The average cost of a one-time pest control visit is $100–$600. An annual pest control plan typically costs between $300 and $900. You can also choose monthly or quarterly service. A recurring plan can be a good idea if you’re dealing with infestations or want to ensure adequate prevention.
Specialty services vary in price. Termite treatments, for example, cost between $225 and $8,000, depending on the severity of the infestation. Termite extermination typically isn’t covered under standard plans due to the special baits and trained personnel required. Your location can also affect pest control pricing.
Pests pose a serious health and safety risk for homeowners, property managers, and business owners. Some pests, such as rats and termites, can inflict serious structural damage that costs tens of thousands of dollars to repair. By working with a reputable pest control company, you can spot potential problems early and eliminate them before they become full-blown infestations.
This article outlines everything you need to know about the price of pest control services. We’ll look at baseline pricing, the cost of different service options, and DIY pest control.
Our recommendations are backed by pest control industry cost data from HomeGuide and other reliable sources.
This site receives compensation from the companies featured in this listing, which may impact where and how products appear. This listing doesn’t feature all companies, products, or offers that may be available.
What Are the Most Common Types of Pests and Their Treatment Costs?
Pest control prices vary with each type of common pest. Some pests are relatively inexpensive and included in most basic pest control services. Other pests, such as termites, rodents, and bed bugs, commonly require specialized removal and cost much more.
The following table outlines some common household pests and how much you can expect to pay to exterminate them.
| Pest | Average Cost |
| Ants (typically carpenter ants) | $200–$300 |
| Bats | $200–$600 |
| Bed bugs | $300–$500 per room |
| Fleas | $200–$400 |
| Moths | $150–$300 |
| Mosquitos | $350–$1,000 per season |
| Roaches | $150–$500 per treatment |
| Rodents | $150–$600 |
| Silverfish | $100–$400 |
| Spiders | $100–$300 |
| Termites (inspection) | $75–$150 |
| Termites (exterior treatment) | $225–$2,500 |
| Termites (whole-home treatment) | $2,000–$8,000 |
| Ticks | $200–$500 |
| Wasps | $300–$700 |
| Wood-boring beetles | $1,500–$5,000 |
Ants: Ants extermination costs $200 to $300. They are best controlled with liquid insecticide and bait traps, which are almost always effective at keeping ants out and killing their nest. The downside is that sprays and traps may not be pet- or child-safe.
Bats: Bat removal costs $200 to $600. In most cases, bats cannot be exterminated since they’re considered protected animals. Instead, you must hire a pest control company for relocation and exclusion. This process involves getting these critters out and then sealing possible entry points.
Bed Bugs: Bed bugs can be expensive to exterminate. Expect to pay $300 to $500 per room or $2,500 to $5,000 to have your entire house treated. Depending on the size, nature, and location of the bed bug infestation, pest control companies will use varying removal methods including heat treatments, pesticide powder, mattress encasements and removal, crack or spot treatment, and fumigation.
Fleas: Flea exterminators charge $200 to $400 for a one-time treatment or $300 to $600 per year. Treatments comprise pesticide application and cleaning of flea-infected areas.
Moths: Moth removal costs $150 to $300. Pest control companies can use sprays or fumigation to remove moths. Both methods kill moths quickly but can require the residents to vacate the home until the fumes have cleared.
Mosquitoes: Mosquito control costs $80 to $150 per visit or $350 to $1,000 per season. The most effective method is consistent repeat treatment of nesting areas to kill young larvae and eggs. This treatment, while effective, requires constant reapplication throughout the mosquito season.
Roaches: Cockroach extermination costs $150 to $500. For light cockroach problems, spraying can be effective, but for complete infestations, fumigation is typically needed. Cockroaches are some of the most difficult pests to get rid of for good, but fumigation is typically effective.
Rodents: Rodent removal costs vary by type. Mice extermination costs $150 to $550 and rat extermination costs $150 to $600. Pest control professionals use a combination of bait stations and physical traps to get rid of mice and rats. Once most of the rodents are dead, the company will typically remove them and clean out their nests.
Silverfish: Silverfish removal costs $100 to $400. Pesticides or widespread application of diatomaceous earth is typically the most effective method for removing silverfish. Diatomaceous earth is safe for humans and pets while highly lethal to insects, making it ideal for inside pests like silverfish.
Spiders: Spider control costs $100 to $300. Pest control companies use a combination of pesticides and the destruction of nest areas to eliminate spiders. Most pesticides for spiders can be sprayed outside the home for exclusion, making them effective and non-intrusive.
Termites: Termites are among the most difficult pests to eliminate due to how deeply they can ingrain themselves into your home, making termite extermination expenses quite high at $2,000 to $8,000 for whole-home tenting. Most pest control companies use specially designed baits and sprays to eliminate termites at their source, which costs $225 to $2,500 depending on property size. An initial termite inspection costs $75 to $150.
Spotting termites early is essential in keeping your home in one piece. Look for small piles of sawdust-like droppings called frass along baseboards and walls. Additionally, in the springtime, watch out for discarded sets of wings on windowsills. Both of these are telltale signs of termite invasions.
Ticks: Tick control costs $200 to $500. Sprays and granules combined with good lawn care are the best ways to keep ticks out of your property. Unfortunately, while effective, some common tick pesticides can be toxic to local wildlife, including cats.
Wasps: Wasp control costs $300 to $700. Pest control companies use sprays combined with the physical destruction of nests to eliminate most wasps. Some species, such as ground-dwelling wasps, can require more specialized treatment, which will cost more than standard wasp control.
Wood-boring beetles: Removing wood-boring beetles costs $1,500 to $5,000. Like termites, wood-boring beetles can be extremely difficult to remove. Fumigation is one of the most effective ways to clear them out of your home, but you and your family must vacate the premises in the meantime.
What Factors Affect Pest Control Pricing?
Anything that makes the removal process more difficult or time-consuming will add to your pest control bill. Major factors that can affect the price of your pest control service include:
- Property size: The larger the home or business, the more labor hours and materials are needed to protect it.
- Infestation location: Hard-to-reach areas can require specialized tools, or more time-consuming approaches to navigate, making them more expensive to treat.
- Infestation size: Larger infestations will be more difficult to exterminate, requiring extra labor hours, materials, and specialized techniques.
- Treatment type and product quality: Some pests can be difficult to exterminate, requiring more expensive and higher-quality treatments.
- Service frequency: Some pests require more frequent or intensive treatment services. These situations carry a higher cost compared to standard services.
- Region: Some regions and climates in the United States will have more dangerous pests, or a greater variety of pests, making treatments and inspections more costly.
How Do Pest Control Service Options and Costs Compare?
When working with a pest control company, homeowners can choose between several different types of services, specifically annual, quarterly, monthly, and one-time services. Here is the average cost breakdown for different service increments for pest control companies based on a 1,500-square-foot home:
| Service Frequency | Average Cost |
|---|---|
|
One-time visit |
$100–$600 |
|
Monthly service |
$150–$300 (first visit) $40–$70 (subsequent visits) |
|
Quarterly service |
$100–$300 |
|
Annual service |
$300–$900 |
- One-time visit: This one-time treatment includes an inspection, diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up (if needed), costing $100 to $600. Single visits can be great options for removing light infestations or nuisance pests. A single visit can handle wasps, ants, and most wildlife calls.
- Monthly service: After an initial visit, with an average cost of $150 to $300, this recurring service provides regular monthly inspections and treatments, costing between $40 to $70. Some pests can require regular treatment for a time to remove completely, making this service choice ideal. A monthly service often handles rodents, termites, and wood-boring beetles.
- Quarterly service: Quarterly visits provide regular inspections and treatments every three months, costing between $100 to $300. This service option works best for homes where pests are common or businesses needing constant pest control treatments.
- Annual service: A recurring service that provides regular inspections and treatments once a year, costing between $300 to $900. Some pests are only a seasonal problem, requiring a yearly service to prevent them. This service handles pests such as ticks, mosquitoes, spiders, and wasps.
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How To Minimize Costs When Hiring a Pest Control Company
While pest control can be expensive, especially in the case of severe infestations, there’s plenty you can do to reduce exterminator costs.
Shop for the Right Company
Always thoroughly research local pest control companies before hiring. We recommend looking at work history, customer service reviews, and common complaints. Once you’ve found a few promising options, get a quote from each source to compare and find the best company for a reasonable price.
Take Preventative Measures
Know what pest problems your home is susceptible to and take preventative measures to mitigate them. For example, if your home is prone to mosquitoes, take active steps to keep them away, like eliminating standing water. By undertaking basic pest management practices, you can reduce the number of inspections and treatments needed by pest companies.
DIY Vs. Professional Pest Control: Which One Is Better?
Many homeowners opt for DIY pest control. This approach can sometimes save you money, but it isn’t enough to handle a serious infestation. If your home is experiencing major pest problems, it’s best to go with a pest control company. Pest control professionals have the skills, equipment, and experience to properly diagnose and deal with the infestation.
Each approach has its benefits and drawbacks.
Pros
- More effective, as it can handle pest infestations of any size
- Faster and less labor on the part of the homeowner
- More safe and eco-friendly
Cons
- More expensive upfront cost
- Less control over products and methods
Pros
- More control over products and methods
- Cheaper upfront cost
Cons
- Less effective and can’t handle major infestations
- More time-consuming
- No guarantee or warranty
So, What’s Our Take on the Cost of Pest Control?
Pest control is essential in securing the safety and comfort of your home. While plenty of DIY options are available, to be fully protected against pests, you’ll need the help of a professional. We recommend Terminix as the best pest control company to go with. Terminix has multiple service plans covering most household pests, with additional options for termites, bed bugs, and mosquito removal.
The cost of professional pest control varies depending on factors such as the location of your house, the pest type, and the infestation level. However, pest control costs typically range between $300 and $900 annually for standard plans. For more specialized services, like termite control, you can typically expect to pay between $225 and $8,000.
This site receives compensation from the companies featured in this listing, which may impact where and how products appear. This listing doesn’t feature all companies, products, or offers that may be available.
FAQs About Pest Control Costs
Paying for professional pest control is worth it for extensive infestations. Professional pest control technicians have the training, experience, and equipment to do the job thoroughly and save you a significant amount of time. They often provide ongoing prevention strategies to help keep infestations from returning, which can save you money on future pest control visits.
Ultimately, whether professional pest control is worthwhile depends on your situation and budget. There are instances where you might be able to get rid of the problem yourself if you have a small infestation and you have the time to dedicate to it.
For example, if you see a few stray ants in your home, you may be able to eliminate the problem with store-bought ant traps. However, if you see a swarm of ants, seek professional pest control services as soon as possible.
The advantages of paying for pest control services include service from a professionally trained technician who is experienced with the specific pests on your property. A professional pest control company can identify, target, and eliminate current and potential future pest problems more effectively and efficiently than at-home methods. Pest control services offer homeowners peace of mind while taking the stress of pest issues off their shoulders.
How long pest control lasts depends on the type of pests and the treatments and strategies used. Traps or pesticides might kill an infestation in a few weeks but require regular maintenance visits to keep new pests out.
In general, however, insecticide treatments tend to keep killing pests for about six weeks and will keep them away for 60–90 days. Thorough termite mitigation can often control the problem for at least five years.
Some of the pests that are commonly exterminated by professional pest control companies include ants, wasps, bees, termites, bed bugs, earwigs, and spiders.
If you have any of these pests in or around your home and want to have them removed, search for reputable pest control providers in your area and compare quotes to select the best service at the best price.
