Amongst the insects that find their way creeping into our homes, Bed Bugs are one of the most frustrating. These Bed Bugs usually go unrecognized, but they become a nuisance and can be increasingly annoying within a short period. Trying to get rid of them yourself will yield limited results. The do-it-yourself methods are more efficient when combined with the services of an expert Bed Bug Exterminator. In this Pest Control Blog post, we have provided all the information you need to know about a Bed Bug Exterminator's cost.
Understanding Bed Bugs
The unfortunate thing about Bed Bugs is that a single Bed Bug can get into your home without you finding out. In some cases, renters move into a home and inherit Bed Bugs. We receive at least 4 calls a month from tenants asking, "Are Landlords Responsible For Bed Bugs?" Once Bed Bugs begin to reproduce, the colony will spread very fast. These are 10 signs indicating you have a bed bug infestation.
What Are Bed Bugs?
Bed bug (Cimex lectularius) is a parasitic insect that feeds on human blood. Their name has originated from their niche in the home. Although some people find it challenging to differentiate Bed Bugs from other insects, they are easy to identify. However, some Bugs Have Been Mistaken For Bed Bugs.
Adult bed bugs have reddish-brown or light brown color.
In size, they measure about 0.16 to 0.2 inches in length and 0.059 to 0.118 inches wide. This makes the Bed Bugs challenging to fish out and identify.
In the 1990s, Bed Bugs almost vanished from developed countries and local pest control locations such as Palm Coast, Ormond Beach, Daytona Beach, Port Orange, New Smyrna Beach, and worldwide. However, pesticide-resistant Bed Bugs grew in numbers since the 1980s for unknown reasons.
Bed Bugs are temperature resilient. They can stay alive even at temperatures as low as 14 degrees Fahrenheit. At sustained temperatures of 10 degrees Fahrenheit for a minimum of 3 days, 95% of bed bugs can be destroyed. But this is unrealistic.
Nonetheless, Bed Bugs at any life stage will die when exposed at 115 degrees for seven minutes or more, or 26 degrees for 13 minutes. They can withstand low humidity but will not live for long periods when exposed to high carbon dioxide concentration.
The Life Cycle of Bed Bugs
The early life of bed bugs is tiny opaque-colored eggs.
The eggs go on to hatch into tiny nymphs, which shed off their outer covering or undergo molting six times before attaining the adult stage.
In preparation for each molting stage, the bed bugs must feed. The presence of their shed exoskeleton is one of the first signs indicating Bed Bug infestations.
In warm, favorable conditions, the adult female bed bug lays four to five eggs daily and can survive up to nine months.
Feeding Habit of Bed Bugs
Right from the first nymph stage, blood is the only source of food for bed bugs.
Bed bugs are not exclusively nocturnal, as believed by many people. They feed whenever there is an opportunity to do so.
Once a nymph has located a potential food source, it lurks around to strike. This is why Bed Bugs are most often found around the bed and resting areas.
During the feeding process, the Bed Bug pierces its mouthparts into the host with ease.
The blood is then drawn up using natural pressure from the punctured blood vessel through the primary feeding tube.
Anticoagulants are then injected into the host's skin through a secondary tube to prevent blood clots.
Once the bed bug is done feeding, it pulls back so that it can molt or digest.
On average, bed bugs feed between five and ten minutes and generally spend less than twenty minutes with the host.
Except when a bed bug has been observed, more often, bed bugs usually are detected by skin irritation. The skin may have a rash or blister; however, this sign is not manifested in some individuals. The bites from bed bugs can also be mistaken for other insects. So you must make a thorough check.
Bed bugs can be carriers of pathogens. They can become infected by as many as twenty-eight human pathogens. Although, there is no known evidence of their ability to spread these pathogens to humans. In unusual situations, bed bug bites can cause severe allergic effects that may require medical care.
The Origin of Bed Bugs
Bed bugs are skillful creatures who find their way creeping into your possessions. Where ever there is a bed bug plague, such as in hotels, gym centers, offices, or schools, this could be the origin of bed bugs in your home. You can also find them in renovated beddings, but the chances are low due to regulations.
Bed Bugs can be challenging to figure out due to their size and similarity in appearance with other household insects.
One of the easiest ways to determine Bed Bugs' presence is to look out for rashes or some other skin irritation in the morning.
You may also need to check your bedhead, mattress, and linens to present any bugs. Look carefully for the existence of small black stains of dried blood.
Once you notice what looks like a Bed Bug or spot signs of bloodstains from Bed Bug feeding, seek the services of a professional pest control exterminator to examine your home.
Bed Bug Extermination Cost: Inspection and Treatments
There are three stages when handling a bed bug invasion, namely:
Inspection,
Preparation, and
Treatment
The bed bug extermination process can be pretty expensive; however, most of the expenditure does not arise from the inspection and treatment. You may have to let go of some of your furniture, beddings, and other stuff. Besides, pest control treatment may not be effective if you do not prepare properly.
Hiring a Professional Inspection Service
Once you have detected Bed Bugs in your home, go ahead and hire a professional Bed Bug Exterminator service and report your findings. The full structure should be inspected as the pest may have spread to other house rooms or restricted to just the spot where you noticed the bugs. This process will go a long way in helping you cut down costs, primarily if the bugs are confined to limited space. A Bed Bug Inspection by a pest professional is crucial.
The Job of a Professional Exterminator?
From the bedroom, all furniture, mattresses, beddings, rugs, and their immediate surroundings will be examined by the inspector for any possible infestation by Bed Bugs. They may even look into breaks and cleavages for any hidden bugs or other signs. These signs include:
dried blood stains
discarded shells
eggs
live or dead bed bugs
Once the Bed Bug inspection step has been concluded, the exterminator will verify if there is a Bed Bug invasion or not and determine the degree of infestation. In the future, a treatment routine will then be recommended by the exterminator.
Canine Inspections For Bed Bugs
Alternatively, dogs trained to detect the presence of bed bugs can help carry out inspection. The canine inspection may deliver up to 96% accuracy. However, canine inspection service is not offered by all bed bug extermination firms.
What Is The Cost Of A Bed Bug Inspection Service?
There is no fixed price for a Bed Bug Inspection. The cost can vary depending on your home's size and the local charges. Some pest control companies may even offer free inspection services. However,
· the price for inspection is between $50 and $200
· on average, a canine inspection can cost as much as $300 to $600
· a canine unit for larger structures like hotels, the inspection price range between $900 to $1200.
The charge from a pest control exterminator can come in different forms. Either you are charged per square foot, per room, or a flat rate. The big agencies can even charge on every visit or bill you a total package fee.
In all, the cost of bed bug extermination will vary depending on some factors:
· the size of the invaded area
· the severity of the infestation
· where your home or facility is located
The cost will also be dependent on the number of rooms that have been infested. You will pay a lesser amount if the infestation is limited to just one room than for multiple rooms. Notwithstanding, the extermination cost for the whole house will be pretty costly. Still, in the long run, it is the most productive choice for you.
Handling bed bugs is quite a complex issue, and the pest control exterminator will have to go through lengthy preparatory steps. The requirements of one exterminator may differ from another. By and large, these are the items that may or may not be required by the exterminator depending on the exterminator firm you are dealing with.
Fabric Treatments For Bed Bugs
Getting rid of likely infestations from fabrics is a needful action. Bed bugs have a way of hiding within clothing. So they must be eradicated before such clothes, linens, bedsheets, et cetera can be reused. Care should be taken during the process to avoid cross-contamination.
1. Assemble all fabrics, including those in storage, into garbage bags, and then take them out of your home.
2. With the hottest water possible, wash all fabric thoroughly. Dispose of the garbage bags carefully.
3. Dry the fabrics with the highest heat they can handle for about an hour. Be sure to check your clothing labels for special instructions. Not all materials can be dried on high heat.
4. Store the clean fabrics in a sterile bag devoid of any bugs, and store somewhere safe until the extermination process is completed.
Treating Furniture For Bed Bugs
For your furniture, carpets, and cushion, you will need to steam clean them or use a heavy suction vacuum. If a vacuum is used, carefully discard the bag.
· Suppose there is any furniture that has been infested with bugs or in bad condition. In that case, the furniture should be carefully disposed of in storage bags.
· The remaining furniture should be pulled away from the walls and edges of the room.
· If there is any wooden furniture such as shelves, desks, cupboards, etc., they must be cleared off because bed bugs like to hide in the boards' narrow spaces.
· The exterminator will take off the base cover of box springs and sofas to examine possible hideouts.
Storing items During A Bed Bug Treatment
Your exterminator company may or may not allow you to use any boxes. While some will allow you to use plastic or Tupperware, cardboard is not an option because it is penetrable and will provide hiding spaces for the bed bugs. Wash all plastic bins to store items in them.
Preparing Floors For A Bed Bug Treatment
Bed Bugs love to sneak into any available space. So while preparing for an extermination, you may need to carefully bag or box all loose items. The open items should be disinfected and/or examined before getting them back to the rooms.
Electronics and other appliances are not left out. You will have to unplug them and have them moved away from the walls.
Treatment Process For Bed Bugs
Bed bugs can withstand pesticides. Moreover, home-made remedies, instead of killing the bugs, will scatter them, thereby complicating the treatment process. If you do not adequately prepare for the treatment, the treatment methods will not be effective.
Types of Treatments for Bed Bugs
There are several methods available for the treatment of bed bug infestation. While some are effective working alone, others require the combinations of a few ways to be effective.
Tent Fumigation is a termite extermination process that is quite complex. In the process of fumigation, a tarpaulin is used to cover your home, which is usually attached to large water containers provided by the Tent Fumigation Company. Vikane gas is then released into the house. With fans in deliberate positions, the Vikane gas is then dispersed throughout the house.
Before considering Tent Fumigation, you may need to appraise the advantages and disadvantages of this treatment method.
Advantages of Tent Fumigation For Bed Bugs
· It is very effective (99% to 100% success) against all bed bugs stages.
· It is effective against other pests like ants, termites, etc.
· There are no leftovers after the gas has been let out, making it safe to get back into the home.
Disadvantages of Tent Fumigation For Bed Bugs
· The gasses used are harmful to the environment
· The process requires some additional preparatory steps, and this may mean an additional cost.
· This method requires two to three days, of which you may need to stay away from your home for that period.
Bed Bug Heat Treatments For Bed Bugs
Heat and bed bug steam treatments are an effective regimen for bed bugs because they can't withstand high temperatures. Before commencing the heat treatment, substances like plastics that cannot withstand high heat will need to be removed before bed bug treatment.
By pumping hot air into the room or treating locations with steam, the bed bug exterminators raise the home and surface temperatures to 120 degrees or higher. This method is effective in destroying all life stages of the bed bug. However, because there are no residues after treatment, there is a possibility of a future reoccurrence.
Pesticide Treatment For Bed Bugs
Your bed bug exterminator may choose to apply some powder or liquid pesticides with other treatment methods. Powders, fogs, aerosols, and compressed sprays are most appropriate for open and/or uninhabited areas, while liquid pesticides are more appropriate for cracks and crevices.
Although pesticide treatment is active against fleeing bed bugs, the use of chemicals is more effective when chemical applications are used in combination with other Bed Bug treatment methods. Most Pest Control Companies will use an Integrated Pest Management approach when determining the Bed Bug Treatment needed.
Steam Treatment For Bed Bugs
Some professional exterminators use harsh and effective steam cleaners to eliminate Bed Bug invasion. These steamers have high heat settings that allow them to be effectively used as a natural pest control method for mattresses, linens, curtains, and even wall crevices.
The Bed Bug exterminator will get all household items and corners thoroughly steam heat treated, resulting in no bugs or eggs left. Although steam treatment effectively eradicates Bed Bugs, the drawback is that it may take more than one round of cleaning to eliminate the Bed Bugs.
Bed Bugs Prevention Methods
Taking care, especially in areas infested with Bed Bugs, is the most effective way to prevent Bed Bug contamination.
If your home is already infested, preventive measures will include avoiding the bugs spread to other places like your office, school, etc.
When at public spaces with large gatherings, you should be careful because these areas are common transfer points for the bugs.
When traveling, it is essential to be aware ahead of time. Always inspect for Bed Bugs in a hotel. Keep your items up and off the beds or floors. Consistently keep your eyes alert to any insects that may be on you, bedding, or stored items. These are preventive measures to avoid taking bed bugs from public places to your home. Follow these tips on How To Avoid Bed Bugs.
Bed Bug Inspection Company
Take out time to check for any sign of an infestation.
The presence of small black or rusty colored stains on sheets, mattresses, or pillows indicates bed bug feces.
While probing and vetting the area, you may also find bugs or their shed exoskeletons.
Gently lift objects like mattresses, bedhead, bed frames, and the likes where bed bugs can hide.
These bugs are not always far from a potential food source, so this narrows your search. And like earlier mentioned, you may find exoskeletons even if you do notice any live bugs.
Elevate Stored Items to Help Reduce Bed Bug Infestations
Bed bugs are not flying insects. So one way to reduce a possible infestation in your belongings is by placing your luggage on an elevated frame or shelf.
Recall that picture frames and cracks on walls can serve as a safe spot for bed bugs. Be sure that the elevated rack or shelf is not close to your bed or a nearby wall.
Examine Items For Bed Bugs Before Loading Them In Your Vehicle
Even after you have surveyed the surroundings and there is nothing suspicious, there are chances that you may still pick up wandering homeless bed bugs.
While packing your luggage, check for any roaming bugs. It would help if you got your bags and baggage off from the bed while packing to reduce infestation chances.
Using A Household Dryer To Kill Bed Bugs
Place your clothes in the dryer as soon as you get home to reduce the risk of harboring eggs in your belongings.
Get the clothes heated for about 15 minutes in the dryer to get rid of any bed bugs or eggs you didn't notice while packing.
How to Avoid Spreading Bed Bugs from Your Home?
Suppose you are already a victim of a Bed Bug infestation. In that case, you must avoid spreading them to other people.
The majority of the preventive measures are basic and easy to integrate into your daily routine even after your infestation has been exterminated.
Daily Routine Item Check For Bed Bugs
Things like jackets, bags, and briefcases that regularly leave your home should not be left lying in the bedroom.
As much as possible, leave such items behind in your car, lobby, or entrance. This will further reduce the chances of contamination.
Remember, bed bugs are tiny and difficult to pick out. To cut down the number of places they can hide, keep unnecessary away from your home.
While preparing for the extermination, if you're not allowed to leave your home for long hours, you can avoid taking the bugs with you by a few steps.
Although not entirely practical, you can spray the items you are taking out of your house to help exterminate most bugs.
If you are going over to a friend's place, purchase all the essentials you will be needing and take a shower immediately to avoid spreading any bug.
Move your clothes into the washer immediately to avoid contaminating their home.
Taking time to examine all items will help you get hold of any hiding Bed Bugs.
Bed Bug Extermination Cost
The cost of bed bug treatment and extermination varies depending on your location, the area's size, and the infestation's gravity.
How Much Does Bed Bug Extermination Cost?
For a room, the price can range between $200 to $300. If the infestation is severe, charges may go as high as $400 or more per room. Heating service for a whole building can cost you about$1000 - $4,000 or more.
How do Exterminators Eliminate Bed Bugs?
In most cases, professional exterminators combine methods to eliminate an infestation. Whether a single process or a combination of methods will be used depends on the intensity of the infestation and your home's size. However, some of the standard methods used by exterminators include:
Heat Treatments
Application of Pesticides
Steam Treatments
A blend of the above.
Professional Bed Bug Exterminator Services
If you suspect Bed Bugs in your home, automobile, hotel, or know someone who may have possibly transferred bed bugs to your home, it is vital to seek a professional pest control company. A Bed Bug Removal Company is skilled to identify bed bugs, determine the severity of a Bed Bug Infestation, and have the best guidance of a bed bug treatment plan to rid you of this blood-sucking nuisance pest. If you are located in the Palm Coast, Fl, Daytona Beach Area, or West Volusia / Deltona Area, Contact us.