Most homeowners spend $50–$500 per visit for professional pest control services. Costs can vary depending on the type of pest, the severity of the infestation, treatment frequency, and your location. While do-it-yourself (DIY) sprays and traps may solve small problems, serious infestations require trained professionals who can eliminate pests and help prevent future issues.
Keep reading to learn more about average pest control costs, key pricing factors, the best pest control companies, and tips from This Old House pest control expert Vincent Errante on how to hire an exterminator.
Key Takeaways
- Professional pest control services typically cost between $50 and $500 per appointment, with a national average of $171 to treat against a standard infestation.
- Treatment costs vary significantly by pest type, ranging from $100–$500 for ants, $250–$1,000 for termites, and $1,000–$4,000 for bed bugs.
- The most expensive pest control method is tented fumigation, which costs $1,500–$8,000.
What Factors Affect Pest Control Costs?
Understanding what goes into pest control prices can help you estimate your cost. The most important factors in determining pest control costs include the type of pest, treatment method, infestation severity, and the size of your home.
Type of Pest
The type of pest you’re dealing with is one of the most influential factors when it comes to extermination cost because it directly determines the most effective treatment method. The table below summarizes average costs to treat common pests you might see in your home.
Note: The cost data featured in this guide is based on estimates from Angi, pest control companies, and market research.
Some pests, like ants and roaches, are relatively easy to manage, and may only require only a one-time treatment. Other pests, like termites, can embed colonies into your home’s wood or insulation, requiring consistent chemical exposure to kill completely. Needing specialized chemicals or equipment for pest removal will increase exterminator costs.
Budgeting Tip
- As a general rule, expect to pay more for termite and bed bug extermination, as these pests are typically the most stubborn to get rid of.
Treatment Method
Different infestations may require varying treatment methods to eliminate. In some instances, you might need recurring or monthly pest control services to eliminate critters at all stages of their life cycle. This is common for bed bugs and fleas, which have eggs that may resist one-time service with chemical treatments.
More intensive removal methods, like heat treatment and fumigation, carry much higher treatment costs due to the specialized equipment, labor, and preparation required. These methods are usually only required for severe whole-home infestations, which is part of the reason why it’s more affordable to catch pests early. We cover treatment methods in more detail in the following section.
Infestation Severity
The severity of the infestation in your home is another key factor that influences treatment cost. You can more easily solve minor pest problems like a few ants in the kitchen with low-cost DIY treatments. On the opposite end of the spectrum, if pests have infested multiple rooms in your home, exterminators may need to use more product or visit more than once to eliminate all pests.
The table below summarizes infestation severity, what to look for at each level, and what you’re likely to pay for service.
Average cost: $100–$500
The infestation is limited to a small area, like the kitchen or pantry. You may occasionally see a few pests, such as ants on countertops or a couple of mice droppings near food storage areas. There are no visible nests, and the pests have not spread throughout the home.
Average cost: $300–$700
Pests have spread beyond a single area and are now in multiple rooms. You may notice frequent sightings of insects or rodents, pest activity at night, and signs of infestation like droppings, chew marks, or musty odors. Some pests, like bed bugs or fleas, may cause noticeable bites or skin irritation.
Average cost: $1,000–$8,000
Pests are visible in large numbers throughout the home, including inside walls, crawl spaces, and hard-to-reach areas. The infestation may start causing structural damage, contaminating food sources, or posing health risks. You may hear scratching in walls, see insects swarming, or notice an overwhelming odor from pest waste.
Infestation Location
The location of a pest infestation affects price because it influences the amount of time and product required to treat the problem. If pests are confined to easily accessible areas like kitchen countertops or baseboards, exterminators can apply targeted treatments quickly and at a lower cost. If pests have nested in hard-to-reach spaces, including inside walls, attics, crawl spaces, or deep within furniture, treatment becomes more complex and expensive.
Home Size
The size of your property will also impact treatment costs. Expect to pay more if your home is more than 1,500 square feet or if pest issues have spread beyond the main body of your home. The table below shows the average costs of one-time pest treatments based on different home sizes.
| Home Size | Average Pest Control Cost |
|---|---|
| 1,000 square feet | $250–$450 |
| 1,500 square feet | $300–$550 |
| 2,000 square feet | $350–$600 |
| 2,500 square feet | $400–$675 |
| 3,000 square feet | $450–$750 |
Common Pest Control Treatments
Exterminators can use multiple types of treatments to remove pests from a home, with the ideal service varying depending on the pest and severity of the infestation. If you’re able to catch a pest problem early enough, you can try using DIY methods to clear it out quickly and affordably. If you have a severe infestation, you may require a specialized chemical treatment, which comes with a higher final cost.
Pro Tip
- “Many chemical solutions aren’t destructive or toxic to humans and pets,” says Allan Bossel, the owner of Bed Bug Exterminator. “Bait mixed with borax, for example, can be used to kill ants.”
The difference in cost between professional pest control methods is based on the type of labor and chemicals required for the job. DIY removal methods are typically the most affordable options, while chemical-intensive services are usually more expensive.
DIY Pest Control Methods
If you’re concerned about the harshness of chemical pest treatments, you may want to attempt all-natural pest control first. These cost-effective DIY pest control solutions can help keep critters away without using pesticides.
- Boric acid and diatomaceous earth: Boric acid and diatomaceous earth are widely used for insect control, especially for ants and fleas. Boric acid is a fine powder that, when ingested by insects, disrupts their digestive and nervous systems, leading to death. Diatomaceous earth, made from fossilized algae, works by dehydrating insects upon contact. You can sprinkle these powders in cracks, behind appliances, and along pest trails to kill bugs gradually. We suggest applying these treatments carefully to avoid inhalation risks.
- Natural home repellents: Many household items have natural pest-repelling properties. Spraying a mixture of water and white vinegar along baseboards and entry points can discourage pests from entering the home, like ants, for example. Similarly, placing cotton balls soaked in peppermint oil in areas where mice or spiders are common can help keep them away.
Pro Tip
- Bossell recommends trying out DIY treatment methods if you have a very minor pest issue, like seeing a single cockroach on your kitchen counter. “If you’re trying DIY a couple of times and you’re still seeing pests, don’t hesitate to have a professional come out and inspect things,” he adds.
How To Prevent Household Pest Infestations
Preventing pests is often easier and more cost-effective than dealing with an active infestation. “The best way to prevent your home from becoming infested is to always eliminate access to desirable habitats [within your home] for pests, while also routinely inspecting possible entry points,” adds Bossel.
We outline several tips below to help prevent a pest infestation in your home.
- Keep your home clean: Regularly clean floors, countertops, and food storage areas to eliminate crumbs and spills that attract pests. Vacuum frequently, especially in areas where pests can hide.
- Maintain your yard: Trim bushes and tree branches that touch your home, as they provide easy access for pests like ants, spiders, and rodents. Remove grass clipping and leaf litter that may serve as nesting spaces.
- Reduce clutter: Declutter storage spaces, basements, and attics where pests like to hide. Use plastic bins instead of cardboard boxes, which are more attractive to insects and rodents.
- Seal entry points: Sealing cracks, crevices, and gaps around doors and caulking windows can help keep insects and rodents out. Stopping pests from entering your home is more affordable than removing them—and this tip may also help you improve home insulation.
- Store food properly: Proper food storage prevents pests like cockroaches and rodents from infesting your kitchen. Keep dry goods in airtight containers, avoid leaving pet food out overnight, and promptly discard expired or rotting food.
Pro Tip
- Outside of shelter, food is the main reason why pests show up inside or around your property, says Bossel. Getting rid of these sources can make your home unappealing and reduce the likelihood of an infestation.
When Should You Call a Professional for Pest Removal?
While DIY remedies can help for small infestations, these methods may fail if pests are embedded too deeply into your home. This means exterminators may have to use professional chemicals to end the infestation for good.
Pests like rodents, termites, and wasps can cause structural damage or health risks when spraying, making professional intervention necessary. Additionally, if pests are nesting in areas like attics or crawl spaces, exterminators may need to use specialized equipment for removal. Other signs you might need professional help include frequent sightings of pests, unexplained property damage, droppings or foul odors, and allergic reactions or bites on humans.
Compare the Best Pest Control Providers
From termite treatment to rat removal, you have choices as a homeowner when it comes to pest control treatments and service providers. Use the table below to compare our top-rated pest control providers before making a decision on your extermination plan.
| Company | Star Rating | BBB Rating | State Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
A+ | 45 states | ||
A+ | 49 states (ex. Alaska) | ||
A+ | 20 states | ||
A+ | 36 states | ||
B | 16 states |
How To Hire an Exterminator
Hiring a professional exterminator requires knowing what type of pest you’re dealing with and doing your homework on local companies. Vincent Errante, a pest control expert featured in a past issue of This Old House’s magazine, provides several tips on how to choose an exterminator.
Identify Your Pest Problem
Before hiring an exterminator, determine what type of pest issue you’re dealing with. While some exterminators specialize in specific infestations, certain types of especially destructive pests like termites may need specialized removal services not available with all providers. “Catch, photograph, or videotape the offenders so the pro will have an idea of what to expect,” adds Errante.
Verify Local Licensing
Pest control companies should have a license from your state’s regulatory board. Also look for exterminators that hold additional certifications from organizations such as the National Pest Management Association (NPMA).
Request a Free Quote
Once you’ve found a few pest control providers you may want to work with, call each one to request a free quote for service. A reputable exterminator should offer a thorough inspection of your property before providing a quote. Get a written estimate that outlines your treatment plan, costs, and follow-up services, if applicable.
Compare a Few Service Providers
Don’t go for the cheapest option without evaluating the quality of service you’re being offered. Our team recommends getting an estimate from at least three professional pest control services to understand your treatment options and get the best price.
Review Contract Terms
Thoroughly read your plan contract before hiring any pest control company. Review the contract’s terms and conditions, including cancellation policies, liability coverage, and included services, before you sign on the dotted line.
Book Your Services
To prepare for the exterminator, make sure to clear out the treatment area. Follow any other pre-appointment instructions your exterminator provides you with—and leave the home if required for treatment.
Ask About Follow-Up Appointment
Some infestations require long-term management. If you need continued protection, consider companies that offer routine inspections and maintenance plans, and book these at the time of your initial visit. “Exterminators should provide a list of chemicals they’re using, and they should change them every three months because pests grow resistant.”
Is Professional Pest Control Worth It?
Whether or not pest control is worth it will vary depending on the type of pest in your home and the extent of the infestation. If you’re only seeing a few pests in isolated areas, you may want to try treating them with a low-cost DIY method before calling in professionals or using chemicals.
There are some circumstances when calling a pest professional is unavoidable. If you’re dealing with dangerous pests like wasps or snakes, you may risk injury if you try to remove them yourself. Severe infestations may also require specialized professional services to completely remove—so call the pros early if you think you might have uninvited guests in your home.
FAQs About Pest Control Costs
What is the average cost for pest control?
The average cost of a single pest control appointment is $171. However, you could pay as little as $50 or as much as $8,000 to eliminate a pest issue, depending on factors like the pest and the severity of the infestation.
Is monthly pest control worth it?
Whether monthly pest control is worth it depends on several factors, including the severity of your pest issues, your home’s location, and your tolerance for occasional pest sightings. For homes in pest-prone areas like especially humid climates, routine pest control can prove a valuable investment. Monthly treatments help prevent infestations before they start, reducing the likelihood of costly exterminations down the line.
What is the hardest pest to get rid of?
Termites are some of the hardest pests to get rid of because they may go unnoticed until structural damage is done. In many cases, you’re unlikely to catch termites until a major pest infestation has developed. Bed bugs are also exceptionally hard to get rid of, with the ability to hide in tiny crevices of the home and survive months without feeding.
Is it cheaper to DIY pest control or hire an exterminator?
DIY pest control usually costs less upfront than hiring an exterminator, especially for minor infestations. If pests return or spread, however, repeated DIY treatments may end up costing more overall. Professional exterminators offer more effective, long-term solutions that can prevent costly damage down the line.
How We Evaluated Pest Control Providers
Our team uses a multi-point review methodology to determine which pest management services to recommend to readers like you. After speaking with representatives, considering plan offerings and pricing, and consulting with customer service representatives, we gave each company a score on a scale of 100, which we then converted into a 5-star rating.
Our process involved comparing service contracts and rating each plan in terms of availability, financing, services, and reputation. We also looked at each company’s plan inclusions against industry and national standards to provide you with the peace of mind that comes with working with a reputable service provider.
