Key Takeaways
- 1Bed bug treatment is priced separately from general pest control due to specialized requirements
- 2Heat treatment costs more upfront but often requires fewer follow-up visits
- 3Chemical treatment costs less initially but typically requires multiple visits
- 4DIY bed bug treatment has extremely low success rates and often spreads infestations
- 5Early detection and treatment costs significantly less than advanced infestations
Why Bed Bug Treatment Is Different
Bed bugs require specialized treatment that differs significantly from general pest control. Our standard $49 initial and $119 quarterly service does not include bed bug treatment because these pests require entirely different approaches:
- Specialized equipment - Heat treatment requires industrial heaters and monitoring equipment
- Intensive preparation - Proper bed bug treatment requires significant homeowner preparation
- Extended service time - Heat treatment takes 6-8 hours; chemical treatment requires multiple visits
- Different products - Bed bugs have developed resistance to many common pesticides
- Follow-up requirements - Multiple inspections and potential re-treatments are often necessary
Heat Treatment
Heat treatment raises room temperature to lethal levels (120-140 degrees F) for several hours, killing bed bugs at all life stages:
- Cost per room - $500-$1,500 depending on room size and contents
- Whole home - $2,000-$5,000+ for complete treatment
- Treatment time - 6-8 hours per treatment area
- Advantages - Kills all life stages in one treatment, no chemical residue, treats entire contents
- Considerations - Higher upfront cost, requires removing heat-sensitive items
Chemical Treatment
Chemical treatment uses specialized insecticides applied in multiple visits over several weeks:
- Cost per room - $300-$800 for complete treatment series
- Whole home - $1,500-$3,000 for complete treatment series
- Treatment schedule - Typically 2-4 treatments over 4-6 weeks
- Advantages - Lower upfront cost, residual protection against reinfestation
- Considerations - Multiple visits required, preparation needed for each visit
Factors That Affect Bed Bug Treatment Cost
Delaying treatment allows bed bugs to spread, increasing both difficulty and cost. A single-room problem can become a whole-home infestation in weeks.
Several factors influence your total bed bug treatment cost:
- Infestation severity - Early detection means fewer affected areas and lower cost
- Home size - More square footage means more treatment area
- Clutter level - Cluttered homes require more preparation and treatment time
- Spread extent - Infestations limited to one room cost less than whole-home spread
- Treatment method - Heat treatment costs more but may require fewer visits
- Follow-up needs - Severe infestations may require additional treatments
Why DIY Bed Bug Treatment Fails
Money spent on DIY bed bug treatment is almost always wasted. Professional treatment from the start is more effective and often costs less than DIY attempts followed by professional treatment of a worse infestation.
Homeowners often try DIY bed bug treatment first, but success rates are extremely low:
- Resistant populations - Most bed bugs have developed resistance to over-the-counter products
- Incomplete treatment - DIY products do not reach bed bugs in wall voids, furniture crevices, and other hiding spots
- Missed life stages - Eggs are difficult to kill and hatch 6-10 days after treatment
- Spreading - Improper treatment can scatter bed bugs to new areas
- Delayed professional treatment - Time spent on DIY allows infestation to grow
Preparing for Bed Bug Treatment
Proper preparation is essential for treatment success. Expect to complete these steps before treatment:
- Launder all bedding and clothing - High heat drying kills bed bugs
- Declutter affected rooms - Reduces hiding spots and allows thorough treatment
- Vacuum thoroughly - Removes bed bugs and eggs from accessible surfaces
- Move furniture from walls - Allows access for treatment
- Remove heat-sensitive items (for heat treatment) - Electronics, candles, medications
- Plan to be away - During treatment and for several hours after
Getting Bed Bug Treatment
If you suspect bed bugs, taking action quickly minimizes cost and disruption. Call (208) 297-7947 immediately to schedule inspection. Do not move items from affected rooms, do not throw away furniture (usually treatable), do not use bug bombs or foggers. The sooner you call, the less the treatment will cost.
Need Professional Help?
Get Same-Day Pest Control in Boise
Our local experts are standing by. Guaranteed results or we re-treat for free.