When it comes to the safety and comfort of your living or working environment, bed bug infestations can be an unsettling problem. These tiny pests are known to cause discomfort, health issues, allergic reactions and even psychological stress. However, with the rising awareness of bed bug problems, the demand for professional detection and extermination services has also increased. It is also important to understand bed bug inspection costs before seeking out these services.
In this blog we would like to break down the bed bug detection and extermination expenses starting from initial inspections to follow-up treatments, to help you make informed decisions.
Need for professional bed bug treatment services
Bed bugs are difficult pests to detect and eradicate. Though cost-effective, DIY methods are available for controlling the populations of these pests, they often fall short in completely resolving the issue. Professional bed bug detection provides a complete solution to detecting an infestation and exterminating it. This professional approach to get rid of these pests will save you the long-term costs associated with untreated infestations.
Initial inspection costs
Initial inspection is the first step in professional bed bug testing. This step is crucial because it not only detects any possible infestation but also allows one to judge the intensity of the same. The initial bed bug inspection cost may vary depending upon factors such as the size of the premises to be inspected, the location, and the level of expertise of the service provider.
Size of the area
- Larger properties or those with multiple rooms may incur higher inspection costs due to the increased time and effort required to thoroughly examine the premises.
Location
- Urban areas or regions with a high cost of living may see higher inspection fees compared to rural areas.
Service provider
- Bed bug inspection costs can also be affected by the reputation and experience of the pest control company. The more established ones with certified professionals are usually pricier, but they usually provide more accurate and reliable results.
The average bed bug inspection costs could range from $75 to $225. Other companies may, however, offer free bed bug inspections, mostly when attached to some other larger treatment packages.
Cost of detection methods
Professionals use various methods of detection, each with its own cost. The method used for detection depends on the extent of the infestation and also on the specific requirements of the situation.
Visual inspection
- This is the most basic form of bed bug detection, in which a trained professional will visually search the area for signs of bed bugs, such as live bugs, eggs, or fecal spots. This method is often covered in the initial inspection fee.
Canine detection
- Dogs specifically trained to smell bed bugs are becoming quite popular detection methods. Canine detection is very effective and locates bed bugs in places which might otherwise have gone undetected by the human eye. Bed bug inspection costs using canine detectors normally range between $300 and $600, depending on the size of a property.
Electronic monitors
- These devices work by luring bed bugs into traps through heat, carbon dioxide, or pheromones, making them easier to detect. The cost of these devices can vary but generally adds an additional $50 to $150 to the overall treatment fee.
Treatment cost considerations
In case of a confirmed infestation, the next step is treatment. Bed bug treatment expenses can be pretty large, and above all it is important to consider this in your overall budget. The cost varies greatly depending on the severity of infestation, property size, and the method of treatment employed.
Chemical treatments
- This is the most common and often the cheapest option for treatment. The cost of chemical treatments generally ranges from $2,000 to $4,500, depending on the area size.
Heat treatments
- Heat treatments are very efficient and often eradicate bed bugs in one session, but they are also more expensive. The costs can range from $1,000 to $3,000 per 1,000 square feet.
Fumigation
- Fumigation might be required in the worst cases of infestation. This process involves sealing the property and filling it with a gas that kills bed bugs. Fumigation is the costliest form of treatment and may range from $4,000 to $8,000 or more.
Follow-up treatments
- Follow-up treatments are often needed in many cases to make sure that the infestation has been completely eradicated. The treatments may add up to an extra $200-$500 on top of the overall cost.
Additional costs to consider
Beyond the direct costs of detection and treatment, there are other potential expenses to consider:
Preparation costs
- Some treatment methods require a lot of preparation, such as moving furniture, washing all bedding and clothing, and sealing up parts of the property. All these preparatory tasks can add to costs if you must pay professionals to assist.
Loss of personal belongings
- In cases of severe infestation, there may be a need to get rid of heavily infested items. For example, mattresses, furniture, or clothing must be discarded which cannot be treated or the treatment is unlikely to be successful. The cost of replacing these items should be factored into your overall budget.This adds up to the bed bug inspection costs.
Temporary relocation
- Bed bug inspection costs can also increase due to the need for temporary relocations in case of extensive treatments such as fumigation.
Weighing the costs against the benefits
While professional bed bug detection and treatment costs can be high, it is essential to balance it with the probable cost of not addressing the infestation. Bed bug infestations that are left unattended can increase rapidly, resulting in more extended and serious infestations that will be more difficult and costlier to treat. In addition, health and well-being of those working or living in infested areas are put at risk as bed bug bites can trigger allergic reactions, result in infections, and psychological stress.
Early bed bug detection and treatment by professionals can help in the identification of infestations at the early stages and address it immediately before it turns into a more serious and cost-intensive problem.
If you’re facing a potential bed bug problem, don’t delay. Contact a certified pest control professional to schedule an inspection and take the first step toward eradicating these persistent pests. Also ensure that the pest control agencies use certified products for extermination, thus relieving you of reinfestation burdens.
