Bed bug treatment is a specialized pest control service that eliminates bed bugs and their eggs from homes, apartments, and businesses. It matters because bed bugs spread quickly, cause itchy bites, and can be very difficult to remove without a strategic approach. Use Pest Crews to explore local bed bug exterminators, read customer feedback, and request quotes so you can choose the right pro with confidence.

Jarrod's Pest Control

5344 Kolb Ave, Columbus, GA 31904

Jarrod's Pest Control is a pest management company based in Columbus, GA, offering services for both residential and commercial properties. They handle a wide range of pests including bed bugs, cockroaches, ants, rodents, termites, mosquitoes, and wildlife such as raccoons and bats. Their termite control includes inspections and treatment, with termite letters available for home sales and purchases. Jarrod's Pest Control serves multiple communities in Georgia and Alabama, providing tailored pest control solutions to address local pest challenges. They also offer emergency pest control services.

4.9

457 Reviews

Knox Pest Control - Columbus

8158 Fortson Business Park Blvd, Columbus, GA 31909

Knox Pest Control - Columbus provides comprehensive pest control services in Columbus, GA, including treatment for bed bugs, ants, cockroaches, termites, mosquitoes, and wildlife removal. As part of one of the largest pest control companies in the Southeast, Knox offers same-day and next-day service with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Their expertise includes termite control to protect homes from damage and humane wildlife management. Knox Pest Control is a fourth-generation family-owned business serving Georgia, Alabama, Florida, South Carolina, and Mississippi.

4.8

929 Reviews

Orkin

5899 Coca Cola Blvd, Columbus, GA 31909

Orkin provides residential and commercial pest control services in Columbus, Georgia. With over 120 years of experience, they handle a wide range of pests including bed bugs, termites, rodents, ants, cockroaches, mosquitoes, and wildlife. Orkin offers specialized termite treatments using methods like dry foam void filler, Sentricon® bait, and liquid barriers to protect property structures. They also provide lifecycle-based bed bug control and seasonal pest management tailored to Columbus's climate. Orkin is available with next-day scheduling and answers calls 24/7 to support pest control needs in the area.

4.8

906 Reviews

All Star Pest Control

4719 Milgen Rd, Columbus, GA 31907

All Star Pest Control is a full-service pest control company based in Columbus, GA. They provide treatment and inspection services for a variety of pests including bed bugs, cockroaches, ants, rodents, and termites. The company offers commercial and residential pest control solutions and features an entomologist on staff for expert advice. They provide a 58-point pest analysis and are available 24/7 for questions or issues related to pest control.

4.7

294 Reviews

Northwest Exterminating - Columbus

1474 Concord Blvd, Columbus, GA 31904

Northwest Exterminating - Columbus provides pest and wildlife control services in Columbus, GA, and surrounding areas including Buena Vista, Cusseta, and Fort Benning. The company offers environmentally friendly pest management solutions for homes and businesses, covering termites, mosquitoes, rodents, bed bugs, fleas, ticks, and wildlife removal. Their services include green pest control programs, termite protection with Sentricon®, mosquito reduction, and attic insulation with pest-resistant borates. With over 70 years of experience, Northwest Exterminating focuses on creating healthier living and working environments through proactive and family-safe treatments.

4.7

164 Reviews

See more providers in Columbus, GA

Bed bug treatment is a targeted process to detect, control, and eliminate bed bugs (Cimex lectularius) at every life stage-egg, nymph, and adult. Because these pests hide in tiny cracks near where people sleep or sit, successful treatment usually combines multiple tools and visits instead of a single "one-and-done" appointment.

Common treatment approaches include:

• Heat remediation: Raising room temperatures to lethal levels (typically 120-140°F) long enough to kill bugs and eggs in furniture, walls, and belongings.
• Conventional applications: Using labeled residual and contact insecticides strategically in seams, baseboards, and harborages, often over two or more visits.
• Steam and targeted mechanical control: Applying high-temperature steam to seams, joints, and fabrics; vacuuming live bugs and eggs; and installing encasements and interceptors.
• Whole-structure fumigation: Less common for residences; sometimes used in severe or sensitive situations where other methods aren't feasible.

Effective programs use an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach-inspection, identification, preparation, treatment, follow-up monitoring, and prevention education.

Signs you might need bed bug treatment

Not every itchy bump is a bed bug bite, but these clues should put you on alert:

• Small, rust-colored stains or dark spotting on sheets, mattress seams, or box springs.
• Shed skins and pearly white eggs (about the size of a pinhead) in crevices.
• Live bugs in mattress piping, bed frames, headboards, couches, or behind baseboards.
• A sweet, musty odor in heavy infestations.
• Bites that appear in clusters or lines on exposed skin (though reactions vary widely).

If you suspect bed bugs, limit movement of belongings to avoid spreading them, and capture a specimen or take a clear photo to help with identification.

How to choose a bed bug exterminator

The right pro pairs technical expertise with a clear plan and communication. When comparing companies on Pest Crews, look for:

• Licensing and insurance in your state.
• Specific experience with bed bug work in homes or multi-unit buildings.
• A documented inspection process (visual and, if offered, K-9 teams).
• Clear treatment methods and product names, including safety information.
• A defined follow-up schedule and monitoring plan.
• Realistic warranties that explain what's covered, for how long, and responsibilities on both sides.
• Transparent pricing and written preparation instructions.

Ask for a written scope of work so you can compare apples to apples across multiple quotes.

Ready to compare local pros? It's quick and free.

Typical costs and what affects them

Pricing varies by city, dwelling type, and infestation level, but these ballpark figures can help you budget:

• Inspection: $75-$300 for a standard visual inspection; K-9 inspections often $200-$500.
• Single-room or light infestation: $300-$800+ per room for conventional applications with at least one follow-up visit.
• Whole-home heat treatment: Frequently $1,000-$4,000+ depending on size, layout, and contents.
• Follow-up visits and monitoring: Sometimes included; sometimes billed separately.
• Add-ons: Mattress/box spring encasements ($20-$100 each), interceptors, or heavy prep services may be extra.

Key cost drivers:

• Size and layout of the space (more rooms and belongings require more time and equipment).
• Severity and spread (localized vs. multiple rooms or units).
• Treatment method (heat is equipment- and labor-intensive; conventional may require multiple visits).
• Clutter and preparation needs (extensive prep or laundering increases time and cost).
• Building type (apartments and row homes may need adjacent-unit checks).
• Warranty length and reservice policy.

Tip: Ask each provider to detail what's included in the price-number of visits, areas treated, monitoring devices, and any retreatment terms-so the quotes are directly comparable.

How long does bed bug treatment take?

A typical timeline looks like this:

• Initial call and inspection: Same week in many markets; 60-120 minutes on site depending on size and complexity.
• Preparation period: 1-7 days, depending on the checklist and your schedule.
• First treatment: 2-6 hours for a conventional service; 6-10+ hours for heat remediation, depending on home size and contents.
• Follow-up visits: Often 7-14 days after the first service to target newly hatched nymphs and to monitor.
• Clearance/monitoring: Many pros recommend 2-6 weeks of monitoring before declaring success, with additional checks if activity persists.

Apartments and multi-family buildings may need coordinated scheduling with neighbors or property management to prevent reintroduction.

Key components of an effective bed bug program

The best results usually come from a layered strategy:

• Careful inspection: Bed frames, headboards, furniture joints, baseboards, outlet plates, and soft furnishings.
• Physical removal: HEPA vacuuming and steam reduce active populations and expose hiding spots.
• Targeted applications: Labeled residuals and desiccant dusts in cracks and voids where bugs travel and hide.
• Heat or high-temperature steam: Penetrates fabrics and crevices that chemicals may not reach as effectively.
• Encasements and interceptors: Mattress/box spring encasements lock in any remaining bugs and protect against future harborage; interceptors help monitor activity and reduce bites.
• Follow-up and monitoring: Scheduled reinspections and traps confirm progress and catch stragglers.

Preparation tips: how to get your home ready

Good prep often makes the difference between a quick resolution and a drawn-out battle. Follow your provider's specific checklist, and consider these general guidelines:

• Reduce clutter near beds and seating areas so treatments reach all harborages.
• Launder bedding, curtains, and washable clothing on hot (wash and dry) and store cleaned items in sealed bags until the final clearance.
• Use dissolvable laundry bags or large trash bags to move items; keep "clean" and "unclean" separated.
• Vacuum seams, crevices, and floors with a hose attachment; seal and dispose of vacuum bags outside.
• Install mattress and box spring encasements after the first service unless instructed otherwise.
• For heat treatments: Remove aerosols, candles, cosmetics that melt, vinyl records, houseplants, pets, and sensitive electronics per your pro's guidance.
• For conventional treatments: Avoid deep-cleaning treated zones for the period your pro specifies so residuals keep working.
• Do not move infested items to common areas or vehicles; you can spread the problem.

If you rent, coordinate with your landlord or property manager so building-wide protocols are followed.

Smart ways to compare quotes

Bed bug projects are not all the same, so align your comparisons:

• Scope specifics: Which rooms and furniture are included? Are closets, couches, and adjacent units addressed?
• Method details: Heat, conventional, or a hybrid? Will steam or dusts be used? Ask for product names and EPA registration numbers for transparency.
• Visit count: How many visits are built in, and at what intervals?
• Monitoring: Are interceptors or bed bug monitors included? For how long?
• Prep support: Is prep assistance available? What happens if prep isn't perfect?
• Warranty: Length, coverage, retreat limits, and what voids it.
• Documentation: Will you receive inspection notes, photos, or a treatment map?

Getting at least two or three detailed proposals helps you see the differences in approach, timeline, and value.

Questions to ask potential providers

• How many bed bug jobs do you complete in a typical month?
• What inspection method will you use (visual, K-9, or both)? If K-9 is used, how is the team trained and validated?
• Which treatment method do you recommend for my situation, and why?
• What products or equipment will you use, and what are the safety precautions?
• How many visits are included, and what does each visit involve?
• What should I do to prepare before and after treatments?
• What warranty do you offer, and what does it require from me?
• How will we confirm the infestation is gone (interceptors, re-inspections, K-9 clearance)?
• If I live in a multi-unit building, how will you prevent reintroduction from neighboring units?

Bed bug treatment methods explained

• Heat remediation: Specialized heaters and fans raise ambient temperatures long enough to kill bed bugs and eggs. Pros: One-day turnaround, penetrates fabrics and cracks. Considerations: Requires extensive setup, power management, and careful handling of heat-sensitive items; may still include targeted residuals for long-term protection.
• Conventional applications: Residual and contact insecticides applied precisely to seams, cracks, voids, and travel paths. Pros: Cost-effective, excellent for follow-up control. Considerations: Usually requires two or more visits and careful resident cooperation.
• Steam: Directs 200°F+ steam into seams and joints, instantly killing bugs and eggs. Pros: No chemical residue, great for upholstered furniture and mattresses. Considerations: Labor-intensive; typically paired with other methods.
• Desiccant dusts and void treatments: Silica gel or diatomaceous earth dusts in wall voids, outlets, and cracks. Pros: Long-lasting in dry areas; effective when placed correctly. Considerations: Must be applied professionally and sparingly for safety.
• Whole-structure fumigation: A sealed, gas-based treatment that reaches everywhere. Pros: Comprehensive. Considerations: Expensive, logistically complex, and less common for typical residences.

Most successful programs blend techniques to ensure immediate knockdown and sustained control.

For landlords and property managers

Bed bugs are a building-wide issue. Strong programs typically include:

• Fast response to reports, plus education for residents about early detection.
• Inspections of units above, below, and adjacent to the affected unit(s).
• Clear preparation instructions in multiple languages if needed.
• Coordinated scheduling to minimize reintroduction.
• Documentation of findings, treatments, and resident cooperation.
• A reinspection schedule using interceptors, monitors, or K-9 teams when practical.

Policies that encourage prompt reporting and avoid blame tend to resolve infestations faster.

Warranties and guarantees-what to know

Bed bug warranties vary widely by method and provider. Common arrangements include:

• Time-limited coverage (often 30-90 days) starting on the initial or final treatment date.
• Free or discounted retreatments if live activity is detected within the window.
• Requirements for resident cooperation (prep, encasements, reducing clutter, limiting used furniture).
• Exclusions for new introductions (for example, from travel or secondhand items).

Read the fine print. A realistic warranty balances your need for peace of mind with the biology and behavior of bed bugs.

Aftercare and prevention tips

• Keep encasements on mattresses and box springs for at least a year to trap any survivors and simplify inspections.
• Use interceptors under bed and furniture legs to monitor activity.
• Reduce clutter and seal cracks around baseboards and outlets to remove hiding spots.
• Be cautious with secondhand furniture-inspect seams and joints carefully or avoid upholstered items entirely.
• Travel smart: Inspect hotel beds, keep luggage off the floor, use a hard-sided suitcase, and launder travel clothes on hot when you return.

Consistency with these habits helps prevent a repeat problem.

Safety and comfort considerations

Modern bed bug treatments, when performed by licensed professionals according to label directions, are designed with occupant safety in mind. You'll typically be asked to vacate during service and return after a specified period. Share any health concerns (allergies, asthma, pregnancy, pets) with your provider so they can tailor the plan. For heat services, discuss protection of sensitive items and electronics ahead of time.

How Pest Crews helps you find the right pro

Pest Crews is a service directory where you can discover local bed bug extermination companies, see what customers say, and request multiple quotes. Providers manage their own listings and details. Because we don't pre-vet contractors or perform any pest control work ourselves, it's important to review credentials, compare proposals carefully, and choose the company that best fits your needs and budget.

Final thoughts

Bed bugs are stressful, but a clear plan and the right professional make all the difference. Use Pest Crews to explore nearby bed bug treatment exterminators, compare quotes, and move forward with confidence.

Frequently asked questions