If you cannot afford an exterminator which typically costs $1,000 to $3,000 for whole-home heat treatment, you can attempt DIY bed bug control with intensive effort, though it is difficult and requires persistence over several weeks because bed bugs hide well and resist many sprays. The most effective low-cost methods focus on heat and physical removal rather than chemicals alone. Start by washing all bedding, clothing, and linens in hot water and drying on high heat above 120 degrees Fahrenheit for at least 30 minutes, which kills all life stages including eggs, and bag clean items in sealed plastic bags. Vacuum thoroughly every day including mattress seams, box springs, bed frames, baseboards, and floors, and immediately seal the vacuum bag in plastic and dispose outside. Encase your mattress and box spring in bed bug-proof encasements costing $30 to $60 each, which traps bugs inside to starve and prevents new ones from hiding. Reduce clutter and move bed away from walls, placing bed legs in small bowls of soapy water or using $15 bed bug interceptors to trap climbing bugs. Use food-grade diatomaceous earth lightly dusted in cracks and behind baseboards to dehydrate bugs over several days, wearing a mask to avoid inhaling. Steam cleaning mattresses and furniture at over 200 degrees Fahrenheit can kill on contact. Avoid bringing in used furniture and inspect secondhand items. While these DIY steps can reduce numbers, severe infestations often require professional help, so check for local health department assistance programs, nonprofits, or payment plans.
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