Hiring a bed bug exterminatorBed bugs are notoriously hard to get rid of since these pests can survive for month between meals and withstand different levels of temperature. They also breed at an alarming rate. That being said, it is always best to hire a bed bug exterminator to get rid of a bed bug infestation. Since dealing with bed bugs is a lot different from eliminating termites or rodents, most states require their exterminators to be licensed. Just to be sure, ask how long the company has been in business and inquire about their experiences in dealing with bed bugs.
Prepare a budget of at least $500 to $1,500 for a full bed bug removal. The method you choose and the professional experience of the exterminator are two factors that greatly affect the pest control prices. The cost will also be dependent on the size of the affected area and the severity of the bed bug infestation.
Having your home treated can cost up to $5,000. That should already include the inspection and cleaning fee. If you plan on having a large apartment building exterminated, be prepared to pay as much as $80,000.
In general, the charge per extermination of one room ranges from $250 to $900.
During inspection, some exterminators use canines to sniff for bed bugs. Usually, the use of canines cost $300 to $600 for the average home. If your property is larger than that, it may reach up to $1200 for a canine unit.
Fortunately, a lot of treatment methods are available. Some methods are effective on their own but in some cases, a combination of one or two methods may be needed to successfully eliminate bed bugs. Always check with your local exterminator to see if they have the treatment type you prefer.
Price range: $4 - $8 per sq. ft.
Fumigation has a success rate of 99% to 100%. It effectively gets rid of all bed bugs, both eggs and adults. However, since there is no residue after all the gas has been vented, it doesn’t prevent infestations from reoccurring. Fumigation also requires some additional preparations which may require you to spend extra money. On top of all that, fumigation usually lasts 2-3 days during which you should be staying elsewhere to avoid inhaling the gases.
Price range: $2000 - $4000
Heat treatment is done by pumping heated air into the home, which means that any objects that might be damaged by the heat should be removed from the property prior to the treatment. Like fumigation, this method kills everything from eggs to adults. However, since it also leaves no chemical residue, it does not prevent the reoccurrence of a bed bug infestation.
Price range: $200 - $600
Pesticide may be in either liquid or powder form. Powders are used for open spaces whereas liquids are better for cracks and crevices. Bed bugs are killed the moment they make contact with the chemical. However, bed bugs have become more resistant to pesticides over the years; which is why pesticide application is usually used along with other methods.
Price range: Similar to heat treatment
The steam treatment is simply a variation of the heat treatment. Water vapor penetrates materials much more effectively than other substances. The exterminator will then clean each item thoroughly to ensure that no surviving eggs or bugs remain. Despite its effectivity, steam treatment might need more than one pass to completely get rid of all bed bugs.