How much does an exterminator cost?
How much does an exterminator cost?
$100 – $600 average cost for one-time visit
$300 – $900 average cost for annual plan
Average exterminator cost
An exterminator costs $100 to $600 for a one-time visit or $40 to $75 per visit for monthly treatments. The cost of an exterminator depends on the home size, type of pest, and severity of the infestation. Termite and bed bug extermination with whole-home fumigation costs the most.
| Visit frequency | Average cost (per visit) |
|---|---|
| One-time visit | $100 – $600 |
| Monthly | $40 – $75 |
| Quarterly | $100 – $300 |
| Annually | $300 – $900 |
Exterminator price list
The cost for an exterminator varies depending on the type of pest as different pests require different treatment methods. Common pests like ants and spiders are typically the easiest to exterminate, while bed bugs and termites often require costly treatments involving multiple visits.
| Pest | Average cost (one-time visit) |
|---|---|
| Ants | $200 – $300 |
| Bats | $200 – $600 |
| Bed bugs | $300 – $500 per room $2,500 – $5,000 per home |
| Bees | $125 – $1,000 |
| Carpet beetles | $200 – $300 |
| Cockroaches | $100 – $600 |
| Fleas | $200 – $400 |
| Groundhogs | $150 – $300 |
| Mice & rats | $150 – $600 |
| Mosquitos | $80 – $150 per visit $350 – $1,000 per season |
| Raccoons | $200 – $300 |
| Scorpions | $150 – $350 |
| Silverfish | $100 – $400 |
| Spiders | $100 – $300 |
| Squirrels | $300 – $600 |
| Termites | $225 – $2,500 (exterior barrier) $2,000 – $8,000 (whole-home tenting) |
| Ticks | $100 – $250 |
| Wasps & hornets | $300 – $700 |
| Wildlife | $200 – $600 |
Ants
An ant exterminator costs $200 to $300 on average for a one-time treatment. The cost to treat a severe infestation can reach $1,200, depending on the type of ants, treatment methods used, and where the nest is.
Bed bugs
The cost of bed bug extermination is $300 to $500 to treat a single room or $2,500 to $5,000 to treat the whole house, depending on the treatment method. Bed bug exterminators use a combination of methods including chemicals, steam, heat, freezing, or tenting with fumigation.
Bed bug heat treatment costs $1 to $3 per square foot and is typically the quickest method.
Chemical bed bug treatments cost $2 to $5 per square foot.
A freezing treatment costs $3 to $6 per square foot.
Fumigation for bed bugs is the most expensive method and costs $4,000 to $16,000.
Some companies offer annual bed bug treatment and prevention plans that may require several visits:
Orkin bed bug treatment costs $500 – $1,500 per year
Terminix bed bug treatment costs $500 – $1,500 per year
Bees
Bee removal costs $125 to $1,000 on average, depending on the species, colony size, and the hive's location. Relocating the bee colony is the preferred method, with extermination used only as a last resort or for dangerous and aggressive Africanized killer bees.
Cockroaches
A cockroach exterminator costs $100 to $600 on average, depending on the home size, infestation severity, and extermination method. For minor infestations, exterminators use roach sprays, dust, and traps. Major infestations may require tenting and fumigation that costs $1,000 to $7,500.
Fleas
A flea exterminator costs $200 to $400 for a one-time visit, including an inspection. Flea exterminators use foggers, flea bombs, chemical sprays, heat treatments, and tented fumigation, depending on the severity of the infestation.
If you have pets that spend time outdoors, consider an annual pest control plan with flea treatment for your home.
Mice & rats
Rodent removal costs $150 to $600 on average, depending on the method, location, and infestation size. Trapping a few mice typically costs the least, while a severe infestation with nests in the attic or chimney costs the most to treat.
Mice extermination costs $150 to $550.
Rat extermination costs $150 to $600.
Mosquitos
Mosquito control costs $80 to $150 per visit on average or $350 to $1,000 per season, depending on the property size, location, infestation severity, and treatment method. Costs are typically highest in warmer, humid regions with longer mosquito seasons where multiple treatments are essential.
Squirrels
Squirrel removal costs $300 to $600 on average, depending on the colony size, nest location, and removal method. Removing squirrels from an attic costs $500 to $1,500+ and includes trapping them, cleaning, making minor repairs, and sealing off entry points to prevent future infestations.
Termites
Termite treatment costs $225 to $2,500 if exterminators use bait stations or chemical soil treatment methods. Heat treatment or whole-home termite tenting costs $2,000 to $8,000, depending on your home's size.
The most effective treatment method depends on the severity of the infestation and whether you have subterranean, drywood, or dampwood termites. A termite inspection costs $75 to $150 to determine which type of termites are in your home.
Wasps & hornets
Wasp extermination costs $300 to $700 on average, depending on the species, nest size, and location. Extermination fees for yellowjacket wasps are $600 to $1,200 because they're the most aggressive species and attack even if unprovoked, making their removal the most difficult.
Wildlife
Wildlife removal costs $200 to $600 on average, depending on the type and location. The cost to remove animals from the attic or chimney can reach $1,500.
Call exterminators to remove wildlife and other small animals from a home or yard:
Bat removal costs $250 to $600.
Raccoon removal costs $200 to $300.
Groundhog removal costs $150 to $300.
Exterminator cost by treatment type
Exterminators use a variety of treatment methods, depending on the type of pest and infestation size. Chemical and heat treatments are typically for exterminating bugs, while traps and physical removal methods are mainly for bats, rodents, and other wild animals.
| Treatment method | Average total cost |
|---|---|
| Chemical extermination | $100 – $600 |
| Physical removal & traps | $150 – $600 |
| Heat treatment | $2,000 – $6,000 |
| Fumigation & tenting | $2,000 – $8,000+ |
Chemical extermination
Chemical extermination costs $100 to $600 and is the most common method. This type of treatment involves insecticide chemicals delivered in spray, powder, or bait form. Some extermination companies offer organic treatments for homeowners and pets who are sensitive to the standard chemicals.
Physical removal & traps
Physical removal costs $150 to $600 on average and involves setting traps to catch live animals and remove their nests to prevent reinfestation. This method of humane wildlife removal is often necessary for animals like raccoons, groundhogs, foxes, birds, and bats.
Physical methods can also involve closing entry points to prevent other animals from entering the home through the same openings.
Heat treatment
Heat treatment costs $2,000 to $6,000 and is a chemical-free way to rid your home of bed bugs, termites, and other pests. After tenting the home, they use propane blasters to raise the temperature to 120° to 140° F for 2 to 3 hours, killing all bugs, eggs, and larvae.
Fumigation & tenting
Fumigation costs $1 to $4 per square foot on average or $2,000 to $8,000+ total, depending on the home size and type of infestation. Fumigation involves tenting the entire house and filling it with an aerosol or vapor insecticide to kill any pests.
Tenting with fumigation is the most expensive and drastic treatment method that's only used for severe termite, bed bug, flea, or roach infestations. Because the chemicals are toxic to humans and pets, you must vacate your home for 24 to 72 hours while the fumigation takes place.
Factors that affect exterminator costs
The type of pest, infestation severity, and treatment method are the main factors that impact the cost of an exterminator visit. However, other variables may also affect your cost:
Infestation location & accessibility – Pests inside the walls, in the attic, or in structural wood may cost more to locate and treat.
Home or yard size – Larger homes require more time, chemicals, or bait stations to treat, increasing costs.
Indoor vs. outdoor pests – Treatments for indoor pests make up the majority of extermination visits. However, exterminators also trap and relocate outdoor pests like moles and groundhogs. Local regulations for handling wild animals will impact the treatment method and cost.
Treatment frequency – A one-time exterminator visit may be enough to eliminate some pests. However, preventing reinfestation by ants, cockroaches, and other insects may require ongoing treatments. Pest control service costs $40 to $75 per month.
Pest inspection – A pest inspection costs $50 to $200 on average, depending on your home size. Many mortgage lenders require this type of inspection before approving a home loan. An inspection can also identify specific pests and pinpoint the location of the infestation.
Exterminator FAQs
Is it worth getting an exterminator?
Hiring an exterminator is worth it to prevent serious damage caused by insects, rodents, and other pests. If left untreated, an infestation can cause serious health and safety hazards. Though DIY methods are effective for small infestations in the early stages, larger infestations require professional treatment.
What are signs you need an exterminator?
Signs you need to call an exterminator include:
Droppings, especially in cabinets, corners, or along the baseboards
Piles of sawdust-like substance on the floor
Holes in walls, trim, ceilings, pipes, or insulation
Chewed electrical wires
Nests in dark or hidden spots
Tracks on dusty surfaces
Strange noises coming from inside the walls
Visible pests, either dead or alive
Which pests are the most difficult to get rid of?
Bed bugs, termites, and roaches are the most difficult to get rid of because they breed rapidly, live in hard-to-access areas, and resist conventional pest control treatments. Eliminating these pests requires a professional exterminator.
For severe infestations, request multiple treatments or whole-house tenting with fumigation.
Which pests cause the most damage?
Termites and wood-damaging insects like carpenter ants typically cause the most damage to your home. In addition, mice, squirrels, and other rodents chew through wiring and burrow into insulation, causing safety hazards and endangering your property.
Getting estimates from exterminators near you
Follow these guidelines when hiring exterminators or pest control companies:
Compare quotes from at least 3 exterminators that have been in business for 5+ years.
If you're dealing with bed bugs or termites, choose companies that specialize in those pests.
Select licensed, bonded, and insured companies.
Choose exterminators with excellent reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
For transparency, get a detailed written estimate that itemizes the services and costs.
Questions to ask exterminators
Ask these questions when evaluating exterminators:
How long have you been in business in this area?
Do you provide a free estimate?
What pests did you find in my home?
Have you handled an infestation like this before?
What treatment method will you use?
How long will it take to eliminate the infestation?
Will exterminating the pests require multiple treatments?
What chemicals do you use? Are they safe for children and pets?
Do you guarantee your work?
What can I do to prevent future infestations?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.