Once bed bugs infest your home, getting rid of them becomes a real nightmare. Only a qualified exterminator can help you eliminate the bed bugs completely.
On average, it costs about $1,000 to $2,500 to get rid of bed bugs. On the higher end, homeowners can spend up to $5,000 to exterminate bed bugs from a large house. For smaller projects, the cost can be as low as $300.
Bed bugs are some of the most resilient pests. They can go without food, which is mainly blood, for up to 400 days. These bugs are also experts in hiding and can form a resistance to sprays and chemicals.
Different professionals offer different rates depending on factors such as location, home size, and infestation size. Here is the average bed bug removal cost from your property.
| National average cost | $900 |
|---|---|
| Average range | $1,000 to $2,500 |
| High end | $5,000 |
| Low end | $300 |
Average bed bug extermination cost per room
The average bed bug extermination cost per room is about $200 to $400. A bed bug exterminator can offer a flat rate for the extermination, charge by square footage or per room. These professionals can also provide rates as a package or per individual visit.
The table below gives you a sneak peek of what professional exterminators charge per room.
| Number of Rooms | Average cost (per visit) |
|---|---|
| One Room | $300 - $450 |
| Two Rooms | $700 - $900 |
| Three Rooms | $1,000 - $1,300 |
| Four Rooms | $1,450 - $1,700 |
| Whole-house Treatment | $2,500 to $5,000+ |
Ideally, it is cheaper to eliminate bed bugs in one room than a whole house. However, the average cost per sq. ft. may be lower when the extermination is done in an entire home.
Average cost of bed bug treatment per sq ft
On average, it costs between $4 to $7.50 per sq ft. to eradicate bed bugs. However, the cost may vary depending on your location and the size of the infestation.
It is paramount to know how much professional treatment costs in your area to get the right estimates for the job. Also, for a better deal, ensure you get at least three quotes from three different professionals.
Bed bug extermination cost by treatment type
There are different types of bed bug treatments ranging in cost and effectiveness. The treatment method a professional chooses depends on the severity of the infestation and treatment area.
Each treatment method has its pros and cons.
Here is a table showing the average cost to eliminate bed bugs by treatment types, plus the advantages and disadvantages of each method.
| Type of treatment | Average cost | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heat/Thermal | $1 - $3 per sq ft | Kills bed bugs without using any chemicals | You must remove all items susceptive to heat damage before the treatment The treatment is not 100% effective. |
| Fumigation | $4 - $8 per sq ft | Kills 99% of bed bugs/ pests in the infested area | Can be hazardous to pets and humans if it is not applied correctly |
| Chemicals and pesticides | $100 - $500 per room ($2 - $5 per sq ft) | Combines several chemicals to kill bed bugs | Some chemicals may be harmful to pets |
| Steam treatment | $250 - $1,000 per room ($2 - $8 per sq ft) | Chemical-free treatment More effective than other treatments | You may need several treatments to completely eliminate the bed bugs |
| Freeze treatment | $100 - $500 per room ($2 - $6 per sq ft) | Safe for all surfaces that cannot tolerate heat treatment Chemical-free treatment | Bed bugs may be blown away instead of being killed on contact Reinfestation can occur |
Heat/thermal treatment
The cost for heat treatment ranges from $1 to $3 per sq ft or about $200 to $500 per room. An average homeowner can spend between $2,000 to $4,000 to treat an entire house.
This method involves driving hot air into the room to reach temperatures of 120 degrees or more. The hot air circulates for approximately one hour. However, this treatment is recommended for empty spaces because the high temperatures can ruin items.
Fumigation
On average, bed bug fumigation costs around $4 to $8 per square foot or between $600 to $950 per room. Homeowners can spend an average of $5,000 to $50,000 to have their homes fumigated.
For this method, the professional seals your home or business with tarpaulin and then fills it with insecticide gas. The gas will kill bed bugs and other insects on the premises.
This method is very effective and can kill about 99% to 100% of bugs and other insects.
IMPORTANT: All people should wait for about two to three days before entering the fumigated premises because the gas can cause upper respiratory issues.
Chemicals and pesticides
Eliminating bed bugs using chemicals and pesticides costs between $2 to $5 per square foot or between $100 to $500 per room. This technique involves professionals applying toxic chemicals or pesticides that are in liquid or powder form.
Different chemicals are used in this treatment, but they are not effective on their own. So, professionals usually combine chemical treatment with other methods for effectiveness.
Steam treatment
Bed bug removal using steam costs around $2 to $8 per square foot. The average price per room ranges between $250 to $1,000. This treatment method is safe for pets and humans as it does not use harmful chemicals.
Bed bugs and most insects cannot survive extremely hot temperatures, so they die when exposed to temperatures of over 200 degrees. Several passes may be needed for this treatment to be successful.
Freeze treatment
Killing bed bugs using freeze treatment can set you back by about $2 to $6 per square foot or between $200 to $700 per room. This is a chemical-free method that involves pumping extreme cold temperatures into the infested area.
Bed bugs cannot tolerate freezing temperatures, so they die when the temperature drops way below what they can tolerate. This method may also require several passes to eliminate the bugs completely.
Professional bed bug treatment by severity
A severe bed bug infestation can be difficult to exterminate. It is recommended to deal with your bed bug problem during the early stages to prevent bed bugs from spreading.
The overall cost of bed bug treatment depends on the severity of the infestation. If the infestation is massive, the extermination cost will be higher than a small infestation.
| Level of Infestation | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Small | $200 - $350 |
| Moderate | $300 - $500 |
| Severe | $3,000 - $5,000 |
Bed bug control cost by frequency
Bed bug treatment may not be effective the first time. So, the exterminator may need to arrange several visits over the next few weeks or months until all the bugs are completely gone.
Below are cost estimates for bed bug extermination depending on the number of visits the professional makes to your property.
| Number of visits | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Yearly visits | $750 - $950 |
| One-time visits | $900 - $1,100 |
| Quarterly visits | $1,800 - $2,100 |
| Monthly visits | $5,000 - $8,000 |
| Semi-monthly visits | $5,500 - $8,500 |
As the infestation continues to go down, the number of visits also decreases. If your home no longer requires active treatments, the return visits may only be for inspection at a fee of about $100 to $150 for every visit.
Bed bug control cost by location
The cost to exterminate bed bugs varies depending on the state you live in. People living in high-prone states may pay more for professional bed bug elimination than those living in less-prone areas.
Here is a list of states with high rates of bed bug infestations.
| State | Average bed bug removal cost |
|---|---|
| New York | $1,530 |
| Maryland | $1,188 |
| New Jersey | $1,161 |
| Hawaii | $1,143 |
| California | $1,071 |
| Washington | $1,053 |
| Virginia | $1,035 |
| Colorado | $1,026 |
| Illinois | $927 |
| Oregon | $900 |
| Texas | $864 |
| Pennsylvania | $864 |
| Arizona | $846 |
| Nebraska | $846 |
| Georgia | $837 |
| Nevada | $837 |
| Michigan | $810 |
| Ohio | $801 |
| Florida | $792 |
| Montana | $792 |
| North Carolina | $765 |
Bed bug removal cost by company
There are many pest control companies in the industry, each with varying rates and service guarantee terms. While most companies follow the set protocols when providing their services, some companies may be run by fraudsters looking to con unsuspecting citizens. Some companies may also offer extremely high rates yet end up providing shoddy services.
To be safe, you need to research extensively to find an experienced, reliable, and affordable bed bug extermination company. Here is a list of the most popular bed bug removal companies in the United States.
| Company | Average Cost | Service guarantee terms |
|---|---|---|
| Orkin | $550 - $1,600 | 30 days |
| Terminix | $500 - $2,000 | 30 to 90 days |
| Ehrlich | $600 - $3,000 | 30 days |
| Arrow | $500 - $2,800 | 30 days |
| ThermaPure | $2,000 - $4,000 | 100 percent effective |
Orkin
Orkin bed bug control company offers about $550 to $1,600 to remove bed bugs from your home. Some of the company’s treatment methods include chemical treatment and heat control treatments.
For a small infestation, the cost can be as low as $300, while large infestations cost up to $3,000+ to remove. The company offers quality services and a 30-day guarantee with zero inspection costs.
Terminix
Terminix offers bed bug removal services for as low as $500, while larger infestations can cost up to $2,000. On average, homeowners pay about $1,400 for the treatment.
Terminix is one of the biggest pest control companies in the United States and has offices across the globe.
The company offers a 30-day guarantee for inspections. Homeowners who buy their box spring covers and mattresses during the first visit get an extended 90-day service guarantee.
Ehrlich
Ehrlich pest control company services cost about $600 for a medium-sized home. A whole-house treatment can cost up to $3,000. The company has been operating for almost 9 decades now and has over 100 locations in the United States.
This company customizes its treatment plan depending on the needs of every customer. Ehrlich also uses newer strategies such as Dog sniffing for better outcomes, and it offers a 30-day guarantee on its services.
Arrow
Arrow bed bug exterminators offer between $500 to $2,800 to get rid of bugs from your premises. This is a family-owned business that has been operating for over 50 years now, so you are assured that they have extensive experience in the field.
This company also has a 30-day service guarantee with no extra inspection costs.
ThermaPure
ThermaPure is another excellent company that uses heat treatment to kill bed bugs at the cost of between $2,000 to $4,000. The company created ThermaPure Heat, a patented thermal process that is eco-friendly and 100% effective. The process is costlier than other treatments.
Bed bug inspection cost
Bed bugs are experts in hiding. They can hide in very tiny spaces out of reach by humans. If you suspect that you have a bed bug inspection, you should hire an exterminator to do an inspection.
The inspection can take between 1 to 4 hours. The average cost for bed bug inspection ranges between $75 to $200. Some companies usually include the inspection cost in the overall bed bug treatment cost.
Bed bug sniffing dog inspection cost
Bed bug sniffing dogs are trained canines that detect bed bug infestations. These dogs are rigorously trained and have an accuracy of up to 96%. They can detect bed bug infestation eleven in inaccessible areas.
The average cost for a dog sniffing inspection is between $300 to $600 for a medium or average-sized home.
Professionals and homeowners should use other inspection methods combined with dog sniffing for accurate results.
Bed bug sniffing canines should have a Canine Bed Bug Detection Certification. So, if your bed bug treatment company uses canines for inspection, ensure they produce a valid certification.
Bed bug treatment cost factors
Several cost factors affect the cost of professional bed bug treatment. These include:
- Inspection rates and frequency: if bed bug inspection rates are high, the cost will also increase. Larger infestations may require several inspections after treatment to check the progress of the treatment.
- Type of bed bug treatment: Different bed bug treatment methods cost differently. Heat treatment is by far the most expensive treatment because it is highly sensitive.
- Number of visits: If the exterminator needs to make several visits, the extermination cost will be higher because homeowners will pay a service fee for every visit.
- Size of infestation: The larger an infestation is, the more it is to treat. Also, if the infestation recurs, you will spend more money on additional treatments.
- Location: Some states are more prone to bed bug infestation than others. For instance, highly populated cities have severe bed bug infestations. Eliminating bed bugs in such cities will cost more than areas less prone to infestations.
DIY VS. hiring a professional
Bed bug extermination is not recommended for DIYers because of the rate at which the bugs multiply. If the infestation goes out of hand, your home will be uninhabitable, and you will be forced to cough out a significant amount of money to hire a professional exterminator.
You can, however, try some home remedies to control the infestation and prevent a reinfestation during and after the treatment.
Cost of hiring a professional bed bug exterminator
Hiring a professional bed bug exterminator costs between $1,000 to $5,000. Larger infestations could cost a lot more.
The actual cost of the treatment may vary widely depending on your location, level of infestation, and treatment type. The professional will provide an estimate for the job plus a suitable treatment plan.
Cost of DIY bed bug extermination
DIY bed bug extermination is a lot cheaper than hiring professional services. However, you may need to buy all the materials and tools required for the treatment. DIY treatments are, in most cases, unsuccessful because homeowners lack the skills to handle the infestation. If the infestation spreads, you may spend more money to hire a professional service.
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FAQ's
It takes about 3 to 6 weeks (2 – 4 treatment sessions) to kill bed bugs. This, however, depends on the level of
Bed bugs can come to your home from other infested places, used furniture, grocery stores, etc. These insects can also travel from room to room in multi-buildings like hotels and apartments.
If you see the following signs, you may have a bed bug infestation.
- Bloodstains on your beddings
- Bed bug bites
- Live bed bugs
- Bed bug eggs
- Dark spots on your mattress, sheets, walls, etc.
- A musty odor in the room
Special bed bug mattress covers cost about $25, with an average range of between $20 to $60. Box spring covers cost between $20 to $30, while pillow covers cost around $10 to $20. Buying a complete set would cost around $60 to $100.
Yes, bed bug exterminators can get rid of other pests. However, most professionals like to specialize in particular pests. So, if you have more than one pest problem in your home, you can ask your provider to target them as long as they have the required qualifications.
