- Heat treatment: around £500 to £800 per room, usually one visit.
- Insecticide treatment: around £350 to £550, usually 2 to 3 visits.
- Whole home: around £700 to £2,000 depending on size and spread.
- Protecting the bed afterwards with a full-zip encasement: from £149 per mattress.
Prices vary a lot by area, property size and how far the bugs have spread, so treat these as typical quoted ranges from published UK pest control price guides, not fixed prices. Always get at least two written quotes that say how many visits are included and what the guarantee covers.
Bed bug cost calculator
Estimates only, based on typical published UK prices for 2025 to 2026. Your quote will vary.
Heat vs insecticide vs DIY
| Heat treatment | Insecticide | DIY with encasement | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Typical cost | £500 to £800 per room | £350 to £550 | From around £150 to £350 |
| Visits | Usually 1 | Usually 2 to 3 | Ongoing routine |
| Kills eggs | Yes | Not always, so repeat visits | Washing and steam do; encasement traps them |
| Best for | Fast results, heavier infestations | Lower upfront cost | Early, single-bed cases |
| Watch out for | Prep: heat-sensitive items out | Leaving home during treatment | Bites after 2 weeks means call a pro |
Do councils still treat bed bugs?
Some UK councils still run a pest control service and charge less than private firms. Many have stopped treating bed bugs or only offer it to certain residents. Search your council's website for "pest control bed bugs" to check.
How to avoid paying twice
The most expensive bed bug problem is the one that comes back. Treatments kill what they reach, but bugs and eggs deep in mattress seams can survive, and the cycle starts again. That is why most pest controllers recommend encasing the mattress after treatment and leaving the encasement on for 12 months.
- Ask whether the quote includes a follow-up visit and a guarantee.
- Do the prep list properly: bag, hot wash and dry bedding and clothes.
- Fit a full-zip encasement as soon as it is safe after treatment.
- If you have a divan or fabric bed base, consider replacing it with a sealed steel frame with nothing for bugs to hide in.
Frequently asked questions
Is heat treatment worth it for bed bugs?
For heavier infestations, often yes. It kills all life stages in one visit and avoids repeat chemical treatments, though it costs more upfront.
Who pays for bed bug treatment when renting?
It depends on your tenancy and how the infestation started. Tell your landlord or agent in writing straight away and check your agreement. Your council's private housing team can advise.
Can I get rid of bed bugs without paying a pest controller?
Sometimes, if it is caught early and limited to one bed: 60°C washing, vacuuming, steaming and a full-zip encasement. If bites continue after 2 weeks or bugs are in other rooms, call a professional.
Protect the bed, protect what you spend
A full-zip encasement traps survivors after treatment and keeps new bugs out of the mattress for years.
Shop the bed bug encasement Protect the whole bedWritten by Richard Williams, founder of iDustMite, former NHS worker, guest speaker at the Allergy UK Show in 2025 and 2026, and adviser on over 1,000 one-to-one bedroom consultations. Prices reviewed October 2026.
