How Much Does a Wasp Exterminator Cost?

A wasp infestation is usually easy to detect. If you notice wasps flying around your home or yard, typically around food sources like exposed garbage, there’s probably a wasp nest nearby. In some cases, you may see a nest, but wasps may also build their nests underground or, more rarely, inside the walls of your home. If it’s easily accessible, you can try to remove the nest yourself, but a pest control company can get rid of a wasp infestation safely and completely.

To that end, we’ve broken down the average costs of wasp extermination and offered some explanation for how those costs are determined. We’ll also answer some common questions and provide tips for preventing wasps from returning.

Professional wasp extermination typically costs between $100 and $1,300, with an average cost of $375.* Wasp treatment usually requires a one-time pest control visit that includes wasp nest removal. Terminix, one of our top-rated pest control companies, offers a one-time pest treatment that includes paper wasp extermination for $300. We received this quote for a two-bedroom home in Chicago.

For the most accurate pricing, a wasp exterminator will need to perform an inspection to give you a more specific estimate. Here are a few factors that will determine the price.

Type of Wasp

There are many species of wasps, and some are more aggressive and dangerous than others. Here are some of the most common types of wasps and how much it costs to remove each type:

• Paper wasps: These common wasps are fairly docile and nest in easy-to-reach areas. Paper wasp nest removal is on the lower end of the cost spectrum, costing around $400.
• Mud daubers: Mud daubers are easy to remove and unlikely to sting. Removal costs around $300.
• Bald-faced hornets: These hornets aren’t unusually aggressive but have particularly painful stings. They also tend to nest high up in trees and cost around $625 to eliminate.
• Yellow jackets: These are some of the most costly wasps to exterminate because they’re aggressive and tend to nest underground. Yellow jacket removal services will often start at $700 and increase depending on the severity of the infestation.

Location of the Nest

Where a wasp nest is located often depends on the species of wasp you’re dealing with. As you might expect, the more easily the exterminator can access the nest, the less time and money will be needed to remove it. A hornet nest located on a low tree branch will cost less to remove than one hanging from a second-story eave or inside a chimney.

It’s difficult to give exact estimates based on location, but here’s a general range of wasp nest locations from least to most costly:

• Ground-level, out in the open
• Inside a tree or bush
• Second story or above (add $5 to $10 per foot), out in the open
• In an attic
• In a chimney
• Underground
• Inside walls (including the cost of drywall repairs)

Severity of the Infestation

Simply put: The more wasps, the larger the nest. The larger the nest, the harder it is to remove completely, increasing the cost of wasp extermination.

Treatment Type

The most common treatment for wasps involves the use of an aerosol spray or concentrated liquid applied directly to the nest, which often kills wasps on contact and continues killing any wasps that return to the nest for several days after. Some methods use specialized equipment, such as a vacuum to suck wasps out of small crevices, that will cost a bit more. Additionally, most first-line treatments use pyrethroid chemical insecticides to kill wasps. Less toxic, more environmentally friendly insecticides will increase the price.

When you consider that a can of wasp killer costs $3–$5 at the hardware store, you may wonder whether it’s worth paying for professional extermination. In some select cases, you may be able to go the DIY route to avoid exterminator costs.

The best-case scenario would be a small infestation with a nest that’s above ground and out in the open. If you catch the problem early enough and the nest is easily accessible, a can or two of wasp killer might be all you need.

When To Hire a Professional

Larger wasp infestations with hidden nests are unlikely to be repelled by simple DIY methods. Additionally, if you attempt to get rid of wasps on your own, you’ll face the possibility of wasp stings as you apply the treatment and you may have to buy protective gear, including gloves and goggles, if you don’t already own that equipment.

Hiring a pest control company greatly improves your chances of completely eliminating the problem the first time. It’s almost certainly more expensive than doing it yourself, but it’s much lower risk for you. Pest control companies give their technicians the training, insecticides, and equipment to do the job safely and efficiently. In cases of more severe or hidden infestations, professional exterminators are your best bet.

Questions To Ask a Wasp Exterminator

Many pest control companies offer free estimates for wasp extermination. Here are some questions to ask when considering who to hire:

• Is your company licensed and insured?
• How much experience do your technicians have with wasps?
• Will you provide a written estimate? Do you honor your estimates?
• Can you identify the location of the wasp’s nest or colony?
• Are the products that you use safe for pets and/or children? Are they toxic to plants?
• Do you offer a guarantee? How long does it last?

The This Old House Reviews Team backs up our pest control recommendations with a detailed rating methodology that we use to objectively score each provider. We review pest control plans, navigate the provider website, speak with customer service representatives by phone and online chat (if available), request quotes, and analyze customer reviews for each provider. We then score the provider against our review standards for plan options, additional benefits and convenience factors, availability, trustworthiness, and customer service to arrive at a final score out of 100.

To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.