Professional cockroach exterminators charge $100–$600 for a single treatment, with an average cost of about $200. Severe infestations can push extermination services as high as $7,500 or more. Cockroaches can squeeze into tight spaces throughout your home by flattening their bodies, which makes them difficult to find and remove. They reproduce quickly, resist many treatments, and spread bacteria that can worsen allergies and cause other health problems for you and your family.
A professional pest control company can identify the infestation, eliminate roaches, and help prevent future outbreaks. Keep reading to learn more about cockroach exterminator costs, see which factors influence pricing, and get tips from pest control experts featured in This Old House’s magazine.
Key Takeaways
- Roach extermination typically costs between $100 and $600 for one round of treatment, with an average cost of $200, though severe infestations can cost up to $7,500 in extreme cases.
- Treatment costs vary significantly by home size, with 1,000-square-foot homes costing $100–$150 while 3,000-square-foot homes can cost $450–$550 for cockroach extermination.
- Fumigation and tenting are the most expensive treatment options and reserved for severe infestations, ranging from $1,000–$3,000 for fumigation and $2,500–$7,500 for tenting.
Roach Extermination Treatments and Costs
Pest control costs depend on multiple factors, such as location, treatment type, property size, location, and treatment frequency. Based on the severity of the infestation and your home, your professional exterminator may recommend several treatment options to get rid of your roach problem. You can expect to pay between $100 and $600 for one cockroach treatment, with an average cost of $200. Here’s a breakdown of average prices based on the treatment type.
| Treatment Type | Cost Range | Average Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Sprays | $40–$100 | $70 |
| Glue traps | $100–$600 | $350 |
| Gel bait stations | $100–$600 | $350 |
| Boric acid powder | $100–$600 | $350 |
| Fumigation | $1,000–$3,000 | $2,000 |
| Tenting | $2,500–$7,500 | $5,000 |
Note: The cost data featured throughout this guide is based on price estimates from Angi.
Top pest control companies offer a wide range of treatment methods for cockroaches. Some treatments are unsafe for children, pets, or humans, so speak with your pest control provider about the best options to address the problem and keep your family safe.
Here’s a quick overview of the main cockroach treatment types:
- Bait stations: Bait stations, also called gel luring, are gel or mini “stations” left out around your home in common areas roaches visit. Once they consume the gel or bait, the cockroach dies. Some roaches won’t eat the bait or are resistant to it, so this treatment type usually produces mixed results.
- Dust: Dust, such as boric acid, is spread throughout your home and puffed into common roach hiding places. Once roaches eat the powder, it kills them. However, this isn’t safe for humans or pets to be around, so plan to vacate your home before the treatment.
- Fumigation and tenting: Fumigation and tenting are the last options for severe roach infestations that have survived other treatments. An exterminator seals your home with a tent and then releases a fumigant (a deadly gas). The fumigant penetrates all cracks and crevices to kill cockroaches and their eggs.
- Glue traps: Glue traps are sticky traps you set throughout your home. Once a roach runs across the trap, it’s trapped by the strong adhesive glue. While these traps can catch rogue cockroaches, they won’t address the root issue or infestations.
- Over-the-counter sprays: Roach sprays are popular because you can directly spray a roach you spot, killing it quickly. However, sprays don’t address the root problem, and roaches may die within your walls or in difficult-to-access nooks and crannies.
Other Factors That Affect Roach Extermination Costs
Multiple factors, such as property size, location, service frequency, and infestation severity, determine roach extermination costs. Here’s a quick breakdown of how each factor affects pricing.
Size of Your Home
The bigger your home is, the more chemicals, labor, and time exterminators dedicate to treating the roach problem. As you’d expect, larger homes have a higher average treatment cost than smaller homes because there are more rooms and hiding places for roaches. The following table estimates how much you might pay for cockroach treatments based on your home’s square footage.
| Home Size | Cost Range | Average Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 1,000 square feet | $100–$150 | $125 |
| 1,500 square feet | $150–$250 | $200 |
| 2,000 square feet | $250–$350 | $300 |
| 2,500 square feet | $350–$450 | $400 |
| 3,000 square feet | $450–$550 | $500 |
Location
Location impacts roach extermination costs in two key ways. The more challenging it is to reach the area where the roach infestation is, the costlier it will be to treat it. For example, roaches hiding within your walls or behind appliances require more labor than roaches trapped within your pantry.
Where you live also affects the cost of roach infestations. According to Terminix, urban areas usually have more severe infestations because these pests have greater access to food waste and living quarters. Apartments or housing connected to neighbors often require more expensive or frequent roach control measures.
Service Frequency
Cockroaches are resilient pests that usually require multiple visits to eliminate. How often you need follow-up visits to keep roaches away will determine how much you pay for the treatment overall.
| Pest Control Service Frequency | Estimated Cost Range | Estimated Average Cost |
|---|---|---|
| One-time | $100–$400 | $250 |
| Monthly | $50–$100 per visit | $75 per visit |
| Quarterly | $50–$100 per visit | $75 per visit |
| Annually | $200–$1,000 | $600 |
Infestation Severity
You can treat a minor infestation that you catch during the beginning stages with less intensive methods and fewer follow-ups, which can save you money. However, a severe infestation with established nests of roaches throughout your home will likely require your professional exterminator to return for several visits and take more extreme measures, like fumigation or many gel bait stations. That’s why calling an exterminator as soon as possible can save you money in the long run, especially if you can catch the infestation early on.
Here are rough cost estimates for roach treatment based on infestation severity.
| Infestation Severity | Treatment Plan Cost Range | Average Plan Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Small infestation | $100–$400 | $250 |
| Major infestation | $300–$700 | $500 |
| Severe infestation | $2,500–$7,000 | $4,750 |
Signs of a Cockroach Infestation
Cockroaches are about 1.5 inches long, making them easier to spot than other pests like bed bugs. Their flat bodies allow them to slip through the smallest openings, such as cracked windows, dryer vents, and door jambs, allowing them to find crumbs, trash, or clutter throughout your home to use as food and shelter.
Cockroaches are nocturnal, meaning they hide in cracks and crevices in your home during the day and come out for food at night. That means it’s typically easier to spot signs of a cockroach infestation rather than look for the actual insect.
Look for the following signs of a cockroach problem:
- Bodies of dead cockroaches
- Damaged food packaging
- Damage to organic goods (i.e., leather and books)
- Droppings (these resemble pepper or coffee grounds)
- Egg capsules (look for tan, black, or brown eggs that are pill or oval-shaped)
- Molted cockroach skins
- Oily, musty, and semi-sweet smells (caused by cockroach pheromones)
- Smear marks on horizontal surfaces or at-wall junctions (typically brown and irregularly shaped)
DIY Roach Removal Methods
Do-it-yourself (DIY) roach removal methods are abundant, but many are ineffective if you have a roach infestation because they won’t reach hidden nesting areas or treat the root cause. Many roaches are even resistant to over-the-counter insecticides, so these initially cost-effective methods can quickly add up without solving the problem. We’ve evaluated some of the most common DIY roach removal methods and their effectiveness against cockroaches.
Baking Soda and Sugar
Readily available pantry items like baking soda and sugar, when combined, make an effective cockroach poison, according to a pest expert featured in This Old House’s magazine. Simply add equal parts baking soda and sugar onto a shallow dish or plate, and leave it near the area you last saw the critters. “Roaches are attracted to the sugar, but the [baking soda] mixture is deadly to them,” the expert added.
Fabric Softener
Homeowners looking to save money are often told to use watered-down fabric softener (about three parts fabric softener to two parts water) to exterminate cockroaches. Fabric softener kills cockroaches by blocking the pores in their skin, killing them through suffocation. However, this method only impacts cockroaches you spray, so roaches hiding in your walls won’t be affected. Overall, this DIY removal method is best for a couple of lone roaches rather than a full-blown infestation.
Elimination
A good way to address a cockroach problem and keep it from returning is through elimination. Take steps to eradicate everything cockroaches need to survive. Throw away garbage and clutter, deep clean your house, fix leaky faucets or other water sources, and keep all food tightly sealed. Eliminating food sources and hiding places discourages roaches from hanging around your home.
Over-the-Counter Roach Control
Standard over-the-counter roach control options include roach foggers, electronic repellents, bait stations, and sprays. Roach foggers, also known as bug bombs or roach bombs, are aerosol cans that release a pesticide mist to eliminate roaches and other common pests, like fleas. However, these foggers won’t reach hiding places, making them only somewhat effective.
Bait stations and cockroach sprays are also common options. While they’re typically effective, they won’t kill the root problem and may result in dead cockroaches in your walls.
Soap and Water
Soap and water work the same way as fabric softeners—they suffocate live cockroaches by blocking the pores in their skin. However, this method is only effective when applied to live cockroaches and won’t address an entire infestation.
Pro Tip
- When shopping for bait stations or traps, make sure you purchase one meant for the type of cockroach you’re dealing with. “Don’t buy something for the little roaches if you’ve got big ones; they can’t get inside the trap,” says Richard Brenner, an entomologist featured in This Old House’s magazine.
When Should You Call a Professional for Roach Removal?
You should call a professional for roach removal as soon as you notice signs of cockroach activity in your home. Cockroaches in the house are a health hazard because they carry disease-causing germs and may trigger asthma attacks in individuals sensitive to cockroach antigens (found in cockroach debris like old shells, droppings, and saliva). Young children are particularly sensitive to these allergens.
How To Hire an Exterminator
A reputable extermination company, like Orkin or Terminix, has the knowledge to identify and address your roach problem quickly, making it a valuable option for getting the infestation under control. Follow these recommendations when preparing for an exterminator:
- Look up pest control companies with cockroach extermination services in your area.
- Ask friends and family in the area for recommendations.
- Vet each company by reading independent reviews from third-party review websites like Trustpilot and the Better Business Bureau.
- Carefully consider the company’s offerings. Is it certified for the specific services you might need, like fumigation? Does it have extensive experience dealing with cockroaches specifically? Does this provider offer a free inspection and consultation?
- Make appointments with at least three providers for a consultation and ask them to inspect your home for pests. Treat this as a job interview, and don’t hesitate to ask questions about their experience and treatment recommendations. Then, get a free quote.
- Before choosing a service, compare quotes, treatment recommendations, reviews, and your gut feeling about each provider.
- Book a treatment with your preferred provider. Be prepared to have several follow-up appointments for reinspections or several treatments, as this is common with roaches.
How To Prevent a Roach Infestation
There are many effective roach extermination methods, but the best (and cheapest) method is preventing the roach infestation in the first place. Follow these recommendations to roach-proof your home and avoid a roach infestation.
- Check containers and purchases, such as paper bags, before bringing them home from the store.
- Clear clutter throughout the home. Roaches look for warm, dark places to hide. Cardboard boxes and paper are popular choices, so avoid storing them, especially in areas where cockroaches are prone to hanging out, like the kitchen.
- Eliminate water and food sources by fixing leaky plumbing, not leaving pet food out, and wiping down your counters daily. Focus on cleaning your kitchen before bed because roaches are nocturnal and seek out nighttime food sources.
- Keep your home clean and tidy by sweeping and vacuuming the floor frequently and tightly sealing garbage containers.
- Seal entry points and hiding places, like cracks and crevices around walls or doors. If you live in an apartment, take extra precautions to seal entry points from neighboring apartments or rooms.
Pro Tip
- Brenner suggests sprinkling boric acid behind large appliances, like your stove, washing machine, or refrigerator, to prevent cockroaches from nesting behind them.
Is Professional Roach Extermination Worth It?
Yes, professional roach extermination is worth it for infestations you can’t manage on your own. While DIY methods may suffice for small problems, a larger or more severe infestation will likely resist these treatments. Professional treatment from certified exterminators offers the most effective and lasting solution. Roaches can contaminate food, create unpleasant odors, and trigger asthma and allergies, putting you and your family’s health at risk. Investing in extermination protects your home’s cleanliness and the well-being of you and your loved ones.
FAQs About Roach Extermination Costs
How do I get rid of roaches permanently?
You can permanently get rid of roaches by working with a professional to determine the best treatment plan for your home and the specific type of roaches in your home. German cockroaches are the most common household roach, but American cockroaches are also prevalent. An exterminator can recommend and execute a customized, professional-grade treatment plan to permanently eradicate roaches from your home while working with you to prevent them from returning by sealing entry points and eliminating food sources.
What is the main cause of roaches?
The main cause of roaches in homes is access to food, moisture, and shelter. Like all pests, cockroaches need food, water, and shelter to survive. Most homes provide these to some degree. Common food sources include crumbs, dirty dishes, garbage, uncovered food, or poorly sealed items in the pantry. Roaches often find water from leaky pipes, wet surfaces, or leaky faucets and hide in clutter or cracks in walls or doors. Warm, humid environments are especially attractive to roaches, so cockroaches are more likely to hide in your kitchen, bathroom, or basement.
How many roaches is considered an infestation?
There isn’t an exact number for how many roaches are considered an infestation. It only takes a couple of roaches to reproduce, and if you spot a few roaches or catch several in glue traps, hundreds could be hiding in your home.
How long does it take to professionally get rid of roaches
Professional roach extermination typically takes anywhere from a few days to several weeks, depending on the severity of the infestation. Most treatments begin to show results within 48 hours, but follow-up visits may be necessary for full eradication. Severe infestations often require multiple treatments over several months to completely remove roaches.
How We Determined Roach Exterminator Pricing
To provide current and accurate pricing for cockroach exterminator services, we gathered cost data from reports published by Angi. We also collected pricing data from retail sites, including The Home Depot. Our research provides a comprehensive overview of both national and local pricing. We analyzed pricing data across several U.S. states to better understand regional price differences. This allows our cost averages to reflect diverse homeowner needs across both urban and rural markets.
Prices shared in this guide represent the average cost of cockroach exterminator services based on our research at the time of publication. Actual costs may vary depending on factors such as location, service provider, home size, material quality, and project scope.
