How much does a gnat exterminator cost?
How much does a gnat exterminator cost?
$150 – $300 average cost
Average gnat exterminator cost
A gnat exterminator costs $150 to $300 on average, depending on the extent of the infestation, its location and accessibility, the type of treatment used, and your geographic location. Simple gnat traps and chemical spot treatments cost the least, while outdoor spray treatments tend to cost the most.
| National Average Cost | $200 |
| Minimum Cost | $100 |
| Maximum Cost | $900 |
| Average Range | $150 to $300 |
Gnat extermination cost factors
Several factors affect the cost of gnat extermination:
Treatment type: The method used to eliminate the gnats significantly impacts the cost:
Traps: Gnat traps are the most affordable option, but their effectiveness varies depending on the infestation severity.
Chemical spot treatments: Targeted applications to problem areas offer a middle-ground solution in terms of both price and effectiveness.
Outdoor spray treatments: Comprehensive exterior treatments that address breeding grounds and entry points cost more but provide more thorough results.
Integrated pest management: Combined approaches using multiple techniques typically command higher prices but offer the most complete and long-lasting solution.
Number of treatments needed: Most minor to moderate gnat infestations can be resolved with a single professional treatment. However, severe or persistent infestations may require follow-up visits, increasing the total cost.
Infestation location & accessibility:
Gnat infestations in easily accessible areas like kitchens and bathrooms cost the least to resolve, while those in hard-to-reach locations such as inside walls, crawl spaces, or attics incur higher costs.
Multiple infestation locations throughout the home result in higher overall costs due to more extensive treatment required.
Outdoor infestations may require specialized equipment and treatments, increasing costs.
Geographic location: Pest control prices tend to be higher in metropolitan areas with a higher cost of living, like New York or California, due to higher labor costs.
Local company vs. nationwide franchise: Local pest control companies often have lower rates and more knowledge of regional pest issues, and they may offer more personalized service. Nationwide franchises may provide standardized service guarantees and more comprehensive service packages.
Ongoing pest control
Pest control costs $300 to $900 per year for an annual plan, depending on the number of visits and type of treatments included. Regular pest control services can prevent a gnat infestation in your home. Pest control maintenance plans typically include:
Quarterly or bi-monthly inspections
Preventative treatments
Response to any new infestations
Coverage for multiple pest types, not just gnats
How to get rid of gnats
While professional extermination provides the most thorough solution and is more likely to prevent future infestations, several approaches can help manage minor gnat problems. These DIY methods may help with minor infestations but often fall short against established populations, where professional intervention becomes necessary.
Identify and eliminate breeding sources
Remove decaying organic matter.
Fix leaky pipes or drainage issues.
Dispose of overripe fruits and vegetables promptly.
Use proper food storage containers.
Clean garbage disposals and drains regularly.
Traps and solutions
Apple cider vinegar trap: Mix apple cider vinegar with a few drops of dish soap in a shallow container to attract and drown gnats.
Fruit trap: Place overripe fruit in a jar covered with plastic wrap with small holes poked in it.
Wine trap: Leave a small amount of wine in a container with a few drops of dish soap.
Diluted bleach solution: Mix 1/2 cup bleach and 1 gallon of water to create a diluted solution and pour it down drains to eliminate larvae.
Store-bought traps: Sticky traps and electronic insect traps range from $5 to $50 and vary in effectiveness.
FAQs about pest control for gnats
Do gnats bite?
Not all gnats bite, but certain species can. A professional exterminator can identify the specific species infesting your home and recommend appropriate treatment strategies based on the type.
Non-biting gnats like fungus gnats, fruit flies, and drain flies primarily cause nuisance rather than physical discomfort. They're annoying but harmless to humans and pets.
Biting gnats—including buffalo gnats, sand flies, and black flies—can deliver painful bites that may cause allergic reactions in some individuals.
Where do gnats come from?
Gnats typically enter homes through open windows and doors or gaps around windows, doors, and foundations. They may also arrive via produce purchased from grocery stores or potted plants brought in from outside. Some gnat species enter through drain and sewer systems.
Once inside, gnats reproduce rapidly in favorable conditions. A single female gnat is capable of laying hundreds of eggs within her short lifespan, leading to quick population growth when conditions are favorable for breeding and development.
What attracts gnats?
Gnats are attracted to homes with:
Moisture and humidity
Decaying organic matter
Overripe fruits and vegetables
Houseplants with moist soil
Garbage and food residue
Standing water in drains, sinks, or houseplant saucers
Addressing these issues is an essential part of both DIY and professional gnat extermination strategies.
How long do gnats live?
Under ideal conditions, gnats live approximately 3 to 4 weeks total from the egg stage through adulthood. The gnat lifecycle varies by species but typically follows this pattern:
Egg: 4 to 6 days
Larva: 8 to 12 days
Pupa: 3 to 7 days
Adult: 7 to 14 days
Are gnats and fruit flies the same?
Despite common confusion, gnats and fruit flies are not the same. They represent distinct insect groups. The table below shows the differences between the two insects.
| Fruit flies | Gnats |
|---|---|
|
|
Professional exterminators can properly identify the specific flying insects in your home and tailor treatment accordingly.
Getting quotes from pest control companies
Follow these tips to help you choose the best gnat exterminator near you:
Request quotes from at least three companies to compare prices and services.
Check reviews on HomeGuide and Google to confirm the companies are reputable and reliable.
Choose an exterminator that is licensed, insured, and has been in business for 5+ years.
Select a company that offers detailed pest control treatment plans.
Confirm whether the initial price includes any follow-up visits.
Questions to ask gnat exterminators
Ask these questions when evaluating exterminators:
How long have you been in business?
What type of gnats have infested my home?
What methods will you use to eliminate them?
Are your treatments safe for children, pets, and plants?
Are there any preparation steps required before treatment?
How many treatments will likely be necessary?
How soon can I expect results after treatment?
Do you provide a warranty or guarantee for your services?
What is your policy if gnats return after treatment?
What preventative measures do you recommend?
Do you offer ongoing maintenance programs?
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.