Back to resources

What’s the Cost of Bed Bug Extermination in California?

Are bed bugs turning your peaceful nights into a nightmare? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore bed bug extermination costs and provide valuable insights to help you understand what factors impact the costs. 

Whether you’re curious about different treatment types, frequency of service, or the severity of infestations, we’ve got you covered.

Key Takeaways

• The cost of bed bug treatment in California varies based on service frequency, treatment type, infestation severity, and location.
• Professional extermination is recommended for effective bed bug control, although DIY methods may help control minor infestations.
• Proactive measures like reducing clutter, regular vacuuming, and proper food storage can complement professional extermination and help prevent re-infestation.

What Factors Will Impact the Cost of Bed Bug Extermination?

1. Frequency of Service

Regarding pest management, several factors can impact the overall cost. One crucial aspect is the frequency of service. The frequency at which you require bed bug treatments can vary depending on the infestation’s severity and the desired prevention level. 

Let’s take a closer look at different service frequencies and their average cost ranges in California:

Service Frequency	Cost Range
One-time service	$300 – $800
Semi-monthly service	$200 – $400 (per visit)
Monthly service	$100 – $300 (per visit)
Quarterly	$80 – $200 (per visit)

Please note that the cost range provided is an estimate depending on various factors, such as the property size, the extent of the infestation, and the specific pest control company. It’s advisable to consult with pest control services to get accurate cost estimates tailored to your specific bed bug problem.

2. Treatment Type

Different treatment types are available for bed bug extermination, each with advantages and associated costs. Understanding these treatment options can help you make an informed decision based on preference and budget.

Here’s a brief explanation of each treatment type and its cost range in California:

Treatment Type	Cost Range	Description
Insecticides	$200 – $400 (per room)	Insecticides/pesticides are chemical treatments that eliminate live bed bugs. They come in various forms, including sprays, dust, aerosols, and fumigation. Insecticides are commonly chosen for their convenience and effectiveness. They can be applied to specific areas of infestation, providing targeted control.
Steam Treatment	$250 – $1,000 (per room)	Steam treatment involves using high-temperature steam to kill bed bugs and their eggs. It is a chemical-free method that effectively targets bed bugs hiding in cracks and crevices. The high heat of the steam kills bed bugs on contact, providing immediate results. Steam treatment is beneficial in areas where chemical treatments are not suitable.
Freezing	$500 – $1,000	Freezing, also known as cryonite treatment, involves using extremely low temperatures to freeze and kill bed bugs. It is a non-toxic method that can penetrate hard-to-reach areas, including deep within furniture and walls. Freezing treatment is an environmentally friendly option that eliminates bed bugs and their eggs.
Heat Treatment	$500 – $5,500	Heat treatment, a popular choice for bed bug removal, involves raising the temperature in the infested area to a level lethal to bed bugs. It also kills bed bug eggs, penetrating cracks and crevices for full extermination.

3. Infestation Severity

The severity of a bed bug infestation plays a significant role in determining the method required for extermination, the frequency of visits by pest control professionals, and the overall cost. 

A professional bed bug inspection is typically conducted to assess infestation levels and identify key areas of activity. Here is a general cost range from low to high for different infestation severities:

• Mild to Moderate Infestation: $300 – $800
• Moderate to Severe Infestation: $800 – $2,500
• Severe Infestation: $2,500 – $5,000+

The exact cost within these ranges will depend on the property size, the number of rooms affected, and the extent of the bed bug presence.

4. Location of Infestation

The location of the bed bug infestation within a property can also influence the overall costs. Different areas may require varying levels of treatment and attention. Here are two considerations related to the location of the infestation:

1. Number of Rooms: If the bed bug infestation is limited to specific rooms within a property, the extermination cost can be lower than treating the entire property. The cost range in California for treating a specific number of rooms varies from $200 – $800 per room.
2. Whole House: When the infestation has spread throughout the house, comprehensive treatment is necessary to ensure complete eradication. Treating an entire home in California can range from $1,200 – $5,000 or more, depending on the property size, the severity of the infestation, and the treatment method employed.

Eliminating Bed Bug Habitats

To complement professional bed bug extermination, there are proactive measures you can take to help eliminate bed bug habitats and reduce the chances of re-infestation. Here are some effective practices:

Reduce or eliminate unnecessary clutter

Bed bugs thrive in cluttered areas, providing numerous hiding spots. Declutter your living spaces by removing unnecessary items such as old newspapers, magazines, and unused furniture, including couches and bed frames. Additionally, keeping a clean and clutter-free environment in kitchens and dining areas reduces the hiding places available for bed bugs. Minimizing potential hiding spots makes it more challenging for bed bugs to establish themselves.

Vacuum frequently

Regular vacuuming helps remove bed bugs and their eggs from surfaces and cracks. Pay close attention to areas where bed bugs are likely to hide, such as mattress seams, box springs, furniture crevices, and baseboards. Additionally, it is essential to be vigilant for any signs of bed bug activity, including bed bug bites, which are often characterized by itchy, red welts on the skin and rashes.

Food storage

Proper food storage is essential in preventing the attraction of pests, including bed bugs. Ensure food items are stored in sealed containers to minimize potential food sources. 

By following these practices in conjunction with a professional treatment plan, you can enhance the effectiveness of the extermination and reduce the risk of future infestations. 

Questions Others Are Asking (FAQs)

Can I treat bed bugs myself?

While DIY treatments can help control minor infestations, professional bed bug extermination is generally recommended for effective and thorough eradication.

Does insurance cover bed bugs?

Most homeowners’ insurance policies do not cover bed bug infestations as they are preventable. However, reviewing your policy or consulting with your insurance provider for specific details is advisable.

Is one treatment enough for bed bugs?

Sometimes, a single type of treatment may not eliminate a bed bug infestation. Bed bugs are resilient pests, and their eggs can survive treatment. Follow-up treatments and monitoring are often necessary to ensure complete eradication.