box spring, in bedding and on the floor around the bed in the early morning hours. Other signs include a musty odor in the bedroom and discarded exoskeletons on the floor — bed bugs molt five times in the six weeks before they reach adulthood. Bed bug excrement on sheets, however, is often the first visible sign of a problem— look for coffee ground-like specks that, when wet, turn brownish-red due to their blood content.
Are bed bugs a health hazard?
According to health experts, they’re not known to spread disease, but they bite, causing irritating rashes and occasionally, serious allergic skin reactions.
Are chemical bed bug treatments safe?
Pesticides, like all chemicals, can be dangerous if when applied improperly. Used as directed, they should present minimal risk.
Are there any natural bed bug treatments?
Yes, and they’re effective, too! Two treatments, diatomaceous earth and boric acid, are popular, but neither is recommended for extensive use. Both come in powdered form and are a respiratory risk if applied over large areas. These products are ideal for treating limited infestations.
Why does bed bug fumigation cost more in northern states?
Southern states have a bigger problem with household pests, so most pest control professionals already have the whole-home tents required to fumigate. In the north, the equipment is rare and, therefore, more expensive.
Are most bed bug treatments successful?
Yes, however, in areas where bed bugs are common, re-infestation is not unusual. Homeowners who’ve had more than one in twelve months should consider an IPM plan.
Does homeowner’s insurance cover bed bug treatment?
No.
How can I prevent bed bugs?
Top prevention measures include:
- Inspect secondhand furnishing for bed bugs
- Avoid buying used mattresses
- When traveling, keep clothing in suitcases instead of hotel drawers
- Encase mattresses and pillows in protective coverings
- Use light-colored sheets and bedding — they make bed bugs easier to see
- Reduce clutter
- Vacuum frequently
Hiring a Bed Bug Exterminator
Bed bug treatment is best left in the hands of qualified pest control experts, but these tips will help you get the most for your money.
- Get at least three estimates from companies with top ratings from the Better Business Bureau
- Choose experienced exterminators that are both licensed and insured
- Request local references
- Ask to see evidence of bed bug infestation upon inspection
- Review warranties and clarify the conditions for repeat treatment if reinfestation occurs
Final Thoughts
Bed bugs are so common that they’re not always preventable despite your best efforts. If you find one in your home, don’t panic — with the right treatment, a pest control professional can keep them from becoming permanent house guests.
External References:
-
- Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
- WebMD: Medical & Skin Treatment for bed bugs
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A lawyer never retires. So I would just say that I am not as active as I used to be. Now I simply dedicate myself to fishing, my hobby, and my grandchildren. For Business Finance News I write about legal aspects of mortgage policies, mostly regarding the rights of policyholders. I also have articles about personal injuries.
