Nobody wants to deal with pests in their home, but sometimes bugs and rodents show up uninvited. When that happens, you need to know how much pest control costs so you can budget accordingly. The good news is that most pest problems can be solved without breaking the bank.
On average, homeowners spend around $171 for pest control services, though costs typically range from $100 to $500 depending on what type of critter you’re dealing with. Some pests are easier (and cheaper) to get rid of than others. For example, treating a few ants costs way less than eliminating a full termite infestation.
Several factors affect the final price you’ll pay. The type of pest, how bad the infestation is, the size of your home, and which treatment method works best all play a role in determining pest control cost. Getting help early usually saves money because small problems are always easier to fix than big ones.
Termites
Termites cause serious damage to homes, which makes them one of the most expensive pests to treat. These wood-eating insects can quietly destroy the structure of your house before you even know they’re there.
Professional termite treatment typically costs between $225 and $2,500 for standard methods. The exact price depends on how big your home is, what type of termites you have, and how severe the infestation has become.
Chemical soil treatments are the most common option and usually run from $500 to $2,000 for a whole home. Technicians apply liquid pesticides around your foundation to create a barrier that keeps termites out.
Bait systems cost about $1,000 to $2,500 to install around your entire property. These stations attract termites with poisoned food, which they carry back to their colony. You’ll also pay around $200 to $400 each year to monitor these stations and make sure they’re working.
For severe infestations, whole home fumigation might be necessary. This involves covering your house with a tent and filling it with gas to kill all the termites inside. Fumigation costs between $2,000 and $8,000 depending on your home’s size. You’ll need to leave for a few days while the treatment happens.
The type of termite matters too. Subterranean termites are the most common and usually cost $250 to $1,500 to treat. Drywood termites often need more expensive fumigation methods, running $1,000 to $6,500. Formosan termites are aggressive and typically cost $250 to $1,500 to eliminate.
Many companies provide annual warranties for $200 to $400 per year. These plans include regular inspections and free treatment if termites come back.
Bed Bugs
Bed bugs are notoriously difficult to get rid of, which makes them one of the pricier pest problems to solve. These tiny insects hide in mattresses, furniture, and cracks throughout your home.
Most homeowners spend between $1,000 and $4,000 to treat their entire house for bed bugs. If you catch the problem early and it’s only in one room, you might pay as little as $300 to $500 for treatment.
Heat treatment is one of the most effective methods and costs $1 to $3 per square foot. Technicians raise the temperature in your home to over 120 degrees, which kills bed bugs at every life stage. For a typical 1,500 square foot home, that works out to $1,500 to $4,500.
Chemical treatments are usually cheaper, running $150 to $400 per room. These involve applying pesticides to infested areas. However, chemical methods often require multiple visits because the products don’t kill eggs right away.
Fumigation is the most expensive option at $2,000 to $5,000 or more for a whole house. This method works well for severe infestations but requires you to leave your home for several days.
Follow-up visits typically cost $100 to $150 each. Most infestations need at least two or three treatments to completely eliminate all the bugs and their eggs. Some pest control companies include follow-up visits in their initial price, while others charge separately.
The severity of your infestation has the biggest impact on how much pest control costs. A few bugs in one bedroom might only need $300 to $500 in treatment. A severe infestation throughout multiple rooms could easily reach $4,000 to $6,000.
Rodents
Mice and rats can damage your home and spread diseases, so getting rid of them quickly is important. Rodent removal typically costs between $150 and $600, depending on how bad the problem is and what methods you need.
Rat extermination usually runs higher than mice removal because rats are bigger, smarter, and more destructive. Expect to pay $200 to $600 for professional rat control. Mouse extermination is a bit cheaper at $150 to $300 for initial treatment.
Most pest control companies charge $75 to $150 for an inspection to figure out where the rodents are getting in and how many you’re dealing with. Many companies will apply this inspection fee toward your total bill if you hire them for treatment.
Full removal services that include sealing entry points cost more but prevent future problems. These comprehensive packages typically run $200 to $1,500. The price depends on how many holes need to be sealed and whether any repairs are needed.
For severe infestations, fumigation might be necessary. This drastic method costs $1 to $3 per square foot, or roughly $2,000 to $6,000 for a 2,000 square foot home. Most rodent problems can be solved with traps and bait stations without needing fumigation.
Cleanup services add another $600 to $1,000 if the rodents left behind a lot of droppings and contaminated materials in your attic or crawl space. Professional cleaning removes health hazards and eliminates odors that might attract more rodents.
The location of the infestation affects the price too. Rodents in easy-to-reach areas like garages cost less to treat than those hiding in walls or under floors.
Ants
Ants are one of the most common household pests, and thankfully they’re usually affordable to treat. The average ant extermination costs between $150 and $300 for a one-time professional treatment.
Pest control companies typically charge $0.70 to $1.70 per square foot to treat ant problems. For a standard 2,000 square foot home, that works out to roughly $1,400 to $3,400, though most treatments cost much less because technicians only need to treat specific problem areas.
The type of ant makes a big difference in pricing. Regular sugar ants and odorous house ants are the cheapest to eliminate. Carpenter ants cost more because they damage wood and require more intensive treatment, usually running $250 to $500. Fire ants typically cost $100 to $300 to treat.
Small infestations caught early might only need $80 to $150 in treatment. Severe infestations with multiple colonies can reach $800 to $1,200 because they require more extensive treatment and follow-up visits.
Where the ants are located also matters. Ants along baseboards or in kitchens are easy to treat. Colonies inside walls or under foundations cost more because they’re harder to reach and eliminate completely.
Most one-time treatments start working within 48 hours, though you might see ants for a few weeks as the poison spreads through the colony. Many pest control companies include a guarantee and will come back for free if ants return within 30 to 90 days.
Cockroaches
Cockroaches are tough pests that multiply quickly, but professional treatment can eliminate them effectively. Cockroach extermination typically costs between $100 and $600 depending on the severity of your infestation.
Minor cockroach problems usually run $100 to $300 for treatment. This includes an inspection, targeted application of pesticides, and possibly some bait stations to prevent them from coming back.
Moderate infestations cost more because they require stronger treatments and multiple visits. Expect to pay $300 to $500 for these situations.
Severe cockroach infestations might need fumigation, which is the most expensive option. Whole-home fumigation for roaches costs $1,500 to $2,500 or more. This method is only used when other treatments haven’t worked.
The size of your home affects the price since larger spaces require more product and take longer to treat. Treatment methods also impact cost. Simple sprays and baits are cheaper than fumigation or multiple intensive treatments.
German cockroaches are the most common type found in homes and respond well to standard treatments. American cockroaches are bigger and sometimes harder to eliminate. Oriental cockroaches prefer damp areas like basements and might need moisture control in addition to pesticides.
Most pest control companies recommend follow-up treatments to make sure all the cockroaches and their eggs are gone. These additional visits might be included in your initial price or cost extra.
Mosquitoes
Mosquito control helps you enjoy your yard without getting eaten alive by these annoying insects. Professional mosquito treatment typically costs $75 to $150 per visit, with most homeowners paying around $120.
Seasonal packages that cover the entire mosquito season (usually April through September) run between $350 and $1,000. These plans include monthly treatments to keep mosquitoes away all summer long.
The size of your yard is the biggest factor in determining how much pest control costs for mosquitoes. Larger properties need more product and take longer to treat, which increases the price. A small backyard might only cost $75 per treatment, while a large property could reach $150 or more.
Treatment frequency also matters. Monthly applications work best for consistent protection but cost more over time than every-other-month treatments. Some companies provide one-time treatments for special events like outdoor parties or weddings.
Most mosquito control uses spray treatments that target adult mosquitoes and prevent larvae from developing in standing water. The treatments typically last three to four weeks before needing reapplication.
Location plays a role too. Areas with lots of trees, standing water, or near lakes and ponds have heavier mosquito pressure and might need more frequent treatments or stronger products.
Wasps and Hornets
Wasps and hornets can be dangerous because of their painful stings, so professional removal is usually the safest option. Wasp and hornet nest removal typically costs between $300 and $600 for most situations.
Paper wasps are the least expensive to remove at $150 to $350 because they’re more docile and usually build nests in easy-to-reach spots. Mud daubers are similarly affordable at around $300.
Regular hornets cost about $300 to $475 to eliminate. They’re more aggressive than paper wasps and often build nests in harder-to-reach locations like attics and high tree branches.
Bald-faced hornets are pricier at $500 to $800 because they build large nests high up in trees and defend them aggressively. Their stings are particularly painful, which makes removal more dangerous.
Yellow jackets are usually the most expensive wasps to remove, costing $375 to $725. They’re extremely aggressive and often nest underground, which makes them harder to access and treat safely.
The location of the nest significantly affects how much pest control costs. Ground-level nests are cheapest to remove. Nests on second-story eaves or inside walls cost more because they require ladders, special equipment, or cutting into walls.
Nest size matters too. Small nests with just a few dozen wasps might cost $200 to remove. Large established nests with hundreds or thousands of wasps can reach $600 to $800.
Most removals involve spraying the nest with pesticides that kill wasps on contact. Some companies also remove the physical nest to prevent other wasps from moving in later. This full-service approach costs a bit more but provides better long-term results.
Bees
Bee removal differs from wasp control because many bee species are important pollinators that shouldn’t be killed unless necessary. Professional bee removal typically costs between $125 and $1,000 depending on the type of bees and where they’re located.
Live removal and relocation is the preferred method for honey bees and costs more than extermination. Beekeepers often perform these services and charge based on how difficult it is to access and remove the hive. Simple swarms might only cost $125 to $250, while bees inside walls could reach $500 to $1,000.
The species of bee affects pricing. Honey bees are usually relocated rather than killed. Carpenter bees damage wood and typically need extermination, costing $150 to $400. Africanized “killer” bees are aggressive and dangerous, requiring professional extermination at $400 to $800.
Hive location is the biggest factor in how much you’ll pay. Bees in a tree or on the outside of your home are easiest and cheapest to remove. Bees inside walls, attics, or chimneys cost significantly more because the technician needs to access the hive, remove all the honeycomb, and repair any damage.
Some pest control companies provide free inspections to identify the bee species and locate the hive. Others charge $75 to $150 for this service.
If the bees are removed alive, there’s usually no need for follow-up visits. If they’re exterminated, you might need additional treatments if more bees return to the same spot.
Fleas
Fleas spread quickly and can be hard to eliminate completely, so professional treatment is often necessary. Flea extermination typically costs between $150 and $400 per treatment for most homes.
A one-time visit with inspection and treatment usually runs $200 to $400. This includes vacuuming, interior pesticide application, and often exterior treatment around entry points.
Annual flea control plans cost $300 to $600 and include regular treatments to prevent fleas from coming back. These plans make sense if you have outdoor pets that might bring fleas inside repeatedly.
Follow-up treatments are almost always necessary because pesticides don’t kill flea eggs. You’ll need a second treatment 10 to 14 days after the first one to eliminate fleas that hatched from eggs. These follow-up visits typically cost $75 to $200 each.
The size of your home affects the price since larger spaces need more product and take longer to treat. Treatment location matters too. Outdoor flea treatments for your yard cost less than indoor treatments because they’re simpler to apply.
The severity of the infestation makes a big difference. A few fleas caught early might only need $100 to $200 in treatment. Severe infestations throughout your entire home could reach $400 to $600 or require multiple treatments.
Some companies use flea bombs or foggers, which cost around $350 for severe cases. Heat treatment is another option that costs more but kills fleas at all life stages without chemicals.
If you have pets, treating them with veterinary flea products at the same time as your home treatment is essential. Otherwise, your pets will just bring more fleas back inside.
Spiders
Spider control is usually affordable and often included as part of general pest control services. Professional spider treatment typically costs between $100 and $400 depending on the type of spiders and how widespread they are.
Most spider problems can be solved with a standard pest control visit that includes spraying baseboards, corners, and entry points. This type of treatment usually falls in the $100 to $200 range.
Dangerous spiders like black widows or brown recluses might need more intensive treatment and cost toward the higher end at $300 to $400. These treatments are more thorough and include treating all potential hiding spots.
Spider control often requires ongoing maintenance because spiders quickly return from neighboring properties. Monthly or quarterly pest control plans that include spider treatment cost $40 to $75 per month or $75 to $120 per quarter.
The size of your home and property matters. Larger homes with lots of outdoor areas where spiders can hide cost more to treat completely. Basement and crawl space treatments add to the price if spiders are living in these areas.
Most pest control companies include spiders as part of their general pest packages rather than treating them separately. This approach is usually more cost-effective than paying for spider-only treatment.
Prevention is key with spiders. Regular treatments, sealing cracks and gaps, and removing clutter all help keep spider populations under control without constantly needing expensive treatments.
General
Many homeowners choose ongoing pest control plans instead of one-time treatments. These plans provide regular service to prevent pest problems before they start.
One-time treatments cost $100 to $600 depending on what pests you’re dealing with. These work well for specific problems like a single wasp nest or a few mice, but don’t provide ongoing protection.
Monthly pest control service costs $40 to $75 per visit. These plans include treatments every month and are popular in areas with heavy pest pressure or for homes that have had recurring problems.
Quarterly service is the most common option and costs $75 to $120 per visit. Technicians come out every three months to inspect and treat your property, which provides good protection for most homes.
Annual plans bundle everything together and typically cost $300 to $900 per year. The exact price depends on the size of your property and which pests are covered. Some annual plans focus on general insects, while others include termites, rodents, and mosquitoes.
Initial inspections usually cost $150 to $300, but many companies waive this fee if you sign up for ongoing service. The inspection helps identify current problems and potential risk areas.
Most plans include unlimited callbacks between scheduled visits. If pests come back, the company will return to retreat at no extra charge. This guarantee provides peace of mind and makes the service more valuable.
Understanding how much pest control costs for different plans helps you choose the right level of protection for your home and budget.
Conclusion
Understanding how much pest control costs helps you budget for treatment and make informed decisions about protecting your home. Prices vary widely based on the type of pest, severity of the infestation, and treatment method needed.
Simple problems like ants or spiders typically cost $100 to $400 to treat. More serious issues like termites or bed bugs can run $1,000 to $5,000 or more depending on how extensive the infestation is.
Regular pest control plans provide the best value for most homeowners because they prevent problems before they start. Spending $300 to $900 per year on preventive treatment costs far less than dealing with major infestations later.
The key to keeping pest control cost reasonable is acting quickly when you notice signs of pests. Small problems are always cheaper and easier to fix than large infestations that have had time to spread.
Choose a reputable pest control company with proper licensing, insurance, and good reviews. Ask about guarantees and what’s included in the price so you know exactly what you’re paying for.
Whether you’re dealing with termites threatening your home’s structure or just a few ants in the kitchen, professional pest control provides effective solutions at reasonable prices. Understanding the costs involved helps you get the treatment you need without any surprises.
