Pest control costs about $171, but ranges between $50 and $500 depending on the type of critter.
Pest control costs run about $171 on average, though the service can range between $50 and $500 depending on factors like the type of pest you're dealing with and the extent of the infestation.
Sometimes, cans of bug spray just won’t cut it. When you've got bugs, rodents, or common houseplant pests invading your home or garden, it's time to call in the pest control pros so you get rid of these unwanted housemates.
For most full-service pest control jobs, such as eliminating wasp or roach infestations in a 1,500-square-foot property, you'll pay between $200 and $600. But if you need a termite tent and fumigation, you could pay as much as $8,000.
Both services are generally one-time visits, but ongoing pest control services include treatment to keep ants, ticks, fleas, and termites at bay. Here are the U.S. national average costs for one-time and ongoing pest control:
| Number of Visits | Average Cost (1,500-Square-Foot Home) |
|---|---|
| One-time service | $300–$550 |
| Ongoing service initial visit | $150–$300 |
| Monthly pest control visit | $40–$70 |
| Quarterly pest control visit | $100–$300 |
| Annual pest control visit | $300–$550 |
Pest control service doesn't have one-size-fits-all pricing. In fact, the local pest inspection specialist will likely come and give you a free quote based on their assessment of your property and pest problem. Take a look at a few of the key variables that impact how much you'll pay to obtain a critter-free home.
Each type of pesky pest requires different labor and materials to help you bid them farewell, so each costs a different amount. For example, bed bugs can cost up to $6,000 (on the high end) to eliminate so you can sleep easy again, while eradicating ants typically costs $500 or less. Here are some average ranges for pest control costs by critter type.
Cost to exterminate ants: $100–$500
Cost to exterminate bed bugs: $1,000–$4,000
Cost to exterminate cockroaches: $100–$600
Cost to exterminate fleas: $100–$400
Cost to exterminate rodents: $180–$600
Cost to exterminate spiders: $100–$500
Cost to exterminate wasps: $300–$700
Cost to remove mosquitos: $350–$500
Cost to remove bats: $230–$700
Cost to remove beehives: $150–$500
Cost to eliminate termites: $250–$1,000
Cost to remove snakes: $130–$600
Cost to remove armadillos: $175–$500
Cost to remove gnats: $150–$250
Cost to remove spotted lanternfly: $200–$600
The type of treatment used for extermination can significantly impact costs. For example, chemical treatments tend to cost more than non-chemical treatments. Simple treatments using traps can cost under $100, while whole-home tent fumigation can reach upward of $2,500 or more.
Along with that, treatments for certain types of pests will cost more than others. Treating a small ant infestation costs anywhere from $100 to $500, while a major bedbug treatment can cost as much as $6,000.
| Treatment Type | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Physical Traps | $100–$600 |
| Chemical Sprays | $100–$3,000 |
| Fumigation | $1,500–$8,000 |
A single wasp nest or a small family of rats is pretty insignificant in terms of labor and cost. But if you have a major infestation of any type of pest, whether it's termites, bedbugs, rats, or ticks, the service will cost more. Larger infestations require more time, more materials, and often more visits, too, so the pest control company requires a more substantial payment to cover all their costs.
| Size and Severity | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Small/Mild | $100–$500 |
| Moderate/Medium | $300–$700 |
| Large/Severe | $1,000–$8,000 |
More space in your home and yard means more square footage to cover, from the initial inspection to the treatment application. Whether your exterminator charges by the hour or by the square footage, this will equate to additional charges for pest control service.
How easy the problem area is to access will impact how long the service takes and, therefore, how much you'll pay. If you have some roaches in the kitchen cabinets or a few ant nests in the yard, the pest control technician has a fairly simple task. But if you've got bats in the barn eaves and no Batman in sight to save the day, the job takes longer and is more challenging, so it naturally costs more.
Here are some examples of various tasks, which ones tend to be more pricey, and why:
Cabinets and other easily accessible areas: Treatment for areas that are easy for the pest specialist to access tend to be less expensive because it will not take as much time to treat them.
Yards: Depending on the type of pests being removed from the yard, these jobs may be less costly because they aren’t as difficult to access as other areas. For instance, removing bees can cost as low as $75, but the average cost to remove a snake from your yard is at least $150.
Attics: Having pests or animals removed from an attic tends to be more expensive, and the cost can vary depending on what is taking up residence in the rafters. In fact, complex removals for multiple animals can run as high as $1,500.
Walls: Another tricky place to treat for pests is inside walls. Depending on the type and severity of the infestation, this service can get costly. For example, if the home needs to be fumigated for infestations, it can cost thousands of dollars.
Cars: Critters try to stay warm wherever they can, which means they can make a home inside of cars. Removing pests from cars is more costly because it can be time-consuming and even require specialized tools.
The average cost for pest control service varies, not just by pest type but also by location. Here are some average pest control costs around the country.
| Location | Average Cost | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Chicago | $165 | $130–$220 |
| Dallas | $165 | $90–$240 |
| Denver | $130 | $100–$175 |
| New York City | $255 | $160–$350 |
| Orlando | $150 | $95–$210 |
| Phoenix | $105 | $60–$155 |
| Sacramento | $105 | $60–$150 |
Aside from the cost of pest control treatment, you may need to budget for repairs to the damage the pests caused. Termite repair costs, for example, average about $1,000 to $3,000, depending on the extent and location of the damage. For other infestations, there may be drywall or flooring to replace, plus any tainted or infested personal belongings.
For serious infestations, you may also need to budget for follow-up or regular maintenance visits to ensure the pest problem doesn’t resurface. Talk to your pest control pro beforehand to find out what follow-up services they offer and at what price so there aren’t any surprises when the treatment is complete.
If you've only got a minor problem like a few ants in your bathroom (of the non-biting variety) or some harmless spiders, you can probably handle the job yourself—all you’ll need is store-bought supplies like contact-kill bug spray.
DIY pest treatments tend to cost less than professional treatments, but they won’t likely work as effectively or have lasting results. For example, the average cost to bug bomb your home yourself is $100, but it won’t cover the same type of square footage as fumigation.
But if your uninvited house guests are stubborn or have the potential to do significant damage, like with termites or bats in your home, call a local pest control pro. Remember: Pest control costs are worth it to mitigate the damage done by a serious pest infestation.
If you’re using DIY methods to eradicate the pest problem yourself, your budget will depend on the products you need. Here is a breakdown of the average retail costs for these common pest control products.
| Pest Control Product | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| General pest control kits | $50–$250 |
| Insecticides | $10–$50 |
| Traps | $2–$30 |
| Foggers | $10–$30 |
There are many reasons why hiring a pro can be the best long-term solution for your needs. You should take into consideration the infestation size and whether the insect in question can be incredibly damaging to your home and health.
Here are some other benefits to consider if you’re hesitant about hiring a professional exterminator:
Controlled pesticide use
Efficient solution
Fewer cleanups
Peace of mind
Reducing your costs for pest control is all about preventing pests from becoming a problem in the first place. Still, when infestations inevitably happen, there are ways to stay budget-conscious. Here are some of the best ways to prevent pests and reduce pest control costs:
For minor infestations, consider DIY pest control solutions, such as sprays, traps, or poisonous baits.
Inspect your property regularly to identify potential attractants, entry points, and hiding spots.
If you’re seeking professional services, get at least three separate quotes and compare packages before you commit.
Consider ongoing pest control services to reduce costs per visit and keep future pests at bay.
Address your pest problem as quickly as possible to avoid it spreading into a more extensive (and expensive) issue.
The main difference between exterminators and pest control experts is their approach. Exterminators focus on removing the pests immediately, using measures as intense as the problem. On the other hand, pest control companies take a more holistic look at not just tackling the immediate problem but finding its source, using humane measures to remove the pests, and taking actions that prevent their re-entry into your home.
If you have a severe infestation needing immediate attention, like a potential termite problem, then you want an exterminator. Hiring a local exterminator often means leaving your home for the duration of the service because they use harsh chemicals. Altogether, that can mean a higher price tag than pest control.
Pest control services remove pests and block them off at the source so they don’t return. For example, if you have squirrels in the attic, they’ll do an investigation, multiple check-ins to set up and take down traps, and seal off the holes they’re entering through. If you have a less severe pest problem that could turn into a bigger problem down the line, a pest control service will take care of it.
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’ve surveyed over 10,000 real Angi customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from 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.
Want to help us improve our cost data? Send us a recent project quote to costquotes@angi.com. Quotes and personal information will not be shared publicly.
Yes, most exterminators offer free, no-obligation estimates. Unless you have an emergency and need your infestation taken care of immediately, it's always a good idea to shop around and get multiple quotes. Consult a local exterminator to get an accurate estimate, searching for professionals who provide free quotes if you sign up for their service.
How often you need pest control depends on your infestation problem. If you have a one-off issue, such as a wasp nest in a high-traffic area, you shouldn't need regular service. However, if you live in an area prone to ticks, termites, and ants, you'll likely need at least an annual pest control service. If the problem is persistent and significant, you may need quarterly or monthly service.
While the best time of year for pest controls varies on the pest type and when you notice a problem, a general rule of thumb is spring. This is particularly true for all insect pests, as numbers are pretty low in spring. So, if you know you have a recurrent problem, exterminating in spring destroys nests, eggs, and any adult pests before they've had time to excessively multiply or to cause much damage to your home.
Yes, sleeping in your house after receiving a pest control application should be no issue, but the best course of action is to wait for the treatment to dry completely. The drying process takes a few hours. Some treatments, such as fumigation, may require a longer drying time, so be sure to ask the technician what drying time you can expect.
