Seattle's #1 Bed Bug Exterminator | Electric Heat Treatment
Custom Bedbug Inc has eliminated bed bugs from over 10,000 Washington homes since 2014. Our electric heat treatment is designed to eliminate all bed bugs—eggs, nymphs, and adults—in a single day when proper preparation guidelines are followed.* Every treatment is verified by third-party canine inspection, and we back our work with a satisfaction guarantee.
Serving Kent, Auburn, Federal Way, North Seattle, and all of Greater Seattle. Same-week service available. Licensed & insured pest control professionals specializing in bed bug heat treatment and canine detection.
Do I Have Bed Bugs? What Do They Look Like?
Bed bugs are small, reddish-brown insects about the size of an apple seed. Identifying them correctly is the first step to elimination. Here's what to look for at every life stage:
Adult Bed Bugs
Adults are 4-5mm long (about the size of an apple seed), flat and oval-shaped with a reddish-brown color. After feeding on blood, they become swollen and turn a darker red. They have 6 legs, antennae, and cannot fly or jump - they crawl from place to place.
Bed Bug Eggs & Nymphs
Eggs are tiny (about 1mm), white, and sticky - they're often laid in clusters in cracks and crevices. Nymphs (baby bed bugs) are smaller versions of adults, starting translucent/white and darkening as they mature. They molt 5 times before reaching adulthood, needing a blood meal between each molt.
Bed Bug Bites
Bites appear as red, itchy welts often in a line or cluster pattern (nicknamed "breakfast, lunch, and dinner"). They typically show up on exposed skin like arms, legs, neck, and face. However, not everyone reacts to bed bug bites - about 30% of people show no visible reaction at all.
Think You Have Bed Bugs?
Get professional identification and peace of mind. Our certified canine inspectors can detect bed bugs with 95%+ accuracy.
Get Canine Inspection - Starting at $250How Do I Check for Bed Bugs? 4-Step Inspection Guide
Early detection is key to preventing a full-blown infestation. Here's a systematic approach to checking for bed bugs in your home:
Step 1: Check Your Mattress & Box Spring
Remove all bedding and inspect the mattress seams, tags, and piping carefully. Look for live bugs, tiny white eggs, dark fecal spots (looks like pepper or ink stains), or shed skins. Use a flashlight and credit card to check inside seams and folds.
Step 2: Inspect Furniture & Cracks
Check bed frames, headboards, nightstands, and upholstered furniture. Pay special attention to cracks, crevices, joints, and screw holes. Bed bugs love to hide in tight spaces near where you sleep.
Step 3: Look for Warning Signs
Even if you don't see live bugs, look for evidence: blood spots on sheets (from crushed bugs), dark fecal stains, shed exoskeletons, and a sweet musty odor (described as smelling like coriander or almonds).
Step 4: Get Professional Canine Detection
Bed bugs can hide in places you'll never find - inside walls, electrical outlets, and furniture joints. Our third-party certified canine inspectors can detect bed bugs with 95%+ accuracy, finding hidden infestations before they spread.
Not Sure If You Have Bed Bugs?
Don't guess - get certainty. Our certified K9 detection team can confirm or rule out bed bugs in minutes.
Schedule Canine Inspection - Starting at $250How Do I Get Rid of Bed Bugs? Heat vs Chemicals
The harsh truth: most DIY methods and chemical treatments fail. Here's why professional electric heat treatment is the most effective method when properly applied.
Why Electric Heat Treatment Works
Heat kills bed bugs at ALL life stages - eggs, nymphs, and adults - in a single treatment. We use electric heaters (NOT propane) to raise your home's temperature to 120-135°F for several hours. This penetrates into mattresses, furniture, walls, and cracks where bed bugs hide. Unlike chemicals, heat leaves no place for bugs to escape.
Why Chemicals Fail
Bed bugs have developed resistance to most pesticides (CDC research confirms widespread pesticide resistance). Chemicals can't penetrate egg shells, so even if adults die, eggs hatch 7-10 days later and the cycle continues. Plus, some chemical services may require you to leave your home for days and can't reach bugs hiding deep inside furniture or walls.
The Real Cost Comparison: Heat vs. Chemicals
Chemical treatments might seem cheaper upfront, but they require 2-3 treatments over 6-8 weeks. Most chemical companies charge $400-600 per treatment, totaling $900-$1,800 or more—with NO guarantee of thorough elimination and months of ongoing infestation.
Our electric heat treatment starts at $1,200 for a single one-day treatment designed to eliminate bed bugs at all life stages—including eggs—when proper preparation is followed.* PLUS, we include a same day chemical treatment application (residual liquid and silica-based dust) to protect against any potential reinfestation. You're done in ONE day, verified by third-party canine inspection, with our real 30-day guarantee included.
Best value for smaller homes: Since heat treatment is priced by square footage, smaller apartments and condos get the biggest savings compared to chemical companies. You get heat + chemicals + canine verification for less than chemical-only companies charge for multiple treatments.
The choice is clear: Spend similar money for months of uncertainty and multiple treatments, or invest in ONE effective treatment with verified results.
Our Unique Approach: Timer-After-Temperature
Unlike competitors who start the timer when heat equipment turns on, we start the timer AFTER your home reaches lethal temperature. This ensures thorough elimination, not a rushed treatment to meet a deadline.
Third-Party Canine Verification
After treatment, an independent certified canine inspector verifies elimination. Studies show properly trained bed bug detection dogs achieve 95%+ accuracy rates. You don't have to take our word for it - you get unbiased confirmation that every bug is gone.
Ready to Eliminate Bed Bugs for Good?
One-day heat treatment starting at $1,200. Same-week service available. 30-day guarantee.
Get Free Heat Treatment QuoteWhy Choose Custom Bedbug Inc? 6 Differences That Matter
We're Not Just Another Pest Control Company
All we do is bed bugs. We're not a general pest control company that handles ants, rodents, and occasionally bed bugs. Bed bug elimination is our sole focus—it's all we've done since 2014. This specialization means we've perfected our process through 10,000+ treatments, invested in the best equipment, and trained our team exclusively in bed bug biology and behavior.
While general pest control companies are jacks-of-all-trades, we're masters of one. Here's what that specialization means for you:
1. Electric Heat (Not Propane)
Electric heaters are safer, cleaner, and more controllable than propane. Significantly reduced carbon monoxide risk, no fuel smell, reduced fire risk compared to open-flame propane heaters, and better temperature precision for thorough elimination. Virginia Tech Extension research confirms heat treatment as one of the most effective non-chemical control methods.
2. Timer-After-Temperature Policy
We don't start the clock until your home reaches lethal temperature. Other companies start timing when equipment turns on, rushing the treatment. We ensure thoroughness over speed.
3. Third-Party Canine Verification
Independent canine inspectors (not our employees) verify our work. You get unbiased confirmation, not just our word that the bugs are gone. This eliminates the conflict of interest other companies have.
4. "Alert" vs "Finding" Transparency
We explain the difference between a canine alert (dog smells something) and an actual finding (confirmed live bugs or eggs). Most companies don't make this distinction, leading to unnecessary treatments.
5. Privacy-Focused Service
We understand the stigma around bed bugs - they can happen to anyone, and your privacy is our top priority. Here's how we protect your discretion:
- No logos on our vehicles - We use unmarked service trucks, so neighbors won't know why we're there
- Discreet cover stories - If neighbors ask, we tell them we're drying carpets or doing HVAC work
- No pressure for public reviews - We never ask customers to leave public testimonials or Google reviews
- Your privacy and discretion are our top priorities - We get it, and we respect your need for confidentiality
6. Real 30-Day Guarantee
Here's how our guarantee protects you: If bed bugs return within 30 days AND you followed our prep instructions, we re-treat at no charge—no questions asked.
Why third-party canine verification matters: After treatment, an independent canine inspector confirms your home is bed bug-free. This protects both of us—you get unbiased proof that treatment worked, and the verification date establishes your 30-day guarantee period.
Understanding reinfestation: We also apply residual liquid treatments and silica-based dust for ongoing protection. However, bed bugs can be reintroduced from outside sources (shared custody situations, visiting friends/family, travel, etc.). The canine verification creates a clear baseline: if bugs are detected after that date, we know they came from elsewhere.
Licensed, insured, and standing behind our work since 2014. Over 10,000 satisfied customers trust our process.
Experience the Difference
10,000+ successful treatments. Licensed & insured. Serving Greater Seattle since 2014.
Call (866) 760-0116Preparation & What to Expect (Free Download Guides)
Proper preparation is critical for successful heat treatment. We provide comprehensive guides to ensure you're fully prepared for service day and know exactly what to expect.
Download Your Free Preparation Guides
Click any guide below to download the PDF:
Service Day Expectations
What to expect during treatment, timeline, and returning home safely
Download PDFPre-Treatment Checklist
Items to remove, preparation steps, and customer acknowledgment form
Download PDFReady to Schedule Your Treatment?
Download these guides now to prepare, or call us with any questions about the process.
Call (866) 760-0116Washington's Top 10 Bed Bug Hotspots
Based on 10,000+ jobs completed, we serve the cities most affected by bed bug infestations
We also serve Bellevue, Renton, Redmond, Kirkland, and all of Greater Seattle
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to the most common bed bug questions
How much does bed bug heat treatment cost?
Heat treatment starts at $1,200 for smaller homes. Canine inspections start at $250. Final pricing depends on your home's square footage and infestation severity. We provide free, no-obligation quotes. Call (866) 760-0116 for accurate pricing.
How long does heat treatment take?
Most treatments take 6-8 hours. We start the timer AFTER reaching lethal temperature (120-135°F), ensuring thorough elimination rather than rushing to meet a deadline.
Is heat treatment safe for my belongings?
Yes! Heat treatment is safe for most items. We provide a detailed prep list of items to remove (candles, medications, aerosols). Electronics, furniture, and clothing are all safe.
Do I need to leave during treatment?
Yes, you'll need to vacate for the duration of treatment (6-8 hours). Pets must also be removed. You can return the same day once treatment is complete and the home has cooled.
Ready to Eliminate Bed Bugs for Good?
Get a free quote and same-week service. Call now or request a quote online.
Licensed & Insured | 30-Day Guarantee | Serving Greater Seattle Since 2014
*Treatment Effectiveness: Heat treatment effectiveness depends on proper customer preparation, home conditions, and treatment protocol adherence. Our 30-day guarantee requires following all preparation instructions and applies to the treated area. Reinfestation from external sources (travel, visitors, shared custody, etc.) is not covered by the guarantee. While heat treatment is highly effective when properly applied, no pest control method can guarantee 100% elimination in all circumstances. Results may vary based on infestation severity, home construction, and customer compliance with preparation requirements.
Safety Notice: All electrical equipment carries inherent fire risk. Our electric heating systems are professional-grade and operated by trained technicians following strict safety protocols. However, as with any electrical equipment, absolute safety cannot be guaranteed. We carry full liability insurance and follow all manufacturer safety guidelines and industry best practices.