Cost of Removing Bed Bugs
Having worked as a pest control technician, I’ve gained valuable knowledge on safe and effective ways to manage the expenses associated with bed bug removal. Read on to learn tips from a pro.
Identifying and assessing bed bug infestations is the first step in removal. What sort of bugs and how many, will decide the steps to take.
Key Takeaways
- Identify and assess bed bug infestations to determine the steps to take.
- Look for physical signs of bed bugs such as shed skins, fecal stains, and eggshells.
- Use a bed bug detector to identify bed bugs and their hiding spots.
- Prepare for treatment by vacuuming the area, washing all bedding and clothing in hot water, and removing clutter.
- Choose a treatment method such as chemical, heat, or freezing treatments depending on the extent of the infestation.
- Consider hiring a professional to ensure the problem is sorted out and you don’t have to worry about it later.
Let’s break it down! Need to know: What kind of bed bugs? How severe the infestation?
With this knowledge, you can start the removal process.
Inspect the area for physical signs of bed bugs
Look out for physical signs of bed bugs! Shed skins, fecal stains, eggshells and actual bugs.
Adult bed bugs can be brownish-red and have a flat, oval-shaped body, around 4–5mm in length. Six legs, two antennae and a proboscis at the front – like an apple seed with legs!
These pests are usually active at night, so you may have trouble spotting them during the day.
If you suspect an infestation, check common hiding spots. Near mattresses, behind headboards and baseboards, behind wallpaper and wall hangings, and in electrical outlets.
Use a flashlight if necessary. Examine creases and seams to figure out if there’s an infestation.
Use a bed bug detector
Bed bug detectors can alert you to their presence. These plastic devices are inserted under furniture, mattresses, and other hideouts.
The detector has a sticky material that traps the bed bugs. As they enter, they are stuck in the adhesive and you’ll identify them quickly.
Indicators of a bed bug infestation include dark spots on sheets and mattresses. This indicates feces or crushed remains.
You may also see shells, eggs, or eggshells in cracks or crevices. If you find evidence, contact a professional exterminator right away. They can diagnose and help you begin eradicating the infestation.
1. Prepare for Treatment
Ready your abode for a bed bug infestation. It’s crucial for success in treatment. Before ringing up an exterminator, inspect your home for any bed bug activity.
Make sure to take some steps for prepping the home too. Here’s what you need to do!
Vacuum the area thoroughly
Vacuum the area before treatment. This will help remove adult and immature bugs. Use a HEPA filter. Dispose of the contents in a sealed container away from your home.
Look in crevices in baseboards, mattress folds, behind picture frames, inside drawers, and underneath carpets.
Vacuuming may push bed bugs into hiding spots, so use other treatments such as pesticides or steam laundering.
Wash all bedding and clothing in hot water
If you spot bed bugs, take action!
Wash all bedding and clothing in hot water (at least 120°F). Put the items in sealed bags until they can be dried at high temps.
Clean cracks and crevices in bed frames with a vacuum to remove parasites. Do the same for furniture, like dressers and couches.
Lastly, contact a pest control expert if you think there’s an infestation. This will help the problem before it gets worse.
Remove clutter and items that cannot be washed
Clear clutter from your home. This will reduce places bedbugs can hide.
If you spot a bedbug, seal related items in plastic bags. Tape these bags tightly. Make a note of which items were sealed.
Consult a professional exterminator for safe treatment of these items. Reintroduce them after treatment is complete.
2. Choose a Treatment Method
Bed bugs? What a bummer! Want to get rid of them? You’ve got options. Pros and cons come with each method, so you gotta pick the one that’s right for you.
Consider the extent of the infestation, your budget, and so on.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the different methods to help you decide.
Consider chemical treatments
Chemical treatments are another option to get rid of bed bugs. This could be preferable to heat treatments as they require less preparation and can cover walls and other nesting areas.
Familiarize yourself with the products available, and read labels for proper usage and potential health risks.
Multiple visits over several weeks may be necessary as bed bugs can be resistant to temperatures or chemicals.
Consider heat treatments
Heat treatments are a good option for treating bed bug infestations. Portable conveyor dryers are the equipment used to raise the temperature to a level in which bed bugs and their eggs die.
It should only be done by professionals who understand how to use the equipment safely.
These treatments should occur in stages with a break in between. It is better when coupled with chemical treatments. Temperatures must hit 120-140 degrees Fahrenheit (48-60 degrees Celsius).
Items like mattresses and furniture need to be dry. Humidity should stay at 45% or below for best results. Move all electrical items from the treatment area because high temperatures can cause overheating.
Consider freezing treatments
Freezing treatments can be a great option to eradicate bed bugs in small quantities. No chemicals are used, making this approach an inexpensive one.
Containers of dry ice or liquid nitrogen are used to freeze the bugs, killing them in moments. This treatment leaves no residue and no preparation is needed.
It works best in hard-to-reach areas, such as electrical outlets and cracks.
Larger spaces like apartments or houses may not be as successful. The amount of treatments needed depends on the size of the infestation. This could range from one to several.
3. Hire a Professional
Bed bugs can be tricky to eliminate! Even one can lead to an infestation. If you’re dealing with this, the best option is hiring a pro.
This guarantees the problem is sorted out and you don’t have to worry about it later.
Before hiring, though, there are some things to consider. Here’s what you need to know.
Research local exterminators
Hiring an expert exterminator is the top choice to get rid of a bed bug infestation in your house. Before taking any action, it’s essential to research Bed Bug Exterminators.
You should find one who is experienced and qualified, and can provide you what you need.
First, ask your acquaintances for advice. You can also find useful details about exterminators from online reviews.
Note reviews that speak of great customer service, reliability, and promptness. Moreover, contact Bed Bug removal Services .
When interviewing potential Bed Bug removal, ask questions. Make sure they know what to do regarding treating bed bugs.
Ask about their experience with bed bug infestations, the products they use, if those products are eco-friendly, and any special methods that may stop future infestations.
Request references too. If an exterminator is reluctant to give references from clients with successful treatments, look for another one!
Ask for references and check reviews
When searching for a Professional Exterminator, it’s key to confirm their experience and knowledge. Ask for references or search for reviews on their work.
Reviews can give you an idea of the service quality, and clues about the efficiency of the methods.
Inquire about the treatments they use and if they have special equipment or pesticides. Ensure you’re working with a reputable pest control service, for assurance in their abilities.
Plus, ask about extra fees for your specific situation, like mattress covers or carpet cleaning after extermination.
Ask about their experience with bed bugs
When interviewing pest control professionals, ask about their experience with bed bugs. Get details on the number of cases they’ve handled and how long they’ve been dealing with them.
Find out what methods they use and how regularly they should service your property.
The best companies know the most effective treatments for different species of bed bugs and how to stop them from returning. Ask about any risks from chemicals or treatments used in your home or business.
Also, find out if there are follow-up services if more treatment is needed.
4. Follow Up
Bed bugs are no fun! They can be hard to get rid of. If you have bed bugs in your home, you must take steps to make sure they stay away.
This article will discuss why following up is necessary for a bed bug removal service. It will explain why it’s necessary to follow up, to guarantee the bed bugs don’t come back.
Inspect the area regularly
Be sure to inspect your area after taking action against bed bugs. Look for tiny black dots or pinhead-sized white eggs. Focus on high-traffic areas such as beds and couches.
Additionally, check for blood-spotted sheets, insect shells, and discarded exoskeletons. This is evidence of bed bugs. If you find any, act quickly.
Determine if the infestation has spread and eliminate it totally.
Monitor for signs of bed bugs
Address the bed bug problem first. Then, it’s important to monitor. Look for signs on beds, mattresses, and furniture. Pay attention to crevices, cracks, and areas near them.
Check for small black droppings that look like pepper flakes or live beetles. If you smell a sweet offensive odor, this could mean an infestation.
Record results of mattress encasement evaluations in case the problem continues.
Consider preventive measures
If you think you may have bed bugs, or want to prevent them, pest control pros suggest certain preventative steps. Start by inspecting beds, mattresses, box springs and headboards.
Look for dark spots or smears on the material — these could be bug droppings, live bugs or insect skins. Bed bugs often hide in mattress and box spring seams.
If you find evidence of bed bugs, act quickly. There are various methods to get rid of them, like professional heat treatment services. Or, use an over-the-counter pesticide product.
Read the label, follow safety guidelines and instructions closely.
Regular preventive measures help keep a home bug-free. Vacuum often, especially around baseboards and furniture edges. Wash linens in hot water. Use insecticide in wall voids.
Put mattress encasement covers on mattresses. Seal gaps in floors and around windows. Place bed bug interceptors under furniture legs. Steam clean carpets.
Use insecticide on travel items before bringing them home. And, when returning from trips outdoors, attach items, such as luggage, to clothing to avoid transporting bugs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the first steps to take if I believe I have bed bugs in my home?
The first step is to confirm the presence of bed bugs. Look for small, reddish-brown bugs on your mattress, bedding, furniture, and walls.
You may also notice small, dark stains on your sheets, which are bed bug feces. If you suspect an infestation, call a pest control professional for an inspection.
How do I prepare my home for bed bug treatment?
A: Before treatment, you should remove all clutter from your home, including clothing, toys, and personal items. You should also wash and dry all bedding, clothing, and linens on the hottest setting.
Vacuum all floors and furniture, and seal any cracks or crevices in walls or furniture.
How much does it cost to remove bed bugs?
The cost of bed bug removal can vary depending on the severity of the infestation, the size of your home, and the treatment method used.
On average, it costs between $500 and $1,500 to remove bed bugs.
Are there any home remedies for bed bug infestations?
A: While there are many home remedies for bed bugs, they are not always effective in removing an infestation.
Some remedies include using essential oils, diatomaceous earth, or rubbing alcohol. However, it is recommended to seek the help of a professional exterminator to ensure complete removal of the pests.
How can I prevent future bed bug infestations?
To prevent future infestations, you should regularly inspect your home for signs of bed bugs, including their eggs and feces.
You should also keep your home clean and clutter-free. Lastly, be cautious when bringing used furniture or clothing into your home, as bed bugs can easily hitch a ride.