The last thing any homeowner wants is a pesky pest problem, no matter how big or small the issue may be. Whether you’ve been seeing a few spiders around the house or have a full-blown cockroach infestation on your hands, pest control prices can be high, and an unexpected call to a pest control company can put a serious dent in your wallet.
With something as unpredictable as a pest infestation, it can be difficult to plan for, as most people aren’t expecting to see a cockroach or rodent in their home–until they do.
Therefore, knowing the most common types of household pests in your area is a good way to determine what you may encounter at some point in your life and how much you can expect to spend to get rid of the problem.
In this guide, we’ll discuss common pest control prices and factors that influence pricing, so you know what to expect the next time you pay for pest control.
Pest Control Prices by Pest Type
|
Pest Type |
Estimated Cost |
|
Ants |
$100-$500 |
|
Bed Bugs |
$300-$5,000 |
|
Cockroaches |
$100-$400 |
|
Mosquitos |
$350-$550 |
|
Rodents |
$150-$500 |
|
Termites |
$2,000-$8,000 |
|
Spiders |
$100-$200 |
| Stinging Insects |
$100-$1,500 |
*Prices based on Angi
Price of Pest Control Service
|
First Visit |
Annual Maintenance |
Monthly Maintenance |
Ongoing Service |
|
$300-$550 |
$300-$550 |
$40-$70 |
$100-$300 |
*Prices based on Angi
5 Factors that Influence Pest Control Prices
1. Pest Type
Pest control prices will vary by pest type as each will require its own special treatment. While something like a small ant colony might be cheaper to treat, a more invasive infestation, like termites, will most likely run you a couple of hundred dollars (not including damage to your home).
2. Level of Infestation
Another factor that can determine how much you pay for pest control is the level of infestation you’re dealing with. Depending on the pest, you may not need a lot of treatment to get rid of the problem.
However, something more serious, like a cockroach infestation, can end up costing more money if several treatments are required, as cockroaches are notoriously difficult to eliminate.
3. Type of Treatment
The specific type of pest control treatment you require can also influence how much you will need to pay.
For example, if you don’t have an active infestation but want to reduce your chance of having one in the future, pest prevention is a great option that can save you tons of money and headaches in the long run.
However, if you have already spotted a few pests in your home, you will need to seek treatment. The most expensive pest control option is typically IPM or Integrated Pest Management. IPM is a science-based, sustainable approach to pest management that uses a combination of pest biology, environmental data, and technology to manage pests in a way that is safer than more traditional methods.
Fortunately, other pest methods, like pesticides and direct sprays, may cost far less but may be far more invasive to your home.
4. Size of the Home
The size of your home can also determine the cost of pest management treatment, as larger homes with greater square footage will require more pesticides to spread throughout the area. Of course, you can’t control the size of your home, but understand that it will influence pest control pricing.
5. Frequency of Visits
Finally, depending on the type of pest you’re dealing with, and how serious the infestation is, your pest control company may need to visit your home several times to treat the problem. If your pest situation is minimal and only requires one visit, then you’ll most likely just pay a flat rate for that visit. However, if the problem is more complicated and requires a more thorough treatment plan, you should be prepared to pay for more than one visit.
Most pest control companies charge less for visits beyond the initial visit, so it won’t put too big of a dent in your wallet.
When Is the Best Time to Call an Exterminator?
It’s very tempting for people to try DIY pest control methods to save money. However, we often find that this costs them more money in the long run.
First, failing to control an infestation properly can lead to larger treatments and property damage.
Secondly, you must tack on the cost of DIY materials on top of professional extermination, draining your wallet further.
As soon as you see the first signs of infestation, you should reach out to an exterminator. The longer you wait to seek treatment, the worse the situation will get.
Pest Control Prices FAQs
Is DIY pest control cheaper?
Depending on your budget, it may be tempting to try to take a “do it yourself” approach to pest control. Depending on how serious your situation is, you may be able to treat the problem yourself. For people on a tight budget or those looking for a quick, short-term fix, purchasing a bottle of chemical-based spray is one option. However, there are certain infestations that are too large or too serious to tackle alone. When dealing with a serious infestation, it is best to seek the help of a professional pest control company to ensure the pests are removed from your home without harming your family or your pets.
Is a pest maintenance plan worth it?
Whether you haven’t yet seen any pests in your home or have a full-blown infestation, a pest maintenance plan can be beneficial for every homeowner. With a pest maintenance plan, you can have peace of mind that your home is protected from any unwelcome guests.
How often should pest control and maintenance be done?
Typically, pest control maintenance is recommended every 2-3 months or quarterly. If you have a more serious infestation, your pest control professional may suggest maintenance on a more regular basis, but quarterly plans are generally more common.