How much does Bed bug extermination cost?

The last thing anyone wants to see in their home is a bed bug. Unfortunately, bed bug problems aren’t uncommon. In fact, 1 in 5 Americans has had a bed bug infestation in their household or knows someone who did, according to the National Pest Management Association. 

A bed bug is a small, apple seed-shaped insect that hides during the day and comes out at night to feed on blood from people and pets. While bed bug bites typically aren’t toxic, they can cause unpleasant allergic reactions and lesions or blisters on the skin, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 

These critters are extremely difficult to get rid of. They can spread from one room to another in seconds, hitch a ride on your clothing, or simply crawl unnoticed in the darkness. Without food, they can still survive for months on end. And even early, localized sightings may belie larger infestations elsewhere on the property. 

Although DIY measures for fighting bed bugs exist, they rarely yield long-term control. Hiring a professional bed bug exterminator is the only way to successfully battle the infestation and prevent recurrence. 

In this guide, you’ll learn about the cost of a bed bug treatment plan provided by professional extermination companies. 

Learn more: Indoor pest control: DIY or hire a pro?

The average cost of bed bug extermination is around $1–3 per square foot of affected space. So if the infestation is limited to a single room (rare), pest-control costs could be as low as $200–1,000. If a bed bug infestation has spread throughout your entire home (more likely), you can expect to pay around $2,000–7,000 for complete bed bug removal.

A pest control company will charge about $50–100 for a bed bug inspection, but that’s typically included in the cost if you hire them for bed bug treatment. The inspector looks for signs of bed bugs—such as bed bug eggs or eggshells, excrement, or spots on sheets—or their discarded exoskeletons in the seams of mattresses and upholstery, around headboards, under mattresses and box springs, and around nightstands.  

In cases where there are no visible signs of bed bugs, but an infestation is suspected, the pest control professional may bring in bed bug-sniffing dogs at a cost of $200–600. 

Professional bed bug extermination ranges in price depending on the treatment method used. Each method has pros and cons, so discuss with your pest-control pro before deciding on a treatment.

Heat treatment. Increasing the temperature of the whole house to about 130 degrees Fahrenheit kills off all bed bugs, regardless of their lifecycle stage (from egg to adult). Average cost: $2,000–4,000 per house.

Fumigation with pesticides. Pumping a pesticide gas into a sealed home can kill off bed bugs in all their life cycles. It also gets rid of other unnoticed insects, such as ants or fleas. However, exposure to chemical treatments can also be harmful to humans and pets—so it’s important to have a licensed pest control professional apply this treatment. Average cost: $4,000–7,000 per house or $200–400 per room.

Steam treatment. Hot-steam can be directed to kill bed bugs in specific places, including box springs, bed frames and headboards, baseboards, couches, and small crevices in woodwork. Pest-control pros may use this treatment option to complement other bed bug extermination solutions. Treating the entire home with steam isn’t usually recommended, because electronics are sensitive to moisture. Average cost: $200–1,000 per room.

Freeze treatment. Live bed bugs can’t survive in extra-freezing temperatures, below 0 degrees Fahrenheit. Using special equipment, pest control companies create tiny ice crystals that kill bed bugs at all stages. Like steam treatment, freeze treatment is localized to bed bug hiding places—it’s impossible to treat the entire room. Average cost: $500 for key spots within 1 room.

One-time treatment may not be enough to handle a bed bug infestation, because the pests tend to return. Some companies offer ongoing plans that include initial inspections, extermination, follow-up inspections, and whole-home monitoring in case additional treatments are needed. This typically costs a flat fee of about $100–130 per month.

These elements can affect the cost of bed bug extermination.

What is the most effective bed bug treatment?
Methods that cover the entire home, including heat treatments and fumigation, are typically most effective, but also more expensive. A professional bed bug exterminator can help you choose the best treatment for your situation, depending on budget and severity of infestation.

How many treatments does it take to get rid of bed bugs?
The number of treatments required depends on the method used, level of infestation, and professional skill of the exterminator. In many cases, paying for a single treatment can be effective. Others may need 2–4 follow-up treatments.

Is pest control worth it for bed bugs?
Bed bugs can be very difficult to get rid of permanently, and DIY control methods typically aren’t effective. For best results, you’ll need to pay for professional help. A qualified pest control company will have the tools, materials, and knowledge needed to exterminate them safely and prevent them from returning.

Find a professional exterminator in your area.