How Much Do Bed Bug Exterminators Cost?

Bugs are simple creatures. To begin with, they aren’t picky about where to live and what to eat. In fact, they can survive almost a year without food. 

Plus, with their tiny bodies, they don’t occupy a lot of space in your home. 

…..but, they:

• Eat blood
• Damage property
• Spread diseases

What’s more, they tend to multiply rapidly. In fact, the average female bug lays up to 500 eggs in a lifetime (a bug’s life is typically 90 days). 

These common household guest pests are notoriously difficult to remove. And that’s why you should reach out to professional exterminators to help you get rid of this menace from your home. 

In this article, we will explain how much bed bug exterminators cost. 

But first things first.

Why Call Bed Bug Exterminators?

To start, extermination should never be a DIY project. 

For one thing, bugs hide in the smallest and darkest corners of your home, making them difficult to spot. They are carriers of disease, and can seriously impact your quality of life.

Moreover, you need to have the right tools at your disposal and know how to use them. 

Contrary to what most homeowners think, extermination goes beyond bug sprays and bug bombs! And most DIY solutions on the market don’t get rid of the problem completely. Sooner or later, the bug army rises again. 

An extermination company, on the other hand, will perform a thorough inspection of your premises, locate problem areas, get rid of the bugs, and help you prevent future infestations. 

Not to mention, bug removal requires products that contain harmful chemicals. And spraying these products all over the place can pose a safety and health risk for your family. 

That’s why extermination is better left to professionals. 

Let’s move on to the next point. 

When to Call Bed Bug Exterminators?

Bed bugs are the bane of the insect world. These invisible intruders can easily invade your place in a matter of days. That’s why you should call an exterminator at the first sign of bed bug infestation. 

Bed bugs have a way of making their presence known. Watch out for these signs:

• Bite marks 
• Bug skin shedding
• Bloodstains on your sheets or mattress

Bite marks are usually noticed on the legs, hands, and arms. 

The challenge with these insects is that they are hard to spot, especially during low light. Therefore, most homeowners only come to realize their presence when the situation gets out of hand!

That’s why we strongly suggest you call in an extermination company at the first sign of spotting these pests in your home. Better safe than sorry, right? 

What is the Cost of Bed Bug Extermination?

Getting rid of bugs costs a lot. According to HomeAdvisor, the average cost of exterminating bed bugs goes up to $400 per room. 

The overall cost of clearing out bugs can go anywhere from $1,000 to $5,000, depending on the extent of the infestation, the size of your home, and the kind of treatment used. 

The cost of extermination includes everything from inspecting your home to treatment. Let’s break this down further:

1. One-time Treatment

Some homeowners prefer one-time treatment to get rid of the problem permanently. Such treatments become necessary if your home is already infested. 

The extermination team shows up at your place and takes a look around, and applies the treatment on the same day. 

This arrangement is ideal for all types of infestations and suits homeowners with a busy schedule. Of course, this will cost more than a contract-based arrangement. 

For one-time treatment, expect to pay up anywhere from $300 to $1,500. 

2. Contract-based Extermination

Sometimes, the infestation is so severe (or the house so large) that it requires multiple visits from the extermination company. You can manage this with a contract.

Costs of contract-based pest control can be anywhere around $150 for property inspection, $50 for monthly visits, and up to $300 for quarterly visits. 

Does Insurance Cover Bed Bug Extermination?

Under a standard homeowner’s insurance, bug infestation is considered part of maintenance. In other words, your insurance won’t cover extermination. Sucks, right? 

Moreover, if you are a landlord, some states require you to pay for extermination, including other expenses caused by bed bugs. 

For these reasons, consider apportioning a maintenance budget for bug removal. Better still, consult with a pest control company to learn how to prevent infestation.  

How to Hire Professional Exterminators

Since extermination is going to put a dent in your savings, it’s best to hire the right people for the job. Here’s how you can find the best exterminators in your city:

1. Experience

First and foremost, the exterminators you hire must have a track record of satisfying clients. Moreover, they must also have relevant experience. There are two main ways to remove bed bugs: heat and insecticide. Any exterminator worth his salt knows when and how to use both treatment methods. 

2. License

Goes without saying, but the pest control company you hire should only have licensed and certified staff. And all of them should be vetted before hiring. Nowadays, you can easily check online if a company isn’t licensed or if it’s carrying out fraud. 

3. References

Once you shortlist some good companies, ask for references from previous customers they have served. Call at least one or two of these references to get an honest review of the company’s services. If the exterminator is reluctant to provide references, move on!

This was a brief overview of the cost of hiring bed bug exterminators. Remember, only the company can give you a final estimate after evaluating the property and determining the scope of the project. 

Be sure to get quotes from multiple companies. 

Hope you found this guide helpful. Explore our site and find similar, useful content. Good luck, and don’t let those bed bugs bite!