How to Get Rid of Bed Bugs

Getting rid of bed bugs is easier and much less scary than you might think. But unfortunately, most people fail because they rush through the necessary steps and don’t perform follow-up treatments.

A common misconception is that hiring an exterminator will make it easy for you. It may be easier to do it yourself! You’ll still be doing all the prep work, which is often the most challenging part of the process. Can you guess who the exterminator blames when treatment doesn’t work? You, and your prep work, so read that contract carefully.

Woman eliminating bed bugs in an infested bedroom.

People have shared their tips on how to get rid of bed bugs with us for over a decade. Drawing on these successes, we’ve put together four steps to help you eliminate this problem for good.

Take time to understand these steps, do them properly, and eliminate bed bugs for good!

1. Prepare for Treatment

Before you can start spraying for bed bugs, you need to prepare. Unfortunately, preparation is incredibly time-consuming, and there is no way around it! If you think hiring an exterminator will make this step easier, think again – they require you to do the same thing, and they’ll make you sign off on that before they start treatment.

Preparation is one of the five things many pest control companies don’t tell you about up-front.

Below is a list of treatment preparation steps you must complete.

Pre-Treatment Preparation List

All mattresses and box springs must be placed upright against the wall.
Take apart the bed frame, remove the headboard, and place it against the wall.
All shelves must be cleared of any objects.
Clothing must be removed and placed in zip-lock or sealable plastic bags. Separate washable from non-washable items. Non-washable items are to be taken to the dry cleaners and clearly marked for the cleaner to know and deal with the problem. Dry cleaners must be advised that they may not reuse the plastic bags the clothing was brought in. Include everything!
Empty all dresser and nightstand drawers and remove the drawer from the dresser or nightstand.
Place all treated, sealed bags in an area that does not require treatment.
Place the sofa on its side so the pest control technician can access the underside of the sofa area.
Do not move your furniture into another room unless you are positive you have killed every last bed bug. You don’t want to infest another room.
Remove electrical wall plates and make sure nothing is plugged into outlets – if you feel uncomfortable doing this, don’t do it and seek help from a professional.
Remove all items from the base of the closets and place them in a sealed bag.
Remove all loose items from the floor, which must be moved 12 inches away from the baseboards, including toys, etc.; this includes both the basement and attic. Washable toys are to be handled in the same manner as clothing.
Remove all paintings, mirrors, and wall accessories from the walls.
Remove all sheets, blankets, mattress covers, and pillowcases from all beds, wash in HOT (120F) water, and dry at high heat. After cleaning, place them in new plastic bags and do not return them to the bed until after receiving pest control service. Wash or dry clean all pillows.
If you take your clothes to the laundromat, let the staff know so they can help make sure any bed bugs don’t spread to the next person.
Vacuum the floors, drapes, and baseboards. Vacuum the cleared closets, shelves, drawers, etc. Remove the vacuum bag outside, tape it shut, and place it in the dumpster.

2. Eliminate Bed Bugs

Many professional exterminators would rather you not know about how bed bug dust. The main ingredient is food grade Diatomaceous Earth (DE), a natural, inexpensive pesticide that you can buy at your local store for less than $25! Unfortunately, many pest control companies rebrand and sell it as an ‘organic’ solution with a ridiculous price markup.

These instructions show you how to make and spray your powder.

See our bed bug inspection tips for a list of places bed bugs like to hide. This is IMPORTANT! You need to get the powder into every nook and cranny; it seems easy, but people forget hiding spots such as screw holes, gaps in baseboards, and cracks in the wall.

3. Bed Bug Control

To eliminate bed bugs in their various stages of development, you MUST retreat your home 3 to 4 weeks after each treatment. Single treatments may kill the adults, but you’re left with another infestation when the eggs hatch.

You must complete this step; your chances of successful bed bug control significantly increase when you retreat. We have a lot of testimonials on what happens when you don’t do a second application.

Some visitors claim they eliminated their infestation in two treatments, but play it safe, save yourself a ton of frustration, and stick with three treatments. If you’re going to all this trouble, you might as well make sure you killed them all.

4. Make sure they don’t come back!

If you did everything right, you successfully killed the bed bugs (good job!), but we still need to take precautions.

Most important is a mattress encasement that covers the entire mattress. Visitors have suggested that getting a mattress cover that protects from dust mites rather than one labeled for bed bug control is just as effective, and you’ll avoid paying extra.

Try to figure out where you picked up bed bugs in the first place; if you suspect a location you frequent, look for the telltale signs, remove your clothes after visiting, and place them in an airtight bag for proper cleaning.

I’m Bed Bug Free!

You can do this – Killing bed bugs is not rocket science!

But,

If you need inspiration, then take a look at these inspirational DIY Testimonials.

How to Get Rid of Bed Bugs using other Methods

Below are alternative methods to help eliminate bed bugs, each expanding to a detailed explanation with their pros and cons. They are less cost-effective than bed bug dust, but they also work.

Fumigation Treatment – $5,000

Fumigation is a treatment method used to eliminate bed bugs by exposing the infested area to a vapor or gas that is toxic to bed bugs. The average cost to fumigate your home is around $5,000 compared to bed bug dust. A canister (aka smoke bomb) generates large amounts of smoke filled with Permethrin Synthetic Pyrethroid Insecticide to get rid of the infestation.

Once the smoke bomb is activated, you cannot return to the property for at least twenty-four hours (each product has a different time). In addition, if used in one apartment and not sealed correctly, extermination may cause the infestation to move to the adjoining apartment.

Here are some pros and cons of this treatment method:

Pros:

Comprehensive: Fumigation can eliminate bed bugs in all life stages, including eggs, and penetrate hard-to-reach areas.
Fast: Fumigation can be completed within a few days, and you can return to your treated room immediately after the treatment is completed.
Effective: Fumigation can be highly effective in eliminating bed bugs, as the gas or vapor can penetrate into cracks and crevices.
Versatile: Fumigation can be used to treat infestations in various settings, such as residential homes, hotels, and apartment buildings.
Preventive Measure: Fumigation can also be used as a preventative measure to prevent bed bug infestations in high-risk areas.

Cons:

Toxicity: Fumigation involves the use of toxic chemicals, which may be harmful to humans and pets. Proper safety measures must be taken during and after the treatment.
Preparation: Prior to the treatment, the infested area must be prepared by removing all flammable materials, electronics, and items that are sensitive to high temperatures.
Cost: Fumigation can be expensive compared to other treatment methods for bed bug eradication.
Limited Access: Fumigation may not be suitable for buildings or areas with limited access or that cannot be adequately sealed.
Professional Services: Fumigation requires the services of a professional pest control company, adding to the cost.

Heat Treatment – $3,500 average

The average cost of heat treatment is $3,500 compared to bed bug dust. Treatment quickly kills bed bugs by exposing them to temperatures greater than 45°c / 113°f. The heat needs to reach that temperature as fast as possible, or infestations may scatter into the next room or floor above.

When using heat to control an infestation, please remember that some material is more resistant to heat than others, such as your mattress or couch. For example, a thick mattress may prevent heat from penetrating the infestation inside.

Heat treatment is another popular method for eradicating bed bugs. It involves raising the temperature in the area being treated to a level that is lethal to bed bugs. Here are some pros and cons of this treatment method:

Pros:

Highly Effective: Heat treatment is one of the most effective methods for eradicating bed bugs. The high temperature can penetrate cracks and crevices, killing bed bugs and their eggs.
Chemical-Free: Heat treatment does not require chemicals, making it a safe and environmentally friendly option.
Fast: Heat treatment can be completed in a single day, and you can return to your treated room immediately after the treatment is completed.
No Residue: Heat treatment does not leave any residue, making it ideal for sensitive environments like hospitals, schools, and homes.
Comprehensive: Heat treatment is a comprehensive method for bed bug eradication, as it can eliminate bed bugs in all life stages, including eggs.

Cons:

Expensive: Heat treatment can be expensive compared to other treatment methods for bed bug eradication.
Equipment: Heat treatment requires specialized equipment and trained professionals to ensure proper temperature levels are reached and maintained throughout treatment.
Preparation: Before the treatment, the infested area must be prepared by removing all flammable materials, electronics, and items sensitive to high temperatures.
Limited Penetration: Heat treatment may not be effective in hard-to-reach areas or that are shielded from the heat, such as inside walls or under flooring.
Not a Preventive Measure: Heat treatment is not preventive for bed bug infestations. It only eliminates existing bed bugs and their eggs.

Overall, heat treatment can effectively and safely eliminate bed bugs, but it may not be the right solution for every situation.

Warning: This is something you want to avoid trying yourself! Some items, such as aerosol cans, may explode at high temperatures. The temperature which kills bedbugs is said to be 114 degrees Fahrenheit. Still, this temperature may damage photographs and other heat-sensitive materials.

Steam Treatment – $1,500 average

Steam treatment involves using high-temperature steam to penetrate surfaces and kill bed bugs and their eggs.

The average cost of steam treatment is $1,500. Treatment can also include a chemical spray such as d-Phenothrin, a non-systemic insecticide effective on contact. Others may use a mist, thermal fog, aerosol, or ULV application instead of spaying.

There are concerns about a bed bug’s ability to detect insecticide. As a result, companies may use Chlorfenapyr, a non-repellent that remains active for a short time.

Here are some pros and cons of this treatment method:

Pros:

Non-Toxic: Steam treatment is a non-toxic and chemical-free method of eliminating bed bugs, making it safe for humans and pets.
Effective: Steam treatment can be highly effective in killing bed bugs and their eggs, as the high temperature can penetrate cracks and crevices.
Fast: Steam treatment can be completed in a few hours, and you can return to your treated room immediately after the treatment is completed.
No Residue: Steam treatment does not leave any residue, making it ideal for sensitive environments like hospitals, schools, and homes.
Versatile: Steam treatment can be used on various surfaces, such as mattresses, furniture, and clothing.

Cons:

Limited Penetration: Steam treatment may not be effective in difficult-to-reach areas or that are shielded from the steam, such as inside walls or under flooring.
Multiple Treatments: Steam treatment may require multiple treatments to eliminate all bed bugs in severe infestations.
Preparation: Before the treatment, the infested area must be prepared by removing all flammable materials, electronics, and items sensitive to high temperatures.
Not a Preventive Measure: Steam treatment is not a preventive measure for bed bug infestations. It only eliminates existing bed bugs and their eggs.
Professional Services: The steam treatment usually requires the services of a professional pest control company, adding to the cost.

DIY Steam Treatment

If you’re going to buy a bed bug streamer for yourself, it is suggested you purchase one with the following features:

Low vapor and high-temperature steam.
Dry steam (it will still be damp. Air out after to prevent mold).
Use a machine that has a continuous flow to avoid “reheat” downtime.
Steam should not be too powerful so that bed bugs are not blown deeper into cracks.
Use a steamer with multiple jet steam heads.

During steam treatment, you must be as close to the bugs as possible, moving about 1 inch per 10 seconds. It only takes a few centimeters to decrease the temperature to a nonlethal dose, so move the steam head at 30cm every 10-15 seconds.

Start with the mattress making sure to treat the seams, labels, and other attachments. Next, move to the chairs and sofas, taking care with cushions, seams, and buttons.

Pull-out beds should be treated just like a mattress. Continue to
surrounding areas and move out from there.

Do not steam electrical outlets, as the steamer may make contact with wires.

Cryonite Treatment – $500 per room

The average cost of cold treatment is $500 per room. It is a chemical-free, non-toxic solution to eliminating bed bugs that may have become pesticide-resistant.

Cryonite looks like an oxygen tank on wheels with a nozzle; carbon dioxide snow freezes the inside of bed bugs on contact. Death occurs as snow crystals land on the bug and convert to CO2 gas, a reaction that causes the water in a bed bug’s cell to crystallize.

Freezing is poisonless and has the following advantages of other methods:

Non-Toxic: Cryonite treatment is a non-toxic and chemical-free method of eliminating bed bugs, making it safe for humans and pets.
Effective: The low temperature of the carbon dioxide used in Cryonite treatment can kill bed bugs in all life stages, including eggs.
Quick Results: The treatment can be completed quickly, and you can see results immediately. The bed bugs and their eggs will die instantly, and you can return to your treated room within a few hours. Hospitals, hotels, and nursing homes can function during treatment.
No Residue: Cryonite treatment does not leave any residue, unlike other treatment methods, making it ideal for sensitive environments like hospitals, schools, and homes. For kitchens, pest control can happen while food prep continues and can be used on surfaces in direct contact with food.
Minimal Preparation: Unlike other treatment methods, Cryonite treatment does not require extensive preparation. You do not have to remove furniture or belongings from the infested area.
No need to evacuate the area. You won’t have to sit in a bed bug cryo-chamber :)
Unlike other treatment methods, Cryonite treatment does not require extensive preparation. You do not have to remove furniture or belongings from the infested area. I’d still bag your clothing, wash with hot water (120+), clean, and vacuum after treatment.

The disadvantages of using cold treatment are:

Expensive: Cryonite treatment can be costly compared to other treatment methods for bed bug eradication.
Limited Penetration: The treatment is less effective in areas where the carbon dioxide cannot reach. Bed bugs that are hidden in cracks and crevices may not be eliminated by this method.
Multiple Treatments: Cryonite treatment may require multiple treatments to eliminate all bed bugs in severe infestations.
Not a Preventive Measure: Cryonite treatment is not a preventive measure for bed bug infestations. It only eliminates existing bed bugs and their eggs. Use bed bug powder to make sure they don’t come back.
Professional Services: Cryonite treatment requires the services of a professional pest control company, adding to the cost.

Overall, Cryonite treatment can effectively and safely eliminate bed bugs, but it may not be the best option for every situation. Consider the pros and cons to determine if this method is right for you.

Integrated Pest Management Cost (IPM) – $100 per month

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a complete approach to pest control that aims to manage pest populations by combining various methods in a safe, effective, and environmentally friendly manner.

The average Integrated Pest Management Cost (IPM) is about $100 per month, a monthly fee for monitoring bed bugs. Many professional pest control companies will combine the treatments above with an IPM plan that involves setting up bed bug detectors that alert the company of a reoccurring infestation.

Here are some pros and cons of this treatment method:

Pros:

Sustainable: IPM is a sustainable approach to pest control, as it reduces the need for chemicals and promotes natural and non-chemical pest management methods.
Customizable: IPM can be customized to meet the specific needs of each situation, taking into account the level of the infestation, and the environment in which the infestation occurs.
Effective: IPM can be highly effective in managing pest populations, combining various methods to achieve the best possible results.
Preventive Measure: IPM can also be used as a preventative measure to reduce the likelihood of future infestations.
Safe: IPM focuses on using safe methods for humans and the environment, minimizing the risks associated with chemical pesticides.

Cons:

Time-Consuming: IPM can be a time-consuming process, as it involves regular monitoring, identification, and analysis of pest populations.
Expertise: IPM requires a certain level of expertise to implement effectively, making it difficult for individuals without specialized training to carry out the process on their own.
Cost: IPM can be more expensive than other treatment methods, as it involves multiple methods and usually requires the services of a professional pest control company to do it correctly.
Limited Effectiveness: In some cases, IPM may not be effective enough to eliminate severe infestations, requiring other treatment methods.
Limited Resources: IPM may not be suitable for environments or situations with limited resources or requiring immediate and comprehensive treatment.

Inspection – $125 to $350

An inspection will cost about $125. The accuracy depends on the technician’s training and experience. There are several stories where nothing turned up during inspection until a bed bug sniffing dog was used (which costs about $350).

Bed Bug Fogger - $15 each

A bed bug fogger, or a bed bug bomb, is a pesticide application that releases an aerosol mist of insecticide into the air to kill bed bugs. They cost about $15 per can; however, the effectiveness of bed bug foggers is limited compared to bed bug dust.

Bed bug foggers can kill bed bugs on contact but have limited penetration capabilities, meaning they cannot penetrate cracks and crevices where bed bugs often hide.

As a result, bed bug foggers may not effectively eliminate all bed bugs in an infested area and may only kill a portion of the population. In addition, bed bug eggs are typically unaffected by bed bug foggers and may continue hatching after the treatment.

Furthermore, bed bug foggers can harm humans and pets if used improperly. Improper use or excessive exposure can result in health hazards, and the chemicals may leave a residue that can be harmful if ingested or inhaled.

While bed bug foggers can be convenient and affordable for eliminating visible bed bug infestations, many do not recommend them as a standalone treatment method.

We have many testimonials about foggers driving bed bugs into adjoining rooms and making the infestation worse, so carefully plan this out if you use this treatment method.

See People Bitten

See what bites look like on humans!

See the Bugs Up-Close!

Want to see what bed bugs look like up close?