Dealing with pests isn’t just annoying—it can be costly and even dangerous. Termites can cause thousands of dollars in structural damage, while rodents and cockroaches spread harmful bacteria. Whether you’re a homeowner or property manager, getting pests under control quickly is essential.
But how much does an exterminator cost? Prices vary widely based on the type of pest, severity of the infestation, and treatment method. On average, you’ll pay between $150 and $500 per treatment, but for tougher infestations like termites or bed bugs, costs can climb to $3,000 or more.
This guide breaks down real exterminator pricing from the top pest control companies, common pest control services, and how to save money while keeping your home pest-free.
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 Is the Cost of an Exterminator?
On average, an exterminator costs between $150 and $400. This price can vary depending on which pest(s) you’re dealing with, the infestation level, treatment methods, and other factors. You can also choose from multiple service types, such as a one-off treatment or recurring visits, each with different pricing models.
What Are the Most Common Types of Exterminator Services and Their Costs?
The cost of hiring pest control typically ranges from $150 to $500 per visit, but severe infestations or specialized treatments (like termites or bed bugs) can cost $3,000 or more.
Several factors impact exterminator pricing, including:
- Type of Pest: Common pests like ants and cockroaches cost less to treat, while termites and bed bugs require specialized extermination and cost more.
- Severity of Infestation: A minor issue may need one visit, while widespread infestations require multiple treatments, increasing costs.
- Treatment Method: Standard pesticide treatments are affordable, but methods like fumigation or heat treatment (for bed bugs) drive up costs.
- Service Type: You can choose a one-time extermination or a recurring pest control plan for ongoing protection.
Exterminator Cost by Pest Type
The table below outlines average costs for common pest control treatments in a 2,000-square-foot home:
| Pest | Average Exterminator Cost |
| Ant Exterminator | $150–$450 |
| Bed Bug Exterminator | $550–$850 |
| Bee and Wasp Exterminator | $100–$500 |
| Cockroach Exterminator | $100–$400 |
| Flea Exterminator | $150–$400 |
| General Exterminator | $350–$850 |
| Mosquito Exterminator | $300–$500 |
| Rodent Exterminator | $145–$570 |
| Silverfish Exterminator | $200–$650 |
| Spider Exterminator | $100–$500 |
| Termite Exterminator | $500–$3,000 |
| Tick Exterminator | $50–$200 |
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.
Ant Exterminator
Ant extermination treatments usually involve baiting and pesticide sprays. Basic treatments for nuisance ants (like sugar ants) are on the lower end of the cost range, while infestations of carpenter ants—which burrow into wood—can be more expensive and require multiple treatments.
Bed Bug Exterminator
Bed bugs are one of the hardest pests to eliminate. Standard bedbug pesticide treatments start around $550, but severe infestations may require heat treatment, which costs upwards of $5,000 for a whole-home fumigation.
Bee & Wasp Exterminator
The cost of removing bees or wasps depends on the type of nest and its location. Small wasp nests near doorways or eaves are easy to remove and may cost as little as $100. Larger hives, such as yellow jacket nests underground, can cost closer to $1,000, especially if special removal techniques are needed.
Cockroach Exterminator
Roaches are notoriously tough to eliminate. If you catch the problem early, a single treatment can be as low as $100. However, large infestations often require multiple visits, fumigation, or specialty baits, which can drive costs over $3,000.
Flea Exterminator
Fleas are often introduced into the home by pets, and treating them requires a whole-house approach. Exterminators may need to spray carpets, upholstery, and outdoor spaces to prevent reinfestation. Costs can be higher if follow-up treatments are necessary.
General Pest Control
If you have a mix of common household pests, a general extermination service may be your best bet. This usually includes treatments for ants, spiders, cockroaches, and other nuisance pests. However, tougher infestations—like bed bugs, termites, and rodents—often require specialized treatments at an additional cost.
Mosquito Exterminator
Mosquito control is usually done on a seasonal basis, with pest control companies applying treatments every few weeks. The total cost depends on the size of your property and whether additional methods like larvicide are needed to reduce mosquito breeding grounds.
Rodent Exterminator
Rodent removal costs vary based on the type of pest:
- Gophers ($125–$600): Gophers tunnel underground, causing significant lawn damage. Exterminators often use poison baits or trapping services, which can increase costs.
- Mice & Rats ($145–$570): Typically includes traps, baiting stations, and exclusion methods to prevent future infestations.
Read our article on the best rat exterminators for more rodent control information
Signs of rat and mouse infestations include scratching in the walls, damaged food containers, foul-smelling streaks across baseboards, and loose nesting material, like shredded insulation and paper.
Silverfish Exterminator
Silverfish thrive in damp environments like bathrooms and basements. Since they are fast-moving and nocturnal, exterminators may need to use a combination of insecticides and dehumidifiers to eliminate them fully.
Spider Exterminator
Most spider extermination jobs are straightforward, costing $100–$200 for standard treatments. However, if you have dangerous spiders like black widows or brown recluses, exterminators may need to use targeted pesticide applications, increasing costs to $500 or more.
Termite Exterminator
Termites are one of the most expensive pests to eliminate. A minor infestation might only require bait stations ($500–$1,500), while a severe infestation may need whole-home fumigation, costing $3,000 or more. Because termites cause serious structural damage, many homeowners also face additional repair costs following termite treatment.
If you’re interested in more information on how to detect termites, check out this helpful video from Orkin:
Tick Exterminator
Ticks are common in wooded and grassy areas, especially in the summer. A professional exterminator will usually treat the yard with insecticides to reduce tick populations. Larger properties or severe infestations require multiple treatments, increasing costs.
Seasonal tick treatments cost anywhere from $50 to around $200, with larger properties costing more.
Learn more about the cost of terminix, a top extermination service.
Inspection Fees: What to Expect
Before treating a pest problem, many companies require an initial inspection, which costs $100 to $315. However, some exterminators offer free inspections—especially for termites—so it’s worth calling around for quotes.
What Affects Exterminator Costs?
Exterminator prices depend on several key factors, including treatment type, infestation size, and home size. Here’s what influences your total cost.
Treatment Frequency
How often you need pest control affects the overall cost:
- One-time treatment: $150–$500. Best for minor, isolated infestations.
- Monthly service: $50–$75 per visit (after an initial visit of $100–$300). Ideal for homes with recurring pest problems.
- Quarterly service: $125–$300 per visit. Prevents seasonal infestations and includes regular maintenance.
- Annual treatment: $500–$1,200 per year. Used for homes that only need occasional preventive treatments.
Signing up for a recurring plan is usually cheaper per visit than calling an exterminator for one-time emergencies.
Severity of Infestation
The size and severity of the infestation also play a major role in pricing. A small, localized ant problem is quick to treat and inexpensive, while a full-scale termite or bed bug infestation can require multiple treatments or fumigation, driving costs into the thousands.
Removal Method
The removal method affects price as well. Standard pesticide applications and bait stations are affordable, but heat treatments for bed bugs ($1,500–$5,000) or fumigation for termites ($2,000–$8,000) can be much more expensive. Eco-friendly treatments, like organic pesticides, are another option, but they often cost 10–20% more than traditional methods.
Fumigation services
In extreme cases, fumigation is the only option. This process involves sealing the home, filling it with gas-based pesticides, and vacating for several days. While effective, fumigation costs between $2,000 and $8,000, making it one of the most expensive pest control treatments.
Home Size
Home size also matters. Smaller homes require less pesticide and labor, keeping costs lower, while larger homes (2,500+ sq. ft.) increase the amount of product and time required, leading to higher prices. If you need pest control for multiple structures, such as a garage, shed, or guesthouse, expect additional fees.
How To Save Money on Pest Control
Hiring an exterminator doesn’t have to break the bank. Here are the best ways to reduce costs while keeping your home pest-free.
Do Your Own Inspection
Many pest control companies charge $100–$315 for an inspection. If you already know what pest you’re dealing with and where the problem is, you may be able to skip this fee. However, for serious issues like termites, a professional inspection is worth the cost.
Make Pest Exterminator Access Easy
Exterminators may charge extra if they have difficulty reaching the infestation. Clearing clutter, trimming overgrown vegetation, and moving furniture away from problem areas can reduce labor time and keep costs down.
Compare Multiple Quotes
Prices vary between companies, so it pays to shop around. Get at least three quotes, and check reviews on sites like the Better Business Bureau, Yelp, and Google to ensure you’re getting the best deal without sacrificing quality.
Consider a Pest Control Plan
For ongoing pest problems, monthly or quarterly plans often cost less per visit than one-time extermination. These plans also include preventive treatments, reducing the risk of reinfestation.
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.
Prevent Pests Before They Start
The best way to save money is to avoid infestations altogether. Simple steps like sealing cracks, using covered trash bins, keeping food stored properly, and trimming bushes away from your home can stop pests before they become a costly problem.
DIY vs. Professional Extermination: Which Is Better?
Some pest problems can be handled with DIY solutions, but for larger infestations, a professional exterminator is the best option. Here’s how they compare.
When DIY Works
If you’re dealing with a small, contained infestation, DIY pest control can save money. Store-bought traps, sprays, and baits work well for ants, spiders, and occasional roaches. Regular home maintenance—like sealing cracks, using airtight food storage, and keeping outdoor areas clean—can also prevent pests from coming back.
However, DIY solutions often fall short for fast-breeding or hidden pests. If you try DIY methods and the problem persists, it’s time to call a pro.
When to Call a Professional
Certain pests require expert treatment:
- Termites: Hidden colonies can cause severe structural damage if not fully eradicated.
- Bed bugs: Store-bought sprays rarely work, and infestations spread fast.
- Rodents: Mice and rats multiply quickly and often require professional trapping and exclusion.
- Severe infestations: If pests have spread throughout your home, professional exterminators have the tools and expertise to get rid of them efficiently.
Cost Comparison
DIY methods are cheaper upfront, but may require multiple applications, increasing costs over time. Professional extermination is more expensive but offers warranties and long-term solutions, making it a better value for serious infestations.
Final Takeaway: Is Hiring an Exterminator Worth It?
While exterminator costs can range from $150 to $500 per visit, severe infestations—like termites or bed bugs—can climb to $3,000 or more. Hiring a professional is worth it for tough-to-eliminate pests like termites, rodents, and bed bugs, as DIY methods often fail and allow the problem to worsen.
For smaller pest issues, prevention is the best money-saving strategy. Sealing cracks, storing food properly, and keeping your home clean can stop many infestations before they start. If pests become a recurring problem, a quarterly pest control plan may be the most cost-effective solution.
Ultimately, hiring an exterminator provides peace of mind and long-term protection—a small price to pay compared to the potential cost of home repairs from pest damage.
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 Exterminator Costs
You can expect to pay between $150 to $500 per treatment for an exterminator. Some pests, like termites, will be much more expensive, and extermination prices may be as high as $3,000 per treatment.
Exterminators typically have plans for both specific pests and general removal. General removal plans cover a wide range of common pests, like ants, wasps, and spiders, but often exclude more difficult-to-remove pests, like bed bugs or termites.
Ant extermination costs between $150 and $450.
Bed bugs are tricky to eliminate and can reproduce quickly, leading to heavy infestations. As a result, bed bug extermination can be much more expensive than other pests. The average cost of exterminating bed bugs is between $550 and $850.
While many companies offer free inspections, some don’t. Furthermore, some companies offer free inspections for specific pests. For example, Orkin offers free termite inspections, but its regular inspections carry a service fee.
