Bed bugs are the things nightmares are made of and infestations are on the rise. So how much does bed bug treatment cost and what exactly does it entail? There are several ways to exterminate bed bugs but not all will be suitable for your needs. Each method has its pros and cons. At times, two or more methods may need to be used to distinguish the problem. Let’s dive into bed bu treatment costs.
Bed Bug Treatment Costs
Bed Bug treatment cost for an apartment
Depending on your location and the severity of the infestation, it’ll likely cost you between $300 and $900 to exterminate a 1 bedroom apartment. This price could fluctuate depending on the need for second and third treatment, location, and the type of treatment being applied.
On average, a homeowner can expect to pay roughly $550 to as high as $4000 for bed bug extermination or $300-$450 per room. This cost will vary depending on the type of treatment and the number of rooms included in that treatment. Let’s go over different options and the costs associated with each one. You can see our pricing here.
1. Heat
Bed bugs can nest almost anywhere in your bedroom, down to the smallest crevice in your wall or furniture. This can make bed bugs very hard to eradicate, no matter how prepared you think you are. Heat treatment can be a very effective solution. If you can do it yourself, this can be a good way to keep your bed bug treatment cost low.
Hot Box-Placing items such as blankets, clothing, shoes, and luggage, in a hot box with sustained heat is used to kill bed bugs. Typically, a dryer is used for clothing and other linens, and a heat chamber is used for items that can’t be put in a dryer. The heat works its way into the crevices that can’t be penetrated and the lethal temperatures kill the bugs. The temperature reaches between 117-122 degrees Fahrenheit. Be aware that if a hot box or heat chamber isn’t properly ventilated, fires can occur.
Cost- Heat treatments will on average cost you $1-$3 sq. ft. which is the most cost-effective of the methods we’ll be focusing on today.
2. Chemicals
Once a breeding female is introduced into a new room, she can lay over 100 eggs in another room within a month as long as she can access her blood source. An infestation can spread rapidly with the sharing of pillows, blankets, or clothing. If you feel you need treatment in as many as four rooms, chemical treatments may be the best option to consider, especially when it comes to bed bug treatment cost.
Pyrethrins and pyrethroids are the most common chemicals used to kill bedbugs, but some bedbugs have become resistant to them. Pyrroles and Neonicotinoids are also used to disrupt the cells and nervous system of the bugs. Foggers or bug bombs will kill the bugs but can’t work their way into tiny cracks and crevices where they hide. They can also be toxic to humans so read the labels carefully before putting them into use.
Cost- For chemical treatments, you can plan on paying in the range of $2-$4.50 sq. ft.
3. Steam
Steam is a very effective method for killing bed bugs in all the stages of their development. Using a high-quality steamer is very important. The type of steamer you use to clean clothes will not be potent enough to eliminate the bugs. Take note that using a carpet steamer will not reach high enough temperatures to be effective either. Investing in a high-grade steamer may be expensive, approximately $800-$1100, but might be worth investing in.
Cost- Steam treatments tend to range from $2-$7.00 sq.ft.
4. Freeze
If bed bugs have infested your bedding, the center of your bedding needs to reach 0 degrees Fahrenheit in order to kill them. The temperature needs to be so cold that even your freezer may not be cold enough. It’s difficult to use a freezing treatment to rid yourself of bed bugs, but pest control services have the resources and tools to eliminate them completely.
Cost-The cost for a freeze treatment is right around $3-$6 sq. ft.
5. Fumigation
For this method, technicians will close off your home with a tarp and fill it with a gas that will kill bed bugs as well as any other unwanted critters. This is one of the more successful methods to
completely get rid of them. But, you and your family will have to vacate the house for several days during the fumigation process. For heavy infestations where both the structure and foundation need to be treated, consider going this route.
Cost-Fumigation is the most expensive treatment option but handles the most severe cases. The cost is between $4-$8 sq. ft.
Bed bug treatment cost Conclusion
Bed bug treatments can be dangerous, difficult, and a lot of work. If not done properly, you can actually cause them to spread to other areas of your home, creating a bigger problem. As soon as you see any signs of bed bugs, give us a call or fill out the form below. We know that treatments for bed bugs aren’t cheap, but our technicians make sure they are done right and we’ll do everything we can to keep your bed bug treatment cost low. If you live in Charleston, Greenville–Spartanburg, or Dallas-Fort Worth, we can help you!