If you have tried every solution under the sun to get rid of pests from your homes but to no avail, it is time you sought help from professionals. Professionals have the expertise and experience to get rid of pest infestation. They can also advise you on how to prevent it from happening again.
However, pest control can come with a cost. If you would like to understand how much does pest control costs in 2024 before you call a professional, this guide will cover everything you need to know.
How Much Does Pest Control Cost on Average?
The cost of pest control services in 2024 varies based on several factors, including the type of pest, severity of the infestation, size of the property, and location.
On average, homeowners can expect to pay between $250 and $675 for a one-time visit or an average of $450. For ongoing services, such as quarterly or monthly visits, costs range from $40 to $80 per visit.
Specialized treatments, like those for termites or bed bugs, can be costlier, often exceeding $1,000 due to the complexity and thoroughness required.
Additionally, some companies offer customized plans, which can adjust the cost based on specific needs and preferences. For instance, you might pay as low as $100 for mosquito treatment or up to $8,000 for cockroach extermination.
Common Pests Control Cost
The cost of pest elimination is largely determined by the pest species. This cost will further depend on the severity of the infestation, treatment methods, and frequency of service.
Several pest control companies offer reduced rates for customers who purchase multiple services at once or commit to ongoing pest control.
Ants
It is easy to deal with a few stray ants on your counter or window. However, a larger ant population might require professional help. Ant extermination will cost $80 – $500, with an average of $150.
You can also opt for monthly treatments to maintain an ant-free home. For such treatment plans, the initial visit will cost between $150 and $300. After creating an initial treatment plan, you might have to pay between $40 and $70 per follow-up appointment.
The cost of termite extermination differs based on region, with costs increasing in the Northeast. The average termite control cost is around $585, and ranges between $200 and $1,000. These prices include inspection fees of around $125 and can range from $75 to $200.
It also includes the cost of treatment of a particular instance of termite infestation but does not include ongoing costs for preventive treatment, which averages around $600 per year. Annual contracts usually sit between $500 and $1,400.
Mosquito Treatment Cost
The average cost of mosquito control ranges from $350 to $550. Extra fees may apply for treating lawns or shrubs. On average, you can expect to pay around $450 for mosquito treatment, which generally includes two or three visits and the application of insecticides and other products.
Severe infestations might require more extensive treatment, costing up to $1,600. A simple solution like lawn treatments, the starting rate is $80, though repeated applications may be necessary.
Rats and Mice
It might cost between $250 and $350 for pest control services if a company can mitigate an infestation in a single appointment. If your house requires ongoing services, you may pay between $45 and $55 monthly.
In extreme cases, fumigation of the entire house might be necessary and cost up to $5,000. Simple treatments, like setting regular lethal rat traps, can cost $150 to $600 minimum.
Flea
The cost to eliminate fleas from your home ranges from $75 to $400. A one-time service, including inspection and treatment, falls within this price range. Subsequent visits for inspection and additional treatments can add another $75 to $200.
For ongoing protection, including regular inspections and treatments, prices start from $125 to $250. If the infestation is large and the entire home needs to be tented and fumigated with pesticides over several days, it will cost $1500-$4000.
If the source of your flea problem is your pet, expect to pay between $30 and $150 for six months of medical treatment.
Bed Bug
Bed bugs are notoriously difficult to eliminate, making bed bug extermination costly, with prices typically ranging from $534 to $4,167. Given their ability to survive for months without food, a single treatment might not be enough.
For this reason, it’s wise to schedule a follow-up inspection, even though it costs an extra $100 to $150. This can help identify any remaining bed bugs and determine if further treatment is necessary.
The cost of roach extermination ranges from $113 to $411, with an average single treatment of around $196. However, severe infestations can cost over $1,000, and extreme cases requiring fumigation or tenting might even reach $8,000. If the infestation is small and only requires insecticide spray, it costs $40–$100 per square foot.
To cut down costs, consider a pest control plan. Many companies offer monthly or bi-monthly roach treatments. For instance, an annual plan might cost as little as $75 per month.
Factors That Affect Costs for Pest Control
Type of Pest
The cost of pest control varies greatly depending on the type of pest. Different pests need different treatments and tools, affecting the prices. For instance, termite treatment is more expensive than ant treatment because it involves thorough inspections, special chemicals, and extensive work.
This can cost between $500 and $3,000 or more. On the other hand, getting rid of ants is simple and cheaper, often using baits and sprays, costing between $100 and $300.
Severity of Infestation
The severity of the infestation also impacts pest control costs. Severe infestations require more extensive and repeated treatments, which increase the overall expense. For example, if a home has a mild ant problem, a single treatment costing around $100 might be sufficient.
However, if the infestation is severe, multiple treatments might be necessary. These treatments could include initial treatment, follow-up visits, and ongoing maintenance, potentially raising the cost to $300 or more. Severe infestations also might require specialized treatments like fumigation, costing $2000-$8000.
Different treatment approaches have different price points and effectiveness. For instance, chemical sprays involve costs for both the chemicals and the application process. These sprays may require multiple applications depending on the severity.
In contrast, baiting systems used for ants or cockroaches, involve placing attractants that poison the pests over time. A bait system for cockroaches might cost less upfront but could result in higher long-term costs due to frequent replacements.
Property Size
The size of a property plays a significant role in the costs. Larger properties require more time, labor, and materials to treat effectively, resulting in higher expenses. Treating a small apartment for ants might cost around $100, while a large, multi-story house with the same ant problem could cost up to $300.
This is because the professionals need to cover larger areas, use more chemicals or bait stations, and spend more time to ensure all affected areas are treated. Large properties might also have more entry points for pests, necessitating a more thorough and time-consuming inspection and treatment process.
Frequency of Service
The number of services you need also affects the cost. Regular visits, like monthly or quarterly treatments, might be cheaper over time than paying for a one-time fix. For instance, a monthly pest control to keep ants away could cost around $40 to $70 per visit.
This ongoing service helps prevent big problems and high costs later. In comparison, a single treatment for a major ant infestation could run $150 to $300, showing that regular care can be more cost-effective than dealing with a large issue all at once.
Location
Where you live can affect pest control costs because of local pricing, how many companies are available, and local rules. For instance, pest control in a big city like New York can be more expensive than in a smaller town due to higher costs of labor and transportation.
Cities also have more demand and stricter regulations, which can increase prices. In a smaller town, you might find lower rates because there are fewer companies and the costs of living are lower. Additionally, different areas have different pest problems, which can also affect the cost.
Accessibility refers to how easily a pest control technician can reach the areas where pests are present. Difficult-to-reach places, such as attics with limited space or basements with clutter, can complicate the treatment process and increase costs.
For example, treating a severe rodent infestation in an attic with narrow, cramped spaces might require special equipment or extra labor to navigate and address the problem thoroughly. This added complexity can raise the overall cost of the service due to the additional time and resources needed.
Customized Plans
Customized pest control plans are designed to tackle specific problems or unique aspects of your property, which can affect the cost. For example, if you have a carpenter ant issue, a tailored plan might include special treatments, baits, and repairs to prevent ants from returning.
This personalized approach often costs more because it involves more detailed work and materials. If your home has hard-to-reach areas or multiple entry points, the pest control service might create a specific plan to deal with each problem, leading to higher costs but better results.
Experience and Reputation of the Pest Control Company
The experience and reputation of a pest control company can affect how much you pay. A well-known company with many positive reviews might charge more because they use better equipment and have more skilled staff.
For instance, a top-rated company might charge $200 for treating ants, while a newer or less-known company might offer the same service for $150. The higher price usually means you're getting more reliable and effective service.
Emergency
Emergency pest control costs more because it involves urgent action. For instance, if you find a bed bug problem late at night and need immediate help, the company will charge extra for their quick response.
This is because they have to send someone right away, work outside regular hours, and prioritize your situation over other appointments.
DIY Pest Control Costs
DIY pest control is generally cheaper than hiring a professional. Let's break down the costs.
Pest sprays and insecticides usually cost between $10 and $50 per bottle or can. They come in different forms like sprays, concentrates, or ready-to-use cans and target specific pests such as ants, cockroaches, or spiders.
The price can vary depending on the brand and how much is in the bottle. More expensive, high-quality products might work better or last longer. While these sprays can help with small infestations, you might need to apply them several times to eradicate the pests, which can add to the total cost.
Baits and Traps
Baits and traps are an affordable DIY option for pest control, usually costing between $5 and $30. Baits attract pests like ants or rodents to eat or carry the poison back to their nests, which helps eliminate the entire colony.
For example, ant baits lure ants in and poison them, which eventually gets rid of the whole ant colony. Rodent traps catch or kill mice and rats. While these tools can be effective, you should use them correctly and place them in the right spots.
Home Remedies
Home remedies for pest control are cheap, usually costing between $5 and $20. You use things you might already have at home, like vinegar, essential oils, or baking soda. For example, a vinegar and water mix can help keep ants away, while peppermint oil can deter spiders.
Baking soda mixed with sugar can attract and kill cockroaches. These methods can work for small pest problems but may need to be used regularly and might not be strong enough for bigger infestations.
DIY Kits
DIY pest control kits, costing around $30 to $100, offer an all-in-one solution for various pests. These kits usually include insecticides, traps, baits, and tools for applying them. For example, a kit might have sprays for bugs, baits for rodents, and a fogger for larger areas.
They are convenient because they provide everything you need to handle different pests in one package. However, how well they work depends on how severe the infestation is and how carefully you use the products.
Pest control equipment costs between $20 and $100 and includes tools like foggers, dusters, and special applicators. Foggers spread insecticide in large areas, reaching hidden spots.
Dusters put pesticide dust in cracks and crevices, which is useful for pests like ants and bed bugs. Special applicators, like bait guns, help apply baits and gels precisely for pests like cockroaches. These tools can make DIY treatments more effective and reduce the need for frequent treatments.
When to Call a Professional Pest Control Company
Minor pest problems, such as occasional ants, gnats, or mosquitoes, can often be managed with DIY methods. Similarly, a few mice seeking shelter during cold weather might be dealt with by catching and releasing them far away.
While DIY pest control can save money, it's often ineffective against moderate or severe infestations. These pests tend to return unless completely eradicated. If your pest issue is worsening, it's advisable to hire professional pest control services promptly.
Is Pest Control Worth It?
Pest control services can be very beneficial and cost-effective. Consider these factors when deciding if pest control is worthwhile:
Effectiveness
Professional pest control is often more effective than DIY because experts know more about pests and have better tools and treatments. They understand pest habits and can use strong, regulated chemicals that regular people cannot buy.
Professionals can customize their methods based on the type and level of infestation, ensuring thorough and lasting results. They can also find and treat hidden pests that homeowners might miss, making their services more reliable.
Health and Safety
Pest control is important for keeping you healthy and safe because pests can spread diseases and cause allergies. For instance, mice and rats can carry diseases like salmonella and hantavirus in their droppings and urine. Cockroaches can cause allergies and asthma, especially in kids, by spreading allergens.
Professional pest control uses safe methods to eradicate these pests, making your home healthier. They also know how to handle pesticides correctly, reducing the risk of being exposed to harmful chemicals compared to doing it yourself.
Pest control is important for protecting your home because many pests can cause serious damage. For example, termites can eat through wood, weakening your house and leading to costly repairs. Rodents like mice and rats can chew on wires, creating fire risks.
Pests such as carpenter ants can damage furniture and wooden parts of your house. Professional pest control helps find and get rid of these pests before they cause major problems, saving you from expensive repairs and keeping your home safe.
Time and Convenience
Hiring pest control professionals saves you time and hassle. They take care of everything from checking your home for pests to applying treatments and handling follow-ups. You won’t need to spend time buying and using products yourself or deal with repeated treatments.
The pros work around your schedule and ensure the pests are gone for good. This way, you can focus on other things without worrying about pests in your home.
Long-Term Savings
Regular pest control can save you money in the long run by stopping problems before they get big. Routine treatments catch pests early, preventing them from causing major damage that would be expensive to fix. For example, treating termites regularly helps avoid costly repairs to your home.
By staying ahead of pest issues, you avoid the higher costs of emergency services and big repairs, making regular pest control a smart, cost-saving choice.
