Consider professional chemical treatment as heat alternative

What to Do

Hire a licensed pest control professional to apply targeted chemical treatment using EPA-approved bed bug insecticides. This typically involves 2-3 visits spaced 2 weeks apart, applying residual insecticides to cracks, crevices, bed frames, and baseboards.

Why It Works

Chemical treatment is less expensive than heat treatment and provides residual protection for months after application, killing bugs that emerge from hiding or are reintroduced. Multiple visits are necessary because most chemicals do not kill eggs — follow-up treatments catch newly hatched nymphs.

Tips

• Cost: $150-400 per room, $1,000-2,500 whole home
• Requires 2-3 visits over 4-6 weeks for full effectiveness
• Pesticide-resistant bed bug populations are increasing — professionals use combination products and desiccant dusts to overcome resistance
• A combination of heat + chemical is the most effective approach overall
• Never apply pesticides to mattress surfaces unless the label specifically permits it