How Much Does a Wasp Exterminator Cost? (2024 Guide)
Typical cost range:
$100–$1,300
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Based on our research and quotes we pulled, professional wasp extermination costs between $100 and $1,300, with an average cost of $375. If you notice wasps flying around your home or yard, typically around food sources such as exposed garbage, there’s probably a wasp nest nearby. It 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.
Below, we’ll break down the average cost of wasp extermination, answer some common questions, and provide tips for preventing wasps from returning.
How Much Does Wasp Extermination Cost on Average?
On average, wasp exterminators cost between $100 and $1,300, with an average cost of $375. Below are the average costs for wasp extermination based on the type of treatment and the type of wasp.
| Type of Service | Pricing (Low End) | Pricing (High End) |
|---|---|---|
|
Wasp removal |
$100 |
$1,300 |
|
Initial pest control visit |
$150 |
$300 |
|
Monthly treatments |
$40 |
$70 |
|
Paper wasp removal |
$100 |
$400 |
|
Mud dauber removal |
$300 |
$600 |
|
Bald-headed hornet removal |
$400 |
$800 |
|
Yellow jacket removal |
$500 |
$1,300 |
|
DIY wasp removal |
$5 |
$220 |
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What Factors Affect Wasp Extermination Pricing?
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)
The 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, which 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.
Should You DIY vs. Exterminator Wasp Removal?
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 Should You Hire a Wasp Exterminator?
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. While the cost of pest control is certainly more expensive than doing it yourself, 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?
FAQ About Wasp Extermination
What kills wasps instantly?
Many pesticides will kill wasps on contact. One benefit of insecticides specially formulated for wasps is that they come in cans designed to spray at a long distance, creating enough distance between you and the wasp nest.
Do wasps know when you’ve killed one?
If a wasp lands on you, always brush it away—never try to squash it. When crushed, a wasp releases pheromones that alert other wasps to danger, which can make them aggressive.
Will wasps return to a sprayed nest?
Most insecticides will continue to kill wasps for several days after they’re applied. After that, you’ll want to dispose of the nest, as some species of wasps will “adopt” old nests. Always make sure the wasps inside are dead first, and seal the nest in plastic before disposing of it.
Our Rating Methodology
We back 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 plans and services, reputation and customer responses, customer service offerings, workmanship guarantees, financing, and availability to arrive at a final score on a 5-point rating scale.
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