The Cost of a Professional Bed Bug Treatment Explained
Bed bugs are one of the most difficult bugs to treat for a homeowner and a professional. Shopping for a professional bed bug treatment can be a difficult thing to do because it is hard to compare cost from company to company. One of the reasons for this is the life cycle and the hiding spots of the bed bug. Finding a professional who understands the life cycle and the hiding habits will greatly increase the chances of you hiring a competent professional. The cost of experienced professional bed bug exterminators tend to be higher than others. When looking to hire a professional bed bug service there are some things you can compare from company to company.
1. Does the cost cover the entire home?
Some companies offer treatments room by room. These treatments can save you money if you catch the infestation early and if the professional’s inspection clears the other rooms. Be careful though it may come with no or a limited warranty.
2. What exactly is the company the company going to do?
Cheaper companies tend to just use products to treat the problem. Ask if they include service items such as vacuuming, steaming, monitors, or encasements. While the price may seem good you may not be getting a comprehensive treatment. A treatment that relies solely on chemical products is not a comprehensive treatment approach.
3. What kind of prep is the company requiring you to do?
Trying to treat a house full of clutter or one resembles a hoarder house is not going to lead to success. Some companies require excessive amounts of prep. Our company philosophy is a no to limited prep approach. We do not want you to bag or box up everything your own prior to treatment. It increases the chances you will remove bugs or eggs from the treatment area and reintroduce after the treatment. Some companies will require you too remove all if your clothing or a lot of your belongings. Get a second or third opinion if you feel the prep is too involved.
4. How may treatments are you paying for?
Some companies charge per trip they make. Other companies include the follow up treatments/visits in the initial price of treatment. We charge one rate per treatment that includes a warranty and return visits. If you choose a company that is not good at killing the bed bugs then you may be paying for trips that may not have been necessary.
5. How often do they treat homes for bed bugs?
Some companies do not have a lot of experience treating bed bugs. An experienced company can shorten the length of time needed to eliminate the bugs. Most companies do the 1st follow up between 2 and 4 weeks after the initial treatment.
6. Are they using thermal heat?
Thermal heat heats the space to 120 to 140 degrees. Most companies do not offer thermal heat as a service. The heat treats the furniture and most other items in the home in one treatment. This is different than using a steamer to apply heat to certain pieces of furniture. The price for a thermal heat treatment is usually done by the square foot with a minimum charge. A single room can be $500.00 to $800.00 while a full house can be $1200.00 and up depending on the size. Heat tends to be more expensive than a traditional chemical treatment but on a smaller house the price may be more comparable. The benefit with heat is that it is a one day treatment. Traditional treatments can take 2 to 3 visits over 4 to 6 weeks.
Costs of a Professional Bed Bug Treatment
The rate for traditional chemical treatments can range from $150.00 per room to $550.00 per room depending on the service, warranty, and experience offered.
The rate for thermal heat can range. Most pricing is done by square footage or by the room. A single room can be $500.00 to $800.00 while a full house can start at $1200.00.
120 Pest offers bed bug service to Atlanta and the North Georgia areas.
