How Much Does Pest Control Cost?

From ants to wasps and bats to termites, pest infestations can cause a significant amount of damage to the home, but pests can also contaminate food; create unpleasant, lingering smells; build nests in the walls; and increase the dirt and grime throughout the home. While a can of bug spray or a few mouse traps may be cheap pest control solutions for relatively small pest problems, if the infestation gets worse, it’s recommended for a homeowner or renter to look into professional extermination services.

Pest control prices depend on a variety of factors, including the pest type, treatment type, home size, infestation size, and treatment frequency. According to Angi, the average cost of pest control is typically about $200 to $600, though the cost can increase to as much as $8,000 for whole-home fumigation service. Concerned residents can learn more about pest control cost factors using this guide to be able to answer the question: How much is pest control?

Factors in Calculating Pest Control Cost

Coming up with a basic cost for all pest control services is difficult because the type of treatment and the costs associated with the treatment depend on the type of pest, the size of the home, and the severity of the infestation. Other factors can also affect pest control cost, including the service frequency, accessibility, any necessary repairs, and cleaning. Residents will want to consider these variables when budgeting for pest control residential exterminator cost.

Pest Type

When researching pest control for homes, it’s necessary for a homeowner or renter to consider the type of pest that has invaded. Depending on the pest, the cost of the treatment can vary. Additionally, the type of pest can impact treatment type, service frequency, repair costs, and cleaning costs.

Before hiring a pest control professional, the resident will want to inspect the home to try to find out what kind of pest has moved in. If they aren’t comfortable with this or are simply uncertain about the type of pest they’re dealing with, they’ll want to speak to an extermination professional about getting a pest inspection. The cost for pest control by type of pest is explored further in a section below.

Treatment Type

The cost to hire a pest control company will vary depending on the type of treatment used to get rid of the pests infesting the home. There are three common types of treatment that extermination professionals use, including physical, chemical, and fumigation.

• Physical treatments typically cost about $300 to $700 and include the removal of wildlife, beehives, or wasp nests by physically capturing the pests. Pest control experts will rely on protective equipment to keep them safe while they physically remove hives and wasp nests. They may use humane traps to capture wildlife, such as raccoons, birds, or squirrels, without harming the animals. Once removed from the home, the animals will be taken to a safe location and released.
• Chemical treatments are the most common option for dealing with insect infestations. These treatments can take many forms, including powders, sprays, foams, and baits. Residents can expect to pay about $200 to $1,000 per room to eliminate the pest infestation with a chemical treatment.
• Fumigation is a final option available when the infestation has grown out of control. This method involves filling the home with a poisonous gas that will seep into every crack and crevice, though it makes the home temporarily uninhabitable. Customers will typically spend about $1 to $4 per square foot, or about $2,000 to $8,000 to treat a 2,000-square-foot home.

Service Frequency

Not every pest infestation can be handled in the same way. Some issues, like a wasp nest, may be able to be resolved with a single visit, but severe bed bug or cockroach infestations may require multiple treatments to ensure the pest problem is taken care of properly. Most pest control companies will offer varying rates based on the frequency of service.

If the home has had similar pest problems in the past, then there is a high chance that the issue will recur. Residents will want to consider investing in an ongoing treatment plan to get monthly, quarterly, or annual pest control treatments that can help keep their home protected from invading pests.

Home Size

The larger the home, the more difficult it can be to stamp out any remaining pests because they have significantly more space to hide. Due to the increased difficulty of a larger home, pest extermination appointments may require more time to complete, and the exterminator may also need additional pest treatment products to adequately treat the entire home.

This means that it will cost less to treat a small townhouse than it would to treat an expansive estate. While this doesn’t apply to every pest control company, some professional exterminators will charge extra if the square footage exceeds 1,500 square feet. Customers can expect to pay an extra $25 for every additional 1,000 square feet of space over 1,500.

Infestation Size

More than the home size, the size and severity of the infestation can affect the total cost of the job. It’s important for residents to take action as soon as they see signs of a pest infestation or spot live pests running, crawling, or flying in and around the home. Using DIY methods early on may resolve the pest problem without the need to call in a professional exterminator, but if the infestation grows beyond DIY treatments, then it’s necessary for the resident to hire an extermination expert to eliminate the pest population.

A single wasp nest or beehive is relatively easy to manage, taking little time or effort to handle. However, extensive termite, cockroach, bed bug, or ant infestations may require whole-home fumigation services or repeat visits to gradually win the war against the invading pests. The greater the infestation, the more time, effort, and treatment product required, leading to a significant increase in pest control costs.

Accessibility

Professional exterminators are paid for the services they perform, but they are also paid for the time it takes to complete the job. For this reason, if a nest or pest infestation is particularly difficult to reach or it takes a significant amount of time to access the areas where the pests are gathered, then the cost of the job can increase.

For instance, spraying the yard to treat for a mosquito infestation is relatively quick and easy because the exterminator has ample access to the infested area. However, treating a termite infestation that has spread throughout the home is an invasive job that typically requires opening up the walls, ceilings, and floors to ensure the pests are eliminated, which drives up the costs.

Geographic Location

Depending on where the home is located, the cost for products, tools, and local labor can increase or decrease. While it may seem odd at first, it makes sense that the cost of extermination services varies by geographic location. This is due to supply and demand. When a product or service is abundant in an area, the price for the product or service is generally lower than average. If the same product or service is rare or hard to obtain in a specific area, then the cost for this product or service is likely to increase.

Similarly, if the amount of the product or service remained the same, but the demand increased, then the cost of the product or service would also increase. This applies to just about every industry, so it’s a good idea for residents to pay attention to the local extermination rates to come up with an accurate budget for this job. The following table shows the average cost in a variety of cities around the country

Repairs

When a pest infestation occurs, damage to the home isn’t far behind. Insects, rodents, and other pests can chew through wood, nest in wall cavities, destroy floor tiles, and more. Even after residents get rid of the initial problem, the damage caused by the pests will remain until it is repaired. Holes in the exterior of the home may also lead to recurring infestations until the holes are patched and sealed against entry.

The cost of repairs varies depending on the type and extent of the damage. For moderate to severe infestations, residents can expect to pay about $200 to $2,800 to repair any damage caused by the pests, including chewed electrical wires, crumbling drywall, and clogged plumbing lines. Below are the average costs for different types of repairs.

Cleaning and Sanitization

A sign that there is a pest infestation is the increasing dirt and grime caused by pests eating, nesting, gnawing, and leaving droppings. After a pest control expert treats the home to eliminate any insects, rodents, or other pests, there is still the issue of cleaning and sanitizing the property. A routine home cleanup will cost about $120 to $240, while it will typically cost between $200 to $400 for a deep-clean of the home.

Some homeowners or renters may be interested in hiring a cleaning company to regularly clean the home, which is a great way to help prevent pests from returning. Weekly cleaning services generally cost about $75 to $250 per visit. Residents can save on cleaning costs by handling cleaning and sanitation tasks on their own.

Pest Control Cost by Type of Pest

If the pests are unfamiliar, it’s advisable for the homeowner or renter to speak to an extermination professional about a pest inspection. Typically, the pest inspection cost will range from about $65 to $135, though termite inspections or other wood-destroying insect inspections can cost $100 to $290. Pest control can cost as little as $50 to get rid of lice, or it can quickly increase up to $8,000 for whole-home fumigation services. With such a wide range, it’s important for residents to find out what pests have taken up residence in the home to put together an accurate budget for professional pest extermination. Below are some common household pests and the average cost for pest control for each type.

Ants

Ants come in a wide variety of species, and each can spread quickly throughout a home. Depending on the species, they can contaminate food, nest in the cavities of the house, and cause extensive damage to the structure of the home. If the property has a widespread ant infestation, then it’s likely that pest control services will cost at least a few hundred dollars. On average, customers can expect to pay between $100 and $500 for ant exterminator costs.

Bats

These animals climb in through small cracks and openings, finding their way into cool, dark locations, which is why the attic can make a great place for bats to nest. While bats are helpful to the local ecosystem, they can carry rabies, and a colony of bats can cause extensive damage to the home. As soon as a resident notices bats living in their house, they’ll want to contact local bat removal experts to get rid of the bat infestation. Customers will spend about $240 to $670 on average for this service.

Bed Bugs

Bed bugs are small insects that tend to live in mattresses, furniture, upholstery, pillows, blankets, and other linens. These pests feed on human blood during the night, leading to skin redness, rashes, or blisters. The longer bed bugs are left, the quicker the infestation grows and spreads through the home. Depending on the severity of the bed bug infestation, customers will typically pay between $300 to $5,000 to eliminate a bed bug problem.

Bees

Bees are beneficial for the ongoing health of flowers, trees, and many other plants, so when there is an infestation inside or outside the home, the resident may feel conflicted about treating the issue. However, trained pest control professionals can remove the hive, capture the bees, and relocate the displaced swarm to a safe location for about $150 to $500, depending on the extent of the infestation. Bee removal cost can also depend on the type of bee present in the home.

Carpet Beetles

Carpet beetles look similar to black or brown ladybugs, but they can cause a significant amount of damage. These beetles will eat clothing, upholstery, wood, and more. They may also spread to the kitchen, contaminating food products, so it’s recommended that homeowners or renters have these pests exterminated quickly. Customers can plan on spending about $160 to $440 to treat a carpet beetle infestation.

Cockroaches

Easily one of the most disgusting pests that can move into the home, cockroaches are disease-carrying, cannibalistic insects that are difficult to exterminate using any typical DIY methods. Small roach infestations can quickly grow in size and spread throughout the home, so it’s important for residents to take action to treat the problem as soon as possible. The cost for this service depends on the size and severity of the infestation. Minor issues may cost as little as $100, but can cost up to $400.

Fleas

Fleas are another type of pest that spreads disease, though they aren’t as attracted to humans as they are to the furry friends people often keep as companions, like dogs and cats. These pests can live on a home’s pets, but they can also live in pet bedding, carpets, towels, and other linens. Homeowners or renters can use DIY methods or hire a professional and pay flea exterminator costs of about $75 to $400.

Lice

Lice are commonly spread by direct head-to-head contact with an infested individual, though they can also be spread by sharing personal items, like combs, brushes, towels, pillows, hats, and other items that regularly come in contact with the head or head hair. The good news is that lice extermination is relatively affordable, ranging from just $50 to $200.

Mosquitoes

No one likes mosquitoes. The annoying buzzing, the frequent bites, and the itchy allergic reaction are enough to put mosquitoes on the extermination list, regardless of whether the infestation is largely outdoors or if the mosquitoes have started reproducing in the walls, ceilings, and floors. Residents will want to call an exterminator to eliminate mosquito problems, but they’ll need to be prepared to spend anywhere from $70 for minor issues to $1,900 for whole-home mosquito treatments or for mosquito control costs.

Rodents

Rats, mice, and other rodents can fit through holes and cracks as small as their heads, allowing them to sneak into the home using unseen openings. Additionally, some rodents may take the initiative to simply chew through siding, window frames, or door frames to gain access to the home. If the house has a rodent infestation, mice extermination costs about $180 to $540 to exterminate the nest and any lingering individuals.

Scorpions

For those who live in the Southwest, scorpion infestations are a common problem. There are about 90 species of scorpions that live throughout the U.S., though not all scorpions are poisonous. However, even the nonpoisonous scorpion species can still inflict a painful sting, so it’s a good idea for residents to get these pests out of the home as soon as possible. Customers can plan to spend about $125 to $270 to exterminate scorpion infestations.

Silverfish

Silverfish are similar to weevil beetles in that they aren’t directly harmful to humans. These insects don’t bite, sting, or cause damage to the home, but they can contaminate food if the infestation is allowed to spread to the kitchen. For relatively small infestations, homeowners or renters can try a few DIY methods to get rid of these pests, but if that doesn’t work, they’ll want to be prepared to pay about $150 to $450 for a professional exterminator to handle the problem.

Spiders

A few harmless spiders in and around the home can actually help to prevent infestations from other pests. However, not all spider species are harmless to humans. If a home’s residents see spiders that are known to be poisonous, toxic, or otherwise dangerous to humans, they’ll want to contact an exterminator to resolve the issue. Similarly, if a few spiders have suddenly turned into a full-on spider infestation, then it’s recommended for customers to hire professional pest controllers to exterminate the spider population at a cost of about $150 to $500.

Termites

Having a termite infestation can lead to a host of infrastructure problems as the pests eat through the wood that makes up the primary structure of the home. These insects can spread quickly throughout the home, creating nests inside the walls, ceilings, and floors. Renters will want to make a call to the exterminator as soon as they see any termites or termite activity; termite treatment costs about $230 to $940 to get rid of the insects before further damage is done to the home.

Ticks

Ticks are known to carry a variety of diseases, including anaplasmosis, babesiosis, ehrlichiosis, Lyme disease, and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. These pests can cause significant risk to adults, kids, and pets, so if a resident sees any ticks around the home, it’s necessary to take action immediately. Tick extermination costs are relatively affordable, ranging from just $150 to $300.

Wasps

One of the more aggravating pests to find around the home are wasps. These insects have a gentle buzzing that sounds similar to bees, but they are far more likely to attack any individuals that come near the nest. If a homeowner or renter spots a wasp nest in or around the home, they’ll want to contact a professional exterminator as soon as possible to reduce the risk of getting stung. This service can range significantly from $100 to $1,300 depending on the extent of the infestation.

Weevils

Weevils are a type of small beetle with an elongated snout. These pests may enter the home through cracks or openings in the windows or doors. They can also enter through broken screens on attic vents or crawl space vents and find their way indoors. Generally, weevil beetles are considered relatively harmless, though they may get into rice, grains, and other dry foods, contaminating the products. Customers can expect to pay about $100 to $300 to get rid of a weevil infestation.

Wildlife

Roaches, mosquitoes, ants, termites, and other insects are not the only pests that can sneak into the home and cause problems. Wild animals, such as raccoons, snakes, birds, and squirrels, can enter the home through unseen gaps, using dark, secluded spaces to nest, like an attic, basement, or cellar. The best wildlife removal services typically start at about $255 and can increase to $600 depending on the type of wild animal and the severity of the infestation. The harder it is to remove the wildlife from the home, the higher the wildlife removal costs will be.

Do I Need Pest Control?

Leaving pest problems untreated can quickly lead to the infestation spreading throughout the home, so it’s important for residents to know how to identify pest problems early. If homeowners or renters spot any of the following signs, there is a good chance that they have a pest problem inside or outside the home.

Pest Droppings

A common sign that the home has been invaded by insects, mice, rats, or other pests is the presence of pest droppings. If a resident notices pest feces in the home, such as in the pantry, basement, crawl space, attic, or other dark areas throughout the house, there is a good chance they’re dealing with an ongoing infestation.

Finding bug feces in the cupboard next to the food is disgusting, but it can also help determine the type of pest that residents are dealing with. For example, there is a significant difference in the size and appearance of rat droppings versus cockroach droppings. Residents can use this information to come up with a DIY treatment or provide this information to a professional exterminator so they have a better idea of the type of pest and where it frequents.

Nests

Pest feces is small and can sometimes even go unnoticed, but a nest tends to draw attention. Insects will often gather in unseen locations, which can make it difficult to spot the actual nesting area, but entrances to the area will see an increase in pest activity and fecal matter.

Similarly, mice, rats, and other rodents will nest in the ceilings, walls, and floors of the home, using household papers, fabrics, leaves, grass clippings, and insulation to create the nest. Homeowners or renters will want to inspect dark corners of the home for any signs of debris that could indicate an increase in rodent activity in the area. They can use this knowledge to set up traps, apply DIY pesticides, or to better inform the extermination expert prior to treatment.

Gnaw Marks

An unfortunate result of pest infestations is damage to the home, furniture, and any other items the pest population finds attractive. Mice, rats, termites, and ants will often chew or gnaw through the walls, ceilings, and floors as the infestation grows and spreads. These pests may also damage the arms of couches, gnaw on carpet or rugs, and chew holes in mattresses.

Some pests don’t gnaw through the walls, but they may damage clothing, blankets, pillows, and other linens. Bed bugs in particular tend to nest and reproduce inside the fabric of a mattress, leaving dark stains or smears on the surface. If a resident notices any of these signs, they’ll want to consult with a professional exterminator about the best way to handle the problem.

Excessive Dirt and Grime

Bugs, rodents, and other pests are known for carrying diseases, so it should come as no surprise that they are not the most sanitary creatures on the planet. Mice and rats can leave traces of dirt, oil, grease, hair, and feces behind as they crawl across the surfaces in a home. If a resident notices that an area in the home seems to always look dirty, even when they frequently clean it, then this is a sign that there could be a pest infestation.

Rodents aren’t the only pests that leave excessive dirt and grime behind. Cockroaches are some of the most unhygienic pests that frequent human homes. They eat everything, including their own feces, dead cockroaches, and other insects. These pests multiply and spread nests full of shed exoskeletons, feces, and dead or dying roaches through the walls and other cavities of the home. Before the problem can get worse, residents will want to hire an extermination company to eliminate the infestation.

Hollow Wood

Termites and other wood-destroying insects tend to cause more damage to homes than most other types of pests. One sign that a home may have termites or carpenter ants is hollow wood. If a resident knocks on a beam and notices that it sounds hollow, then it may have become a feast for termites. These pests tend to consume wood for nourishment, but they will also chew tunnels through the wood for easier travel and nest inside the wood.

Handling a termite infestation can be difficult, time-consuming, and expensive if the infestation is allowed to grow out of control. Repairs following treatment will also be costly if the infestation has been able to spread through the infrastructure of the building. Residents will want to contact pest control professionals as soon as possible if they notice signs of a termite or carpenter ant infestation.

Unusual Noises

Unusual noises can be another sign that there may be a pest infestation in the home. Termites and carpenter ants often make a scratching sound in the walls, ceilings, and floors as they chew through wood and move around during the night. Rodents in the walls, basement, or attic may also make a scratching or squeaking sound as they move through the cavities of the home.

Birds, snakes, and other pests can get into the home through small gaps and openings in the exterior of the building. Homeowners or renters will want to listen for sounds of squealing, scurrying, flapping, or whining to indicate that a creature or creatures have found their way into the home. If a resident notices unusual noises and isn’t sure how to handle the situation, they can speak to an extermination professional about the best course of action.

Unpleasant Smells

Along with the pest droppings and excessive dirt, grime, and nests, residents can expect a lot of unpleasant smells that will indicate a pest infestation. The odors can come from a range of equally disgusting sources, such as pest feces, urine, blood, saliva, shed exoskeletons, and decomposing dead insects, bugs, or rodents.

In some cases, larger pests, like mice or rats, may drag scraps from the garbage into the walls. If the scraps are not consumed, then they can gradually break down inside the walls of the home, leaving behind a lingering smell of rot or mold. The odor may remain or get worse after treating the infestation as the pests die and decompose inside the walls. Residents will want to speak to a trained professional to get ideas for how to resolve the pest infestation and handle the odor problem.

Visible Sightings

The most obvious sign that the home or yard has a pest problem is if homeowners or renters see the pests inside or outside the home. If a mouse runs under the sink or if someone sees bed bugs crawling on the mattress, notices a line of ants heading to the pantry, or finds a wasp nest hanging on the outside of the garage, then the home has a pest problem that needs to be dealt with before the invaders can cause damage to the home or put the residents at risk.

Even if homeowners or renters don’t spot any live pests running, crawling, or flying in and around the home, there may be dead pests or discarded body parts from insects that are molting their exoskeletons. They’ll want to call in a pest control company to handle the issue before it can get worse.

Pest Control: DIY vs. Hiring a Professional 

Most people will have some form of DIY pest control that they can use to take care of minor infestations or obnoxious outdoor pests. This can include traps, sprays, foggers, bug zappers, fly swatters, or something as simple and straightforward as smacking visible pests with a shoe. When the pest problem is relatively small, it’s OK to try to handle the issue with DIY methods.

However, if these methods don’t resolve the pest problem, then it’s recommended for residents to call a pest control expert. Trained exterminators and pest control professionals know the best treatments to use for the specific pest species, ensuring that the problem is managed quickly and efficiently. These pest control experts are trained in using pesticide products, allowing them to treat the infestation without putting anyone at risk of accidental poisoning. They can also help reduce the amount of damage that’s necessary to access the nest and give homeowners and renters the peace of mind of knowing that the pests have been eliminated. Residents looking for a reliable pest control company may be comparing Orkin versus Terminix and wondering which would be best suited for their needs. In this case, it may be helpful for homeowners or renters to read an Orkin review or a Terminix review to get a better sense of each company.

How to Save Money on Pest Control Cost

When insects, rodents, and other pests have made their way into the home, it’s important to act as soon as possible to stop ongoing damage to the property and to prevent the pests from contaminating food. However, pest control costs can range from $200 to $600 on average, while whole-home fumigation services can cost as much as $8,000. With the potential to spend thousands to resolve this issue, it’s a good idea to find ways to save on pest control costs. The suggestions below may help to keep more money in your wallet.

• Take simple preventive measures to address the pest problem. The easiest way to save money on pest treatment costs is to control the problem with preventive measures, like storing food in airtight containers, regularly emptying the garbage, and ensuring that there isn’t any standing water in the home or yard.
• Act to resolve the issues as soon as possible. When left alone, pest infestations can quickly grow out of control. The larger the infestation, the more difficult it will be to deal with the problem, and the higher the cost. Contact a professional exterminator as soon as you notice a pest problem.
• DIY minor pest problems. There is a wide range of pest control products available to treat small infestations without needing to call a professional. This can help save money, but if the infestation is too big or problematic, call a pro to treat the pest problem.
• Get multiple quotes from extermination professionals. Contacting at least three different pest control companies can provide a better comparison of the rates and services available. Choose the pest control company that has the most attractive rates to keep costs low.
• Finish the job. Depending on the size and type of infestation, you may need more than one treatment to get rid of the pest problem. If you stop at one treatment, then you could be making the problem worse by ensuring that the most resistant pests survive.

Questions to Ask About Pest Control

Before hiring a professional exterminator or agreeing to a specific treatment option, it’s a good idea for a customer to find out as much as possible about the pest control company, payment plans, and treatment plans. They’ll want to research pest control experts and get several quotes to ensure they are getting a good rate. After narrowing the search to the best pest control company based on rates, treatment plans, and availability, customers can speak to the extermination expert directly or ask the following questions to the customer service department.

• How long have you been in business?
• Do you have any testimonials or online reviews?
• Are your exterminators licensed, bonded, and insured?
• How do you decide what treatments are needed?
• What kind of pests are in my home?
• What stage of life are the insects in—egg, larva, pupae, adult?
• How serious is the infestation?
• How long have the pests been in my home?
• How long will it take to eliminate the infestation?
• Will the pests ever come back?
• How frequently should an exterminator come to my house?
• Do you offer a written quote?
• How much training do your exterminators receive?
• Are your pest control treatments safe for people and pets?
• Do you offer guarantees on your service?
• Will we have to leave the house?

FAQs

Given the wide variety of pests that can invade the home, it’s a good idea for homeowners and renters to learn as much as possible about pest control services to better understand pricing, treatment plans, and extermination timelines. They can take some time to look over the answers below to some of the most frequently asked questions about pest control and pest control costs.

Q. How often do I need pest control services?

The frequency with which the home requires pest control services largely depends on the type of pest and the severity of the infestation. For instance, removing a wasp nest will typically only require a one-time visit, while getting rid of ticks, termites, bed bugs, and ants could take several visits, and the problem may reoccur throughout the year.

Q. What is the best time to do pest control?

The best time of the year to do pest control tends to vary depending on the type of pest, though in most cases spring is the ideal season. This is because pest populations tend to be lower during early spring before the adult pests have had time to multiply.

Q. Why is pest control so expensive?

The cost of pest control can seem expensive, especially if you need a whole-home treatment for bed bugs or cockroaches. There are several reasons for the cost, including the time it takes to treat the entire home, the cost of the chemicals used in treatments, accessibility to the nests, and the severity of the infestation. To keep costs low, the resident will want to contact an exterminator as soon as they notice a problem, instead of allowing it to get worse over time.

Q. What types of pests can cause the most damage?

The pests that tend to cause the most damage to the home are termites and other wood- destroying insects, such as carpenter ants. However, rats, mice, and squirrels can also cause significant damage if they gnaw through walls or chew on the home’s wiring.

Q. Does pest control cause more bugs?

Using pest control products may make it seem as if there are suddenly more insects, instead of less. This is because pest control treatments can flush out hidden pest populations, not because they attract more bugs. These solutions often take time to work properly, so during this time the affected pests may appear more frequently and in greater numbers.

Q. Are pest control services worth the money?

Pest control services are well worth the money. Professional exterminators get rid of disease- carrying pests that can damage the infrastructure of the home and contaminate food items, saving homeowners or renters money in the long run.

Sources: Angi (1 and 2), HomeAdvisor, LawnStarter, HomeGuide