Bedbug Management Plan Exterminator Selection Tips

The information listed below is from the New York Times article "Sleeping with the Enemy (Bed Bugs)." Please note that the information listed is provided as a reference only. If the presence of bed bugs is suspected, immediate action should be taken.

• Most successful treatment efforts include a combination of a thorough cleaning and sorting, along with repeated professional bed bug treatment applications.
• Many pest control companies will perform a visual inspection at no charge in hopes that if you have bed bugs, you'll hire them to do the treatment.
• According to the article, you should be wary of pest control companies that emphasize their bed bug expertise.
• Find an established pest control company that has been in business at least five years.
• The article states that exterminators may charge $250 to $900 a room to get rid of bed bugs, depending on the level of infestation and the types of treatments used. Prices in our local area may vary.
• Be sure the exterminator makes at least one follow-up visit. According to the article it's near impossible to kill all bed bugs in a given area with one treatment.
• Ask if follow-up treatments are included in the price quoted to you.
• Check to see that the company and technician you hire are licensed in your state.
• Check the Better Business Bureau for any complaints filed against the exterminators you are considering.