Treatment FAQ

what is the average treatment cost for thermal treating bed bugs

by Stacy Fahey Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Homeowners typically pay $2,000 to $4,000 (or $1 to $3 per square foot) for heat treatment to get rid of bed bugs. Heat treatment is a chemical-free process in which hot air is pumped into the infested space to raise the temperature to over 120 degrees.Jun 7, 2022

Full Answer

How much does a bed bug treatment really cost?

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.

How much does it cost to get rid of bed bugs?

Bed Bug Extermination Costs Homeowners spend an average of $1,000 to $2,500 to exterminate bed bugs. The level of infestation, the size of the space and the type of treatment will affect your price.

What is the cost of heat treatment for bed bugs?

On This Page:

  • Average Extermination Costs
  • Size of Space
  • Extent of Infestation
  • Costs by Location
  • Prices by Treatment Type
  • Heat Treatment / Thermal
  • Fumigation
  • Chemicals & Pesticides
  • Pest Removal using Steam
  • Inspections by Bed Bug Sniffing Dogs

More items...

How much does it cost to exterminate bed bugs?

Bed bug extermination costs between $350 and $500 on a national scale, with $400 being the average. Prices can, however, vary greatly, with some households spending as little as $175 and others paying as much as $1,235.

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How much does bed bug steam treatment cost?

Factors That Affect Bed Bug Extermination PricingTreatmentCost per Square FootProsSteam$2–$7.50Chemical-free treatment that penetrates infested surfaces better than other methodsFreeze$3–$6Chemical-free treatment that's safer for surfaces that can't tolerate heatFumigation$4–$8Kills 99% of bed bugs and pests in an area2 more rows•May 10, 2022

How much does it cost to treat a room for bed bugs?

The cost to have bed bugs removed by a professional exterminator generally costs $300+ per room, or more than $1,500 for whole-house treatment, depending on the level of infestation and the size of the home.

How long does heat treatment for bed bugs last?

Bed bugs ex- posed to 113°F will die if they receive constant exposure to that temperature for 90 minutes or more. However, they will die within 20 minutes if exposed to 118°F. Interestingly, bed bug eggs must be exposed to 118°F for 90 minutes to reach 100% mortality.

How effective are heat treatments for bed bugs?

Whole room heat treatments involve a Pest Management Professional (PMP) bringing in specially designed equipment to raise the temperature in your home to kill the bed bugs. Bed bugs and eggs die within 90 minutes at 118°F (48°C) or immediately at 122°F (50°C).

Can I heat treat for bed bugs myself?

Wash with hot water and dry thoroughly. Temperatures over 120 degrees F will kill bed bugs and any eggs they've left behind. Store clean clothes in another room until you've finished treating the infested room.

How many treatments does it take to get rid of bed bugs?

2-4 treatment sessionsIt typically takes anywhere from 2-4 treatment sessions over a period of 3-6 weeks to completely eliminate bed bugs, depending on the level of infestation and the size of the house.

Can bed bugs come back after heat treatment?

Yes, bed bugs can come back after a year. If you used a DIY treatment that didn't eliminate all the bed bugs in the colony, then there's always the chance that they'll remain in hiding until they've reproduced.

Do I have to take all clothes out of house for heat treatment for bedbugs?

All boxes and other stored items must be removed from closet and placed in center of room. Excessive clutter and stored/boxed items restricts equipment placement, air movement and heat penetration and many times causes treatment failure.

How do I prepare my house for bed bug heat treatment?

Place items stored under/on the bed such as shoes, stuffed animals, toys, books, etc. in open weave laundry baskets and leave in the room to be treated. the space between the items is large enough to allow the heated air to circulate. Arrange hanging items to open up air space between them.

How do I know if bed bugs are gone after treatment?

One of the questions that we are frequently asked is: “when can I be sure the bed bugs are gone?” The short answer is that if you have had a professional treatment and if it has been three weeks since the end of the treatment with no signs (i.e. bites, live bugs, new fecal matter or casts skins) of continuing ...

Is chemical or heat treatment better for bed bugs?

It's usually a single treatment: Done right, a heat treatment to exterminate bed bugs will require just one treatment. Chemical treatment usually requires several visits. It attacks bed bugs where they're most vulnerable: bed bugs are tough insects, and they're remarkably good at hiding out of reach.

What can get damaged during heat treatment?

Candles, lipsticks, crayons, chocolates, medications. Make sure these items are removed from any insect heat treatment prior to turning on the heaters. Moderately sensitive items can be damaged between 120°F and 140°F. Vinyl wallpaper, mini blinds, audio and video tapes and CDs/DVDs.

How much does bed bug freeze treatment cost?

However, bugs can appear dead and then become active again once they are warm. Bed bug freeze treatment costs $500 per room on average.

How much does it cost to fumigate a house to get rid of bed bugs?

If the foundation of your home is found to hoard bed bugs, you’ll possibly need a structural fumigation as well, which can cost as high as $30 per square foot. It is unlikely that your homeowner’s insurance policy will cover the cost as it falls under home maintenance/preventative damage costs.

How to treat bed bugs?

Preparing For Bed Bug Treatment 1 All fabric – Put all clothing and other soft fabrics—bed linens, bedding, soft toys, drawer contents, drapes—into zipped or tightly sealed disposable bags and put them outside. Run all of the above through a dryer cycle on high for 30 minutes. Drop off all dry-cleaning items at a dry cleaner’s in sealed bags and inform them of the possible infestation. Throw away all disposal bags containing infected fabric. Only bring dried clothes back in in new bags after first AND follow-up treatments are done. 2 All furniture – Pull all furniture at least 6” from the walls. Remove all furniture that cannot be heat treated and treat it outside the house with an alternative method. Throw away any furniture that cannot be treated. Don’t leave it on the curb to infect other homes. 3 Fixed elements – Remove electrical plates and tape outlets. Disconnect or cover smoke detectors. 4 Carpet/flooring – Vacuum and throw used vacuum cleaner bags in the outside trash. 5 Clutter – Empty all nightstands and shelving units. Leave nonfabric items bagged in the room. Throw out any magazines, paper, clutter you can. Wash all baby toys in hot soapy water and seal in a trash bag. 6 Pets and food – remove all pets, plants, food, pet food, etc. close food utensils in cabinets.

How accurate are bed bug sniffing dogs?

Bed Bug Sniffing Dog Costs. An inspection by bed bug sniffing dogs can detect bed bugs with 95% accuracy, both before and after treatments. Well trained dogs have a higher accuracy level than humans.

How much does it cost to fumigate a house?

Fumigation cost is based on your home’s square footage. The average cost of fumigation is $4 to $8 per square foot, or $4,000–$6,000 total. Your home will be sealed off and filled with fumigation gas to kill all the bed bugs, but it will mean you’ll have to vacate the home for a few days so as to avoid chemical poisoning and breathing in high VOCs. If done properly, it will kill all the bed bugs in the house. Fumigation costs 3–5 times more in the North than in southern states.

How long does it take for a steamer to kill bed bugs?

They are especially effective at reaching into cracks and crevices. The process takes about 7 hours and does such an effective job that no follow up is required unless more bed bugs are brought into the home.

How much does it cost to exterminate an apartment?

At a rate of $250 per room or $0.75/sqft, a 1-bed apartment can cost $500–$600 to exterminate, and more if the infestation requires additional treatment measures.

How much does it cost to get rid of bed bugs?

Homeowners spend an average of $1,000 to $2,500 to exterminate bed bugs. The level of infestation, the size of the space and the type of treatment will affect your price. You could pay as little as $300 for a small problem and as much as $5,000 to clear a large house. These are some of the most difficult pests to get rid of.

How much does it cost to exterminate a 1 bedroom apartment?

Depending on the severity of your infestation, it could come between $300 and $900 to exterminate a 1-bedroom apartment. However, this will fluctuate with your location, the method and whether or not you need second and third sessions. The best way to get an estimate is to get a professional inspection.

How much does a pest infestation cost?

Extent of Infestation. A moderate infestation will be $200 to $300 per room. A heavy one will be $300 to $400 or more. The denser your infestation, the more labor and product you will pay for. To thoroughly eradicate these pests, you may need two to three visits.

How much does a pest control inspection cost?

The charge for this ranges from $300 to $600 for the average-sized home. Hotels and other large buildings will run closer to $900 to $1,200. These dogs are expert at detecting infestations and are supposed to have a higher accuracy level than humans.

What is an exterminator?

An exterminator can perform a thorough inspection, propose the best solution and administer that solution in the most efficient way. These professionals are trained to eradicate these stubborn pests and to find them in difficult-to-reach spots.

How much does it cost to fumigate a house?

At a $4 to $7.50 rate per square foot, people spend $5,000 to $50,000 to fumigate their homes. For this method, the technicians will close off your home with tarpaulin and fill it with a gas that will kill these insects, as well as many other critters in the structure. This is one of the most successful ways to get rid of them, but you will have to be out of the house for several days during the fumigation. It is necessary for heavy infestations, where the entire structure and foundation need to be treated.

How long does it take for bed bugs to freeze?

They perform free, thorough inspections and offer a freezing option, which is a non-chemical dry ice method. Within 30 days, if you see a bed bug, they will treat again without an added charge via their 30-day guarantee.

How much does it cost to exterminate bed bugs?

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.

How much does it cost to heat treat a house?

Prices range from $600 for heat-treating a single room to $3500 for an average-size home.

How long does it take for bed bugs to grow?

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.

How to prevent bed bugs?

Top prevention measures include: 1 Inspect secondhand furnishing for bed bugs 2 Avoid buying used mattresses 3 When traveling, keep clothing in suitcases instead of hotel drawers 4 Encase mattresses and pillows in protective coverings 5 Use light-colored sheets and bedding — they make bed bugs easier to see 6 Reduce clutter 7 Vacuum frequently

How long does it take to kill bed bugs?

Special heaters bring the indoor temperature up quickly, and the process takes 6-8 hours to complete.

What do bed bugs eat?

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.

How much does an exterminator cost?

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.

How much does it cost to get rid of bed bugs?

How much does it cost to professionally remove bed bugs? For a full bed bug removal, expect to pay anywhere from $500 to $1,500, depending on the method you choose and the experience of your exterminator. Most will charge you a fee for consultation, which includes visiting your home and doing a thorough inspection.

How to get rid of bugs in your bedroom?

Start by grabbing a flashlight and searching your bedroom; this means taking the sheets off your mattress, turning it on end, turning out all drawers and dressers and thoroughly checking the edges of your carpet for any bugs. You may see the occasional egg on its own, but the live bugs like to congregate.

Does heat kill bugs?

Some companies also use a more high-tech version of heat treatment, which involves specialized equipment used to heat your home above 120 degrees and kill bugs everywhere they hide. As a side benefit, other harmful bacteria and mold can also be eliminated using this treatment.

Do bed bugs eat blood?

Bed bugs — tiny insects which feed exclusively on blood — aren't picky about where they live. They don't need to eat for months at a time, resulting in resilient little creatures which thrive in environments like hotel rooms or dormitories, and are happy to come along for a ride in your luggage.

How effective is bed bug heat treatment?

That’s why a bed bug heat treatment can be one of the most effective solutions. Costs will vary depending on the type of treatment used and the size of the infestation. Successfully getting rid of bed bugs relies on early detection, proper preparedness and correct treatment methods. That’s where heat treatment comes in.

What temperature do bed bugs die at?

Lethal temperatures for bed bugs range from 117–122° degrees Fahrenheit. The walls of hot boxes reach a higher temperature than the suggested lethal range, though, to permeate the belongings placed within. This can help kill all bed bugs in all their life cycle stages. How the box is heated is important.

How long does it take for a dryer to kill bed bugs?

The heat of the clothes dryer alone can kill bed bugs. It's recommended that you dry items on high heat for at least 20 minutes. Be aware that some items cannot go in the washer or dryer. Always refer to the manufacturers’ laundering instructions.

Where do bed bugs nest?

From your mattress and box spring to your carpet and baseboards, bed bugs can nest almost anywhere in your bedroom. In fact, most bed bug infestations occur within a few feet of their human blood meal host, like your bed or other furniture.

Can you use a heat box to kill bed bugs?

This can help kill all bed bugs in all their life cycle stages. How the box is heated is important. The wrong or misused heat source can cause fires, so caution must be used with this method. Also, some items may become damaged by the heat source if it's too close or too hot.

Can a dryer kill bed bugs?

As discussed above, regular residential clothes dryers can also destroy bed bugs. In fact, the washing machine and hot soapy water can help kill them. There are many items that cannot be washed, though. Instead, these items may be able to run through a dryer cycle without damage.

Can you move bed bugs in a room before heat treatment?

While your pest management professional should provide any necessary instructions, North Carolina State University also recommends completing the following actions prior to treatment: • Do not move items to another room in your home.

How much does it cost to treat bed bugs?

You have bed bugs. A flamethrower isn’t an option, so consider bed bug treatment cost, which will range, on average, between $300 and $5,000. Bed bugs (or Cimex lectularius) are persistent, pervasive, and proficient at escaping human attempts to kill them.

What is the least expensive way to treat bed bugs?

The least expensive option is heat (thermal) treatment, followed by fumigation, steam, and freezing treatments, each of which adds cost.

How to prevent bed bugs from entering your home?

The best defense is a good offense. Do everything you can to prevent bed bugs from entering your home. First, if you’ve completed extermination treatment, make sure you pay attention to all of the exterminator’s recommendations for follow-up treatment and inspection. Then you’ll need to take some precautions. Check any secondhand furniture pieces—even hard-side pieces—for any signs of infestation before bringing them in. Some experts recommend encasing them in plastic and leaving them in the sun for a day, effectively heat-treating them, and then vacuuming thoroughly. When traveling, check the seams of the mattress and headboard for signs of bed bugs before you bring your suitcases into the room. Leave your clothes in your suitcase and keep the case zippered. Check the luggage rack for signs of bed bugs, or keep your cases in the bathtub. When you get home, consider placing the suitcases into black plastic bags and leaving them in the sun for a day or two, or remove the clothes and immediately wash them and dry them (even if they’re clean!) before putting them away, leaving the suitcases outside to heat. You can reduce the clutter in your home to offer fewer hiding spaces, vacuum frequently to catch any bugs that have made it inside, and consider purchasing a protective mattress cover that will offer bed bugs fewer places to hide.

What do bed bugs smell like?

Bed bugs have a distinct scent—if there are enough present, the human nose can smell something like rotten raspberries. Trained dogs can alert an inspector to the presence of even a small number of bed bugs. This can make the $300 to $600 in additional inspection costs well worth it—the dogs will help locate all points of infestation to ensure treatment is specific and complete. Hotels often use sniffing dogs, as careful and close physical inspection is time-consuming and not as accurate as a canine nose.

What does a bed bug bite look like?

Rashes, Blisters, and Bites. Unfortunately, bed bug bites masquerade as other types of bites and rashes. They can look like eczema, inflamed mosquito bites, or hives. Even worse, some people do not develop reactions to bed bug bites at all, so an absence of bites doesn’t mean you’re in the clear.

How big are bed bugs eggs?

Bed bug eggs are tiny—about 1 millimeter in size . They are white or clear and usually laid in clusters, so if you have a good eye, you might spot them embedded in fabric or small cracks or crevices.

What is a bed bug?

Bed bugs (or Cimex lectularius) are persistent, pervasive, and proficient at escaping human attempts to kill them. While they do not transmit disease and aren’t dangerous unless their bites become infected, they’re still one of the most reviled insects out there.

What is the best way to heat a house?

An alternative method to heating is exactly the opposite: Freezing. This is very effective, though you may have to keep the home at a temperature that is below 32°F for a number of days. This is also very hard to do since it simply has to be that cold outside.

How to kill bugs with poison?

Method Three: Powder. Powder can also be used. You have to put it on the places where the bugs are, and the poison will kill them. This can be highly effective for the bugs that are hit with the poison, but there are two problems. First of all, you will still have this powder all around the house when you are done.

How long does it take for a house to reach a high temperature?

You will need to allow some time for the home to reach the desired temperature, as well, since the high temperature needs to be maintained for a full two to three hours.

Can bed bugs be killed?

Bed bugs can be horrible if they get into your home. You may not be able to keep them from spreading, and killing them all can be a huge and frustrating task. You need to use the best methods to get rid of them so that they do not spread and so that they never come back.

Can bugs survive heat?

Even though the bugs are tough enough to survive without food and oxygen, they are not tough enough to survive heat. They will not be able to escape it. The heat will seek them out and kill every last bug in your home. If you have an infestation, you should consider using heat to kill these parasites right away.

Does heat kill bugs?

You can hurt the population a lot by doing this, but you will not get all of them. Those that are left will start laying eggs, and the population will increase back to what it was before. Since heat kills bugs in every part of the home, along with the eggs, it is more effective than a steam cleaner.

Can bugs get away from heat?

You have to hunt them down and kill them where they are. With heat, you can just sit back and wait for them to die. No matter how well they hide, they cannot get away from the heat.

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