How Much Does an Ant Exterminator Cost? [2025 Data]

Ant Exterminator Cost Factors

The overall extent of your ant infestation will determine your total ant exterminator cost. Ant exterminators may also charge based on the type of ants they’re dealing with, the accessibility of the infestation area, and the size of the infestation.

Frequency

The average cost for a one-time ant treatment is around $150. However, if you need additional treatments, many exterminators will offer bundled discounts for subsequent services. This means you can expect to spend between $100 and $120 for each additional treatment, which totals around $400 to $480 for four treatments in a year. In more severe cases that need more frequent treatments, costs can go as high as $1,400.

Cost Per Square Foot

The average cost of hiring an ant exterminator is between $0.70 to $1.70 per square foot. The size of your home plays a key role in determining the price. Larger homes require more time and resources to treat, especially if the infestation is widespread.

Infestation Size and Location

Exterminations in easily accessible areas can cost as low as $80, while more difficult-to-reach spots can drive costs upwards of $500 due to the complexity of the treatment required. Professional ant exterminators often charge differently depending on the location and size of the infestation. Hard-to-reach areas, such as nests under your house’s foundation or within walls, tend to be more expensive to treat. These locations require additional time, specialized equipment, and chemicals to access and eliminate the ants. In contrast, infestations in more accessible areas, like the kitchen or along baseboards, are generally more affordable.

Type of Ant

There are several types of ants that can infest your home, each one with its own set of concerns.

Carpenter Ants

When most people think of ants, they picture a carpenter ant. Carpenter ants are the most efficient wood-destroying insects in North America and one of the continent’s most common. Carpenter ants are black or reddish-brown and quite large, with sizes ranging from three-eighths to one-half inch long.

If you give them enough time, carpenter ants can wreak havoc on a home’s woodwork by building nests and tunnels throughout it, which will lead to significant structural damage. Unfortunately, they’re notoriously difficult to wipe out. Exterminators charge between $250 and $500 to treat carpenter ants.

Fire Ants

You can mostly find fire ants in the southern United States. They’re smaller than carpenter ants and red in color. Fire ants can be dangerous to humans because of their painful bite, which causes allergic reactions in some people. Exterminating fire ants will cost between $100 and $300, depending on the size of the infestation.

Sugar Ants

Sugar ants are very small black ants that seek out sugar and sweets. If your toddler is prone to spilling their juice in hard-to-clean areas, sugar ants are a concern. Exterminators will charge about $150 to get rid of them.

Other Ants

Most ants, on average, will cost $150 to exterminate. Carpenter ants and fire ants are more expensive to exterminate because they can be difficult to get rid of. Before you call a local exterminator, see if you can identify what type of ants you have. If you aren’t able to, your exterminator can do it.

How Much Does It Cost to Exterminate Ants Yourself?

You can purchase ant traps at your local home improvement store for about $5 per package. Spray insecticides are another DIY option, costing about $10 per can. Small infestations only warrant one or two traps or one can of insecticide sprays. These tactics can work for a small infestation, but you’ll have better luck calling in a pro for severe ant issues. And it’s important to note that most store-bought ant treatments aren’t effective against fire ants or carpenter ants, which can cause serious damage to your home.

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro

DIY solutions can be a cost-effective and money-saving solution for minor ant infestations. However, while these methods can manage small outbreaks, they often aren’t effective at managing more significant infestations. Also, store bought DIY treatments usually fall short when it comes to tackling fire ants or carpenter ants, which can cause considerable damage to your home. 

While hiring a local ant exterminator may involve a higher initial investment, it provides a comprehensive, long-lasting solution. Professionals have the necessary expertise and tools to effectively target nests, safely manage aggressive ant species, and implement preventative measures against future infestations. This makes professional intervention the more dependable option for larger or persistent ant problems.

How to Save on Ant Extermination Costs

Ant extermination can be expensive, but there are several ways to keep costs down while effectively managing an infestation. Here are some tips to help you save:

• Handle small infestations yourself: Use ant traps or insecticide sprays for minor problems, which are affordable and can often resolve the issue.

• Buy in bulk: Purchasing ant treatment products in bulk can lower the overall cost, especially if you're dealing with recurring infestations.

• Identify the ant species: Knowing the type of ants you’re dealing with can help you choose the right treatment, reducing unnecessary spending on ineffective products.

• Schedule regular inspections: Prevent future infestations by scheduling routine inspections with a professional to catch problems early and avoid bigger expenses down the road.

• Consider DIY preventive measures: Keep your home sealed, clean, and free of food sources to prevent ant invasions, saving you the cost of treatments.

• Look for discounts or bundled services: Many pest control companies offer discounts for first-time customers or package deals that include multiple services, which can reduce the total cost.

How Angi Gets Its Cost Data

Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We extensively research project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We rely on reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects. 

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