When it comes to getting rid of bed bugs using professional exterminator services, the big question on every homeowners mind is:
“How much will bed bug extermination cost?”
The answer is simple: Bed bug exterminator cost is determined by the extermination method used as well as the nature of the infestation. The cost also varies based on city to city as well as the reputation of the company you have selected for the job. No two bed bug exterminator professionals are the same; therefore the ‘one-price-fits-all’ approach will not work here.
That being said; an experienced professional bed bug exterminator will:
- Thoroughly inspect your premises and evaluate the extent of the infestation
- Give you all the treatment options
- Follow all bed bug treatment protocols as well as safety measures
- Instruct you about ways and means of preventing new infestations
So what is the typical bed bug exterminator cost based on the different methods?
Heat Treatment– This is a highly specialized method of bed bug extermination, which requires great skill and experience. The method consists of heating all infested rooms to a desired temperature and this must be done on a room-by-room basis over a period of few days. Care must be taken to de-clutter the rooms and remove expensive or delicate instruments/appliances etc. You must also monitor the effect of heat on the furnishings. If needed, you might have to vacate the premises temporarily. These days, many new ‘bed bug exterminator’ companies have entered the business. They ask homeowners to vacate the premises and simply turn on large electric fans and heaters. It is best to steer clear from these, even if they are offering you the cheapest bed bug exterminator cost. Failure to do so will simply increase potential problems and might also destroy your precious belongings.
Integrated Pest control Management approach– Bed bug exterminator professionals also perform IPC or integrated pest control. This approach includes vacuuming, steam cleaning, chemical pest control and residual methods. Again, the bed bug exterminator cost here will vary based on the extent of infestation. This is because; some cases might require physical removal of bed bugs, their shells, eggs etc. Also, to become successful with this approach, many exterminators suggest multiple treatments after a few weeks or months. Naturally, the bed bug exterminator cost will vary based on number of follow-up treatments.
Freezing the bugs away– The cryonite technique or freezing of bed bugs approach involves use of CO2 or dry ice. This is considered a safe method of bed bug extermination, as there are no chemicals involved and it even gets the bugs hiding inside sockets, cracks and crevices. The downside of this treatment is that the dry ice must physically come in contact with the bugs.
So, which method of bed bug extermination should you use? Should you rather go in for DIY bed bug treatment as the cost of this is bound to be lower?
Many bed bug sufferers go in for DIY treatments as they believe this cost will be lesser than the professional bed bug exterminator cost. Many products are even being sold for $20 or less, both online and offline. However, it is very important that one has some prior experience about these; particularly about the use of the right EPA approved products as well as the ways of monitoring the usage. Failure to do so could cause you to suffer needlessly while the infestation spirals out of control.
Breakdown of professional bed bug exterminator cost:
- The bed bug exterminator cost may be quoted based on the exact chemicals they use as well as their labor charges.
- They may quote you a standard cost for heat treatment based on the size of the rooms being treated. Do not hesitate to ask them if they use electric, propane or thermal Hydronic heat treatment. The cost will vary based on the answer.
- Some professionals quote bed bug exterminator cost which is a combination of chemical treatments as well as heat treatment.
As is evident, the bed bug exterminator cost depends on the specific infestation and must be evaluated only on the basis of a detailed examination and consultation with the right bed bug extermination company.
