How much does pest control service cost?
How much does pest control service cost?
The average cost for pest control is $80 to $120 per visit. Hiring an exterminator to control pests, you will likely spend between $400 and $950 annually. The price of pest control can vary greatly by region (and even by zip code).
$80 – $120 cost per visit ($130 – $350 for first visit)
$400 – $950 average annual cost for pest control plan
The average cost for pest control is $80 to $120 per visit. Hiring an exterminator to control pests, you will likely spend between $400 and $950 annually. The price of pest control can vary greatly by region (and even by zip code).
Average cost for Pest Control
The national average cost for pest control is $80 to $120 per visit and $400 to $950 per year. But what you’ll end up paying for pest control might be lower or higher, depending on what type of pests you’re trying to evict and how often you’re getting the service.
Professional pest control isn’t free but is sometimes necessary when a mouse trap or bug spray won't resolve the problem. By reading this guide, you can ensure you’re not overpaying (or even underpaying) for pest control.
Pricing Factors
Protection against common household pests like spiders, roaches, and ants is usually a standard component of a pest control program, but controlling pests like termites and rodents will increase the price because more advanced products and methods are required.
| Pest Type | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Ants | $250+ |
| Carpenter Ants | Starting at $500 for initial spray (plus cost of physical labor & any repairs) |
| Termite Control | Starting at $1000 for initial spray (plus cost of physical labor & any repairs) |
| Termite Inspection | $75 – $150 |
| Bats | $250 – $500 |
| Bees | $200 – $500 (for treatment only, not removal) |
| Bed Bugs | $200 – $400 per room |
| Cockroaches | $300+ for initial treatment |
| Fleas | $150 – $300 |
| Ticks | $150 – $300 |
| Spiders | $200+ |
| Wasps | $200 – $500 (for treatment only, not removal) |
| Mice & Rats | Starting at $300 |
| Weevils | $100 – $300 (for treatment only, not removal) |
| Carpet Beetles | $250+ |
How does frequency affect the cost?
The frequency of service also will determine the price you pay for pest control service.
A one-time visit typically costs $300 to $600. Why is the price so high? It takes time to assess the situation, such as where the pests are entering your home and where they’re living once inside.
An initial visit goes for $180 on average. An initial visit is the first one in an ongoing contract. As with a one-time visit, an initial visit will demand some sleuthing to figure out what your pest problems are.
A periodic visit can happen every month, every two months, or every three months. Here are the average cost breakdowns for each kind of periodic visit:
Every month: $40 to $45
Every two months (semi-monthly): $50 to $60
Every three months (quarterly): $100 to $300
Some pest control arrangements might include a free treatment if a problem crops up between regularly scheduled visits.
Where do home size and product types fit in?
Other price factors include the home size and the type of pest control products used. In terms of the size of your home, bigger usually means pricier. So, chances are pest control for a 3,000-square-foot house will cost more than it does for a 1,500-square-foot condo.
“The square footage of your home is a factor because the bigger your home, the more protection it needs and the more product it will use,” Anti-Pesto says.
Some exterminators charge an extra $25 for every 1,000 square feet over 1,500.
As for the type of products used, you’ll likely pay more for pest control services if the company applies products that are eco-friendly, according to Anti-Pesto. Furthermore, products to treat one kind of pest might be more expensive than products to treat another kind of pest.
Does location matter?
Anti-Pesto says pest control prices don’t vary greatly based on geographic location, but there are exceptions.
A wealthy neighborhood likely will have a lot of large, expensive homes, so pest control costs could be higher there because there’s more territory for a pest control company to cover in one of those homes.
Most pest control companies operate in standard service areas, so no travel fees should be assessed within those areas. However, a homeowner outside the standard service area or in a remote location might be charged travel fees to make up for additional time, mileage, and transportation costs.
How can I find the best price?
Shop around to see what the prices and reviews are for pest control in your area.
Websites such as HomeGuide have amassed millions of reviews from homeowners and bring you free quotes almost instantly. You can compare local pros and make an educated decision quickly.
Ask friends, relatives, neighbors, and colleagues for recommendations on reasonably priced, top-rated pest control services.
Most pest control companies provide free, on-site quotes for their services. Seek bids from several businesses before making your final decision.
Anti-Pesto says you should look out for pest control providers that will nickel-and-dime you for services like retreatments. In almost all instances, retreatments should be free and covered under a company’s service guarantee.
In addition, watch out for companies that charge extra for same-day or next-day service. Anti-Pesto says this is a warning sign that the company’s pricing might be unfair. Whatever you do, don’t rush into a decision.
“When most people discover a pest problem, they want the problem eliminated immediately. However, most problems can wait a few days so you have time to select a competent, reasonably priced company,” the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says.
How important is price?
Value is a key factor when hiring a pest control company, but the quality is a big consideration, too, according to the EPA.
“Costs and competency are important. When selecting a pest control service, cost should not be the only factor that determines the company you pick,” the EPA says. “It is important to make sure the pest control company you choose is competent. If pesticides are misused, both health and property can be damaged.”
Can I negotiate the price?
Some pest control companies will negotiate. For instance, a company might match the price of one of its competitors in order to win your business.
What should I avoid so I don’t get cheated?
Here are a few things you should avoid, courtesy of the Better Business Bureau and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA):
A deal that sounds too good to be true
A person who comes to your house uninvited and offers a free pest inspection or pressures you to buy pest control treatments
A business whose phone number isn’t listed or isn’t working
An offer to combine pest control services with other services, such as home repair or tree trimming, as part of a package if you immediately agree to have them done
What should I do before signing a contract?
Before signing a contract for pest control, be clear about the price, the services being covered, and the existence of cancellation fees, Anti-Pesto says. Also, ask whether the contract is automatically renewed every year.
The contract should include the name of the company providing the service as well as its contact information. Any promises made by the pest control provider should be put in writing.
“Be sure you understand what the company will do if pests continue or come back after treatment,” the Better Business Bureau says, “and how long it will take to implement the treatment.”
What should I ask about the business?
The EPA says things you should ask when choosing a pest control company include:
How long have you been in business at your current address? The answer will tell you something about the company’s stability.
Can you give me a list of customer references? If the company won’t provide one, that’s a red flag.
Will the person performing services at my home be certified or licensed? The answer will help indicate how professional the company is.
Are you licensed, bonded, and insured? Can you show me a copy of your pest control license, copies of the labels of the pesticides you use, and a rundown of how the pesticides are applied? An unwillingness to come up with these documents should raise suspicion.
