How much does pest control cost?
How much does pest control cost?
$40 – $75 average monthly visit cost ($150 – $300 initial visit)
$100 – $600 average one-time extermination cost
$300 – $900 average cost for annual pest control plan
Average cost of pest control service
Pest control costs $300 to $900 per year on average. Hiring an exterminator costs $40 to $75 per visit for monthly pest control service, with a $150 to $300 fee for the initial inspection and treatment. Pest control prices for one-time extermination range from $100 to $600, depending on the infestation.
| Visit frequency | Average cost (per visit) |
|---|---|
| Monthly plan | $40 – $75 |
| Quarterly plan | $100 – $300 |
| Annual plan | $300 – $900 |
| Ongoing service initial visit | $150 – $300 |
| One-time exterminator visit | $100 – $600 |
Cost data is from research and project costs reported by HomeGuide members.
Pest control prices by type
Pest control prices vary depending on the type. Common household pests like ants, spiders, and roaches typically cost the least to exterminate and prevent. More difficult pests like termites, bed bugs, and rodents often require more advanced products and treatment methods.
| Pest | Average cost (one-time visit) |
|---|---|
| Ants | $200 – $300 |
| Bats | $200 – $600 |
| Bed bugs | $300 – $500 per room |
| Bees | $125 – $1,000 |
| Carpet beetles | $200 – $300 |
| Cockroaches | $100 – $600 |
| Fleas | $200 – $400 |
| Mosquitos | $80 – $150 per visit $350 – $1,000 per season |
| Rodents | $150 – $600 |
| Scorpions | $150 – $350 |
| Silverfish | $100 – $400 |
| Spiders | $100 – $300 |
| Termite inspection | $75 – $150 |
| Termite treatment | $225 – $2,500 (exterior barrier) $2,000 – $8,000 (whole-home tenting) |
| Wasps | $300 – $700 |
| Wildlife | $200 – $600 |
Ants
Ant extermination costs $200 to $300 on average for a one-time treatment of a 2,000 square foot home. Treating a severe infestation for the same size house can cost $800 to $1,200, depending on the location of the infestation, the type of ants, and the treatment methods used.
Bats
Bat removal costs $250 to $600 for up to 5 bats. Bat remediation takes 2 days to a week, depending on the home size, roof steepness, number of stories, and the severity of the infestation. Additional time may be needed for structural repairs after removing a large bat colony.
Bees
Bee removal costs $125 to $1,000 depending on the bee species, colony size, and the location of the hive. The preferred pest control method for bees is relocation. Bee extermination is used as a last resort or for more dangerous species like killer bees, also called Africanized honeybees.
Bed bugs
Bed bug extermination costs $300 to $500 to treat one room or $2,500 to $5,000 to treat a whole house, depending on the infestation level and treatment method. Bed bug treatment methods may use chemicals, fumigation, heat, steam, freezing, or a combination.
Bed bug heat treatment costs $1 to $3 per square foot and is the quickest way to kill them.
Fumigation costs $4 to $8 per square foot and involves sealing off the home with a tent and filling it with gas pesticides.
Chemical bed bug treatments cost $2 to $5 per square foot.
Freezing bed bug treatment costs $3 to $6 per square foot.
Cockroaches
Cockroach extermination costs $100 to $600+, depending on the home size, treatment method, and level of infestation. Treatment for minor infestations in a small part of the home may include sprays, dust, or baits. Larger infestations may need more hefty treatments like tenting or fumigation.
Fleas
Flea extermination costs $200 to $400 for a one-time inspection and treatment or $300 to $600 per year for an annual flea extermination plan. Treatment methods may include chemical sprays, flea bombs, high-power vacuums, fumigation, and heat treatments.
Mosquitos
Mosquito control costs $80 to $150 per visit or $350 to $1,000 per season on average, depending on the property size, location, infestation level, and treatment methods needed. Mosquito control costs more in warmer regions due to the longer mosquito season and increased monthly follow-up treatments.
Rodents
Rodent removal costs $150 to $600 on average. The location, animal type, size of the infestation, and the method used to remove it impact the final cost. Signs of a rodent problem include visible droppings, unpleasant odors, and scratching noises coming from inside the walls or ceilings.
Mice extermination costs $150 to $550.
Rat extermination costs $150 to $600.
Termites
Termite control costs $225 to $2,500 per treatment for exterior barrier treatment using chemical or bait stations. Severe infestations may require fumigation. This whole-home method of termite tenting costs $2,000 to $8,000, depending on the home's size.
Some companies offer annual termite treatment and protection plans:
Terminix termite treatment costs $400 to $1,500 per year.
Orkin termite treatment costs $500 to $1,600 per year.
A termite inspection costs $75 to $150, but some termite control companies offer a free inspection if it is not related to a real estate transaction.
Wasps
Wasp removal costs $300 to $700 for most types. Yellowjacket removal costs $600 to $1,200 due to their aggressive nature that makes the removal more difficult. Wasp removal methods include spraying or dusting poison in and around the nest or extracting the wasps with a high-powered vacuum.
Wildlife
Wildlife removal costs $200 to $600 on average, depending on the animal, colony size, and location. Wildlife removal services are different from traditional pest control service in that it often involves trapping the animals and relocating them away from the home.
Squirrel removal costs $300 to $600.
Groundhog removal costs $150 to $300.
Raccoon removal costs $200 to $300.
Pest control cost factors
The type of pest you're dealing with greatly affects the cost of pest control, as different pests require different treatment methods, some more challenging or extensive than others. Additional factors that impact your total cost include:
Infestation level – Preventative pest control service typically costs less than a major infestation requiring multiple visits to resolve the issue.
Home & yard size – The larger your property, the more areas to treat or seal off and the higher the cost.
Accessibility – If the infestation is in a difficult-to-reach attic, a cramped crawlspace, or another challenging location, pest control service will take longer and cost more.
Geographic location – Pest control services may cost more during peak seasons in hot, humid, or wet climates where the services are in higher demand.
Travel fees – Pest control companies may charge an extra fee for homes outside of their service area.
Additional costs
Depending on the severity of the pest infestation, additional costs may include:
Carpet cleaning costs $35 to $55 per room.
Carpet replacement costs $2 to $8 per square foot.
Hardwood floor repair costs $2 to $20 per square foot.
Crawlspace repair and restoration costs $2,500 to $8,000.
Replacing electrical wiring costs $5 to $17 per square foot.
Replacing plumbing pipes costs $450 to $1,800 per fixture.
Replacing damaged insulation costs $1.00 to $4.50 per square foot.
Drywall repair costs $100 to $400 per hole or crack.
Ceiling repair costs $50 to $100 per square foot.
House cleaning service costs $25 to $75 per hour.
Signs of pest infestation
Signs of a pest or rodent infestation include:
Strange noises from inside the walls
Pets pawing at the walls
Unpleasant odors
Nests in dark or hidden areas like the attic, basement, closets, or garage
Droppings along baseboards, in cabinets, or under the sink
Tracks showing on dusty surfaces
Chewed holes in ceilings, walls, or pipes
Visible pests or dead rodent bodies
Schedule a pest inspection with a professional near you.
Pest control service FAQs
Is pest control worth it?
Pest control service is worth it to keep your family and pets safe and to remove pests before they cause damage to your home. Professional pest control services know where to look and what treatment methods to use to quickly resolve the problem and prevent it from recurring.
Is it cheaper to DIY pest control?
DIY pest control may be cheaper initially, but if you don't resolve the problem completely, you may end up paying more in the long run. For anything more than a small-scale pest issue, hire a professional to effectively eradicate the infestation and give you peace of mind and a pest-free home.
What pests cause the most damage?
Termites, carpenter ants, and other wood-destroying insects typically cause the most structural damage as they chew through the framing of your home. Larger pests like mice and squirrels can chew through wires, walls, and insulation, which can cause issues with your home's electrical and HVAC systems.
What are the most difficult pests to get rid of?
Roaches, bed bugs, and termites are among the most difficult pests to get rid of. Roaches and bed bugs are rapid breeders, nocturnal, and can survive many traditional pesticides. Termites and roaches live mostly in unseen, hard-to-reach areas, often going unnoticed until the infestation is quite large.
Does pest control cause more bugs?
Pest control doesn't cause more bugs, but more of the existing bugs may be visible soon after starting treatment. This is because the insects are trying to escape all the hidden areas where the pest control chemicals have been injected or sprayed.
How often do I need pest control service?
Professionals recommend pest control service monthly, bi-monthly, or quarterly, depending on your location, the type of pests, and the extent of the infestation when you begin pest control service. Hot, humid climates and areas with a lot of rain may need more frequent visits to keep pests at bay.
Getting estimates from pest control companies
Follow these tips to help you choose the best pest control service near you:
Compare at least three quotes from local pest control services.
Hire a licensed and bonded pest control company that has been in business for 5+ years.
Verify the company's licensing, insurance, worker’s compensation, and bond guarantees.
Look for pest control companies with excellent reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Ask about any specials or lower-cost one-time services.
Confirm the details of their warranty.
Get a fully itemized estimate in writing.
Questions to ask
Consider asking these questions to help you choose the best pest control service for your needs:
How long have you been in business in this area?
Are you licensed and insured?
Are all your pest control technicians licensed or certified?
Can you provide a list of references from local customers?
What chemicals do you use, and are they safe for children and pets?
Do you use an integrated pest management plan?
Have you handled an infestation like this one before?
How long does the process take and what does it involve?
Do I need to leave my house during the process, and for how long?
What does the estimate include?
Will you have to make multiple visits to completely resolve the problem?
Is there a price reduction if I hire you for ongoing visits?
Do you guarantee your work?
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.