Choosing the right bed bug exterminator (also called a Pest Control Operator, or PCO) to deal with your bed bug problem is critical. This is such a new, exploding phenomenon that many bed bug exterminatorss still don’t have a lot of experience with bed bugs. That’s changing, especially cities where the problem is getting out of control (like New York, Vancouver, Miami). But for other towns away from the big infestations, you need to do your homework.

Here’s how you can separate the pros from the cons.

Try to get a feel for the pricing in your area.  Prices vary by region, size of the problem, and other factors.  But expect the initial treatment to cost several hundred dollars, with follow-ups costing somewhat less.  Don’t go with the cheapest company you find, and don’t go with the most expensive one.  Try to get an idea of what your market’s average price is for treating bed bugs, and go with the company that’s in the middle.

If they have never treated bed bugs, that’s a bad sign.  Bed bugs are not like treating ants or roaches – they are very tough to eradicate, and you can’t just put out a couple of traps or spray the baseboards and call it a day.  It is ideal if they have technicians who specialize in bed bugs.

Ask specifically for the names of people whose homes they have treated for bed bugs.  Then follow up, and actually call those people.

Ask a lot of dumb questions. If they say that they’ll send someone out to spray your house and that’ll take care of it – walk away.  Bed bugs ALWAYS require multiple treatments - at least two or three, every couple of weeks, and all that should be included in the price.  Some operators will come out to your place as often as needed for a year. 

A good bed bug exterminator will give you detailed instructions about what to do before, during and after treatment.  They’ll tell you how to vacuum for bugs, bag your clothing, etc.  If the company doesn’t have a standard treatment plan, that’s a sign that they don’t have a lot of experience with bed bugs. 

Ideally, your bed bug exterminator should give you information sheets on the substances they will use, how they will be used, the dangers of the substances, and so forth.    You should also get a copy of the label that accompanies the chemical that the bed bug exterminator will use.  That label will have all the important information, including applications, risks, etc. 

And when you get into the details, don’t freak out if they say that their plan requires that you sleep in your bed and act as “bait” for the bugs.  That’s a standard procedure. 

Also, don’t get upset if they refuse to treat your place until they are sure that you have bed bugs.  Yes, you might be getting bitten, but until they have found a bed bug, fecal spots, cast skins or something definitive, most PCOs won’t start.  The reason is that the various pesticides and treatment protocols are specifically designed for killing specific bugs.  And in many municipalities, it is illegal for an exterminator to treat a home unless they know what they are targeting.

You want them to pay for any damage to your home, as well as to cover injury that their technicians might suffer at your home.

This isn’t a deal breaker – when treating bed bugs, some places won’t offer one.  If they offer one, that’s very good.  But if you live in a multi-unit building, chances are that there will be no guarantee.  They can’t help it if your neighbor does nothing about their bed bugs and they then get into your place. 

But basically, you want a bed bug exterminator that will keep treating your home until you do not feel any more bites.  Note, however, that the process of eliminating an infestation can take months.

Ask to see their license, or check with your local regulatory agency.  For example, if you live in New York, you can contact the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation at 718-482-4994, or check license status on the web http://www.dec.ny.gov/permits/209.html .  If you live in California, you can check here: http://www.pestboard.ca.gov/ . 

Otherwise, just go to Google, and search for “pest control license” and the name of your state.  The relevant agency should be at the top of the results.

http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/bedbugger/
http://bedbugger.com/forum/

There are many experienced people who frequent these sites and they are willing to share their experiences. 

Also, check http://www.angieslist.com/ .   They have plenty of reviews of contractors, plumbers, and yes, pest control companies, submitted by customers.  Some firms will give discounts if you mention that you found them on Angie’s List.  Note that it costs a fee to join.

Another good source is the National Pest Management Association’s website.  This is a trade group for pest control companies, and you can search for pest control professionals by zip code here: http://www.pestworld.org/consumer/find.asp

Insider Tip: Pesticide Check