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

When you find any kind of pest in your home, the first thing that comes to mind is…

How do I get rid of these?!

This especially rings true when the pests are bed bugs. 

These hardy little bloodsuckers can be hard to find, and even more difficult to kill.

Not only do bed bugs form nests in hard-to-reach places, but they’re nocturnal, so locating them during the day is a challenge. 

These pests are capable of adapting to extreme environments and are resistant to common pesticides. 

Due to the resilience of bed bugs…

Professional exterminators need specialized industrial equipment to remove an infestation. 

This is why bed bug treatment plans tend to cost more than other types of treatment. 

Therefore cash on hand can make or break your ability to fight bed bugs.

(Unless you file a bed bug lawsuit). 

This is why we’re here to provide you with information about the cost of treatment.

Here is a quick summary of the numbers. 

This article also includes: 

• Which companies offer the best services.
• Affordable options for bed bug treatment.
• How to tackle an infestation yourself. 

On that note,  let’s dive in. 

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

Bed bug removal isn’t cheap. Even removing the smallest infestations can cost at least $400.

Though the total price depends on several factors including:

• The extent of the infestation.
• The size of your house.
• The type of treatment used.

Research by Home Advisor shows that the average treatment costs between $1,000 and $2,500.

These rates may be higher or lower depending on where you live.

In higher-density areas, like New York and Chicago, it will cost more to remove an infestation than it would in lower-density areas.

The cost of removal is also dependent on the company performing treatment.

Some exterminators charge by square footage cleaned.

Others by the number of rooms.

Or some even charge a flat rate.

Get A Bed Bug Estimate

Most pest control companies will provide a free inspection of your home to determine how bad a bed bug infestation is. Pest control specialists typically inspect the entire property, taking note of which areas have the highest concentration of bed bugs.

They may also remove any visible bed bugs they see during the inspection.

After assessing the scope of the infestation, as well as any damages caused by bed bugs…

Exterminators will then offer an estimated cost of treatment.

You can request a free quote by going online. Many of the larger pest control companies, such as Orkin and Terminix, have pages dedicated to putting you in touch with their experts.

To request an estimate with Orkin, click here. 

To request a free inspection with Terminix, click here.

How Much Does It Cost to Remove Bed Bugs with Heat?

Bed bugs are sturdy creatures, but they won’t live for long when exposed to extreme temperatures. This makes a heat treatment the most effective method of removing these pests.

During heat treatment, the exterminator will place industrial heaters in infested rooms for several hours.

The goal is to bring the temperature to 120 degrees F. At which point these bugs will begin to die.

A similar method is a steam treatment. This allows the exterminator to target nooks or crannies where the bed bugs might be hiding, such as underneath mattresses and behind headboards.

As mentioned earlier, the cost of heat treatments will vary. 

You can expect to pay within this range for heat treatments. 

Why is Bed Bug Treatment So Expensive?

Bed bugs are infamous for being difficult to remove.

They breed quickly, nest in hard-to-reach places, and can endure anything short of continuous exposure to extreme heat or cold.

Because of these factors, a bed bug infestation won’t be dealt with in one visit.

Most bed bug removal services require at least 2 visits from an exterminator, and exceptionally bad infestations may require a 3rd visit.

Heat treatments in particular are expensive primarily due to the cost of the technology used. The heaters are designed so that they can raise the temperature of an entire property. 

But they also regulate it just enough to prevent anything from catching fire.

Other products used in removal must go through a rating process before being used for treatments. Those which have a higher rating tend to have a better success rate, which justifies the higher price tag.

Is There Free Bed Bug Removal?

When it comes to removing an infestation, there is no easy way out.

If you want to remove bed bugs for free, then your only option is to attempt to remove the pests yourself.  Even the cheapest pest control experts will still charge hundreds of dollars for a treatment.

Fortunately, there’s good news for those interested in a free, professional solution.

Most pest control companies will offer free bed bug inspections.

These will help you determine the scope of an infestation and can provide you an opportunity to discuss cheap treatment methods with a licensed professional.

How Do I Get Rid of Bed Bugs on a Budget?

If you choose to remove bed bugs yourself, be aware that it requires planning and ingenuity.

It may be challenging at first; after all, you’re tackling an infestation without the advantage of specialized equipment used by the professionals. 

But it isn’t impossible.

There are several methods you can use to get rid of bed bugs. Many of which are reminiscent of those used by certified pest control specialists.

Heat and Cold Treatments

Chances are that you don’t own any heating or cooling equipment used for most bed bug removals. But there are several appliances in your home which will act as decent substitutes.

To kill bed bugs with heat, take any bedding or clothing out of an infested room and put them in your washer for 30 minutes with hot water. Then place them in a dryer at the highest temperature for another 30.

Alternatively, using a steamer on areas where the bed bugs may be hiding is also effective. The heat of the steam should be enough to eradicate both the adult insects and their eggs.

Killing these bugs with extreme cold will be more difficult. 

This will require physically collecting the bed bugs and placing them in a plastic bag, then putting them in your freezer at 0 degrees F. They will have to remain in your freezer for at least 4 days.

Chemical Treatments

If you’re removing bed bugs on your own and you don’t want to try temperature-reliant methods, then you’ll likely want to invest in pesticides.

There’s several different types of chemical products which are used in pest control that are commercially available:

• Pyrethrins & Pyrethroids: These are the most common chemicals used in pest removal products. As a downside, however, their commonality means that the bed bugs may have developed a natural immunity to them.

• Neonicotinoids: These chemicals are man-made compounds similar to nicotine. The chemicals damage the bugs’ nervous systems, and are highly effective in dealing with pests that have built up an immunity to other pesticides.

• Dessicants: Products that fall under this category are used to destroy the outer coating that protects the bed bugs. Without this outer coating, they will eventually dry out and die. These chemicals take time to fully take effect, upwards of several months, so only use these if you’re willing to be patient. 

Traps and Monitors

Bed bug traps and monitors are also commercially available for removing infestations. These are meant to be located in areas where bed bugs are most likely to pass through, such as around your bed.

The traps give off heat, which attracts bed bugs.

Once they’re caught, bed bugs are unable to escape. Bed bug traps are bowl-shaped and have smooth walls, while the pests themselves are used to traveling over uneven terrain.

With no way out, the bed bugs are at your mercy, leaving you free to dispose of them.

Click here for more information on the best bed bug traps. 

Cost of Bed Bug Exterminators

If you opt for a professional bed bug treatment, it can be difficult to decide which company to work with. 

Most exterminators use similar methods…

So how do you get your money’s worth?

We’re here to help make the decision-making process easier for you.

Listed below is information for bed bug removal services from Orkin and Terminix, two of the leading pest control companies in the country.

Terminix Bed Bug Cost

The average cost of a bed bug treatment from Terminix is $1,400.

Minor infestations can cost as low as $500, while larger ones can charge up to $2,000.

Terminix offers a free bed bug inspection if they spot bed bugs in your residence. If you choose them to remove the pests, they will prepare a custom treatment plan for you.

If bed bugs are still found within 30 days of the treatment, Terminix will perform another round of pest removal at no additional charge. This warranty will be extended to 90 days if you purchase Terminix-brand mattress casings at the time of the initial treatment.

Learn more about Terminix’s bed bug removal process here.

Orkin Bed Bug Cost

The average cost of a bed bug treatment from Orkin is $1,300 to $1,600.

Minor infestations can cost as low as $400 and major ones can charge as high as $3,000.

Orkin operates with a plan known as “AIM:” 

Assess, Implement and Monitor. 

This process includes an inspection of your home, the treatment of any bed bugs present, and a follow-up visit to confirm that the infestation was successfully removed.

The company also offers a 30-day money back guarantee if the pests return, as well as a free treatment to further eradicate the infestation. If the problem persists, they will refund your last service payment for as long as you remain an Orkin customer.

Learn more about Orkin’s bed bug removal services here.

Can’t Afford Bed Bug Removal? Consider Filing a Lawsuit

Bed bug removal can be an expensive affair. Depending on the scope of the infestation, you might risk bankrupting yourself trying to afford professional treatment.

But there is another option: filing a bed bug lawsuit.

Please give us a call at (855) 733-9217, or submit your case here. We will put you in contact with a licensed bed bug attorney who will guide you through the necessary legal proceedings, and fight for your right to any financial compensation you could be eligible for.

The consultation is 100% FREE, and there are no fees unless your case is won.