When to Call an Exterminator for Bed Bugs

Bed bugs are a mighty force to fight if they infest your home. The pesky insects can multiply quickly and wreak havoc, so it’s essential to know when to call an exterminator for bed bugs. 

Whether you notice bites after a night of rest or see blood stains on your sheets, these signs and a few others indicate when it’s time to call an exterminator for bed bugs. Let’s dig into more signs of bed bugs and when to call an exterminator for help. 

Angi Tip

If your bed bug problem doesn't resolve itself after implementing DIY removal methods, it's time to call in a professional exterminator. Don't hesitate to take pest control action to prevent the infestation from growing.

Kaitlyn Pacheco

Content Editor, Angi

Signs You Need to Exterminate Your Home for Bed Bugs

Before you call someone to treat your entire home, it helps to know what to check for bed bugs to determine if you have an active problem or a different type of insect infestation. Some common signs that indicate you have bed bugs include: 

• Bites on your skin 

• Blood stains on your sheets 

• Visible bed bugs 

• Musty odor 

• Dark spots on bedding or furniture 

• Visible eggs 

Any one of these signs is enough to call a bed bug exterminator near you since the tiny insects can multiply quickly and become an even bigger problem once they reproduce. The presence of tiny, white eggs or translucent egg shells should prompt you to get on the phone immediately to hire a pro to eliminate bed bugs from your home.

Factors That Affect Bed Bug Extermination

Photo: Georgy Dzyura / Adobe Stock

Identifying that you have bed bugs is the first step of the extermination process. Next, it helps to know what factors make an impact on the effectiveness of your treatment so that you’re prepared for the removal process. 

Level of Infestation

The severity of your bed bug infestation will make a difference in the exterminator’s choice of treatment method as well as how many treatments are required to remove the bed bugs. Heavier infestations may require multiple treatments or more intensive methods, such as applying chemicals or a heat treatment.

Climate

Where you live and how severe your region’s temperature and humidity are can impact the effectiveness of certain treatment methods, especially heat treatments. Extreme temperatures can also impact the activity and survival of bed bugs. Consult a local exterminator with experience eliminating bed bugs in your area to determine the best course of action.

Type of Bed Bug

Some species of bed bugs may have more of a resistance to certain pesticides. Since different species can exhibit varying levels of resistance to certain chemicals, the choice of insecticide or treatment method may need to be adjusted or discussed with your exterminator.

Preparation

Although you likely need professional help to get rid of bed bugs, there’s also an element of preparation required from the homeowner. Once you’ve identified bed bugs in your home, it helps to declutter the room and wash any linens or clothing that might be affected. These non-toxic removal methods will kickstart the removal process before the exterminator applies more severe treatments. You can also tackle simple tasks, such as sealing cracks or entry points to help prevent the bugs from returning.

The Worst Time to Exterminate Your Home 

If your bed bug problem is extensive, there is no worst time to exterminate. However, there are conditions that can make treatment less effective or more complicated. Although it’s ideal to exterminate as soon as possible to get rid of the infestation and prevent reproduction, it helps to consider the following circumstances when you’re thinking about calling in the big guns. 

Here are the worst times to exterminate your home for bed bugs:

• During seasons of extreme snow or rain

• In fall or winter months when bed bugs are more dormant

Bed Bug Extermination Cost 

The cost to exterminate for bed bugs falls between $1,750 and $3,250 for the typical eradication treatment. If you’re in a very large home or commercial building that requires fumigation, the cost can increase to up to $5,000. Heat or thermal treatment is the least expensive treatment option, costing approximately $1 to $3 per square foot. Fumigation costs about $4 to $8 per square foot to treat, plus the expenses incurred when vacating the home. 

Your final extermination costs depend on the severity of the infestation, the size of the treatment area, number of treatment sessions it takes to remove the bed bugs, and whether the treatment is an emergency or scheduled for a later date.

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro

Since bed bug extermination requires strong, often toxic chemicals applied by licensed bed bug professionals, this is not a job for even the most experienced DIYer. Unless you’re a licensed, practicing exterminator, it’s best to leave this job to professionals who have the skillset and equipment to remove bed bugs effectively. That way, if the bugs return or you’re dissatisfied with the end result, you can often rely on a warranty and have the professionals come back to finish the job.