Dealing with bugs or rodents in your home is never fun. Whether it’s ants in the kitchen or mice in the attic, pest control helps you get your home back to normal. But how much does it really cost to hire an exterminator?
On average, pest control costs between $100 and $260 per visit. The final price depends on the type of pest, how bad the problem is, and what kind of treatment you need.
Let’s take a closer look at what affects pest control costs and how you can save money while keeping your home pest-free.
Average Pest Control Costs
For most homes, a one-time pest control visit costs around $170. But depending on your situation, the price can be lower or higher.
Here’s a quick look at what homeowners usually pay for common pests:
Pest Type | Average Cost Range |
---|---|
Ants | $100–$500 |
Bed Bugs | $350–$1,200 |
Cockroaches | $100–$600 |
Fleas | $100–$400 |
Rodents (Mice/Rats) | $450–$600 |
Wasps | $150–$300 |
Bats | $230–$730 |
Mosquitoes | $100–$500 |
Termites | $200–$2,000 |
If you catch the problem early, it’s often cheaper. But if pests spread or cause damage, costs can climb quickly.
Pest Control Treatment Options
There are several ways to get rid of pests. Some are simple DIY methods, while others require professional help.
Treatment Type | Average Cost |
---|---|
DIY sprays and traps | $15–$75 |
Physical traps (by pros) | $100–$600 |
Professional spraying | $100–$3,000 |
Heat treatment | $300–$4,000 |
Fumigation | $1,500–$8,000 |
Let’s break these down in simple terms:
- DIY sprays and traps:
These are cheap and work well for small pest problems, like ants or flies. You can buy sprays or traps at most stores for under $50.
However, DIY options might not work for deep or large infestations. - Professional spraying:
This is what most exterminators use for insects like cockroaches or ants. It’s effective and usually takes only a few hours. Prices vary depending on how big your home is. - Heat treatment:
Ideal for bed bugs and termites. Professionals heat your home to a temperature that kills the pests. It’s chemical-free but more expensive. - Fumigation:
This is the most powerful method, used for large termite or rodent infestations. It involves sealing the house and filling it with special gas. It’s effective but costly and requires you to leave your home for a few days.
What Affects Pest Control Costs?
Several things can change the total price of pest control services. Let’s look at the main factors.
1. Type of Pest
Some pests are easy to handle, while others need special care.
- Easy pests: Ants, flies, or small roaches — usually cheap to remove.
- Hard pests: Termites, bed bugs, and rodents — need special equipment and more visits.
2. Severity of Infestation
A few ants in the kitchen are easy to fix. But if pests have spread across rooms or walls, it becomes expensive.
Severity | Description | Average Cost |
---|---|---|
Mild | Small area, few pests, easy fix | $100–$500 |
Moderate | Pests in multiple rooms, frequent sightings | $300–$700 |
Severe | Pests in walls, attic, or structure | $1,000–$8,000 |
3. Size and Location of Your Home
The bigger your home, the more it costs to treat. If pests are in hard-to-reach areas like crawl spaces or attics, the exterminator will charge more.
4. Treatment Type
Different pests need different treatments. Fumigation and heat treatments are more expensive than sprays or traps.
When Should You Call a Professional?
You can handle small pest problems with DIY sprays or natural repellents. But it’s time to call an exterminator if:
- You see pests every day.
- There are droppings, nests, or bad smells.
- You hear scratching inside walls.
- The infestation keeps coming back.
Pests like termites, wasps, or rodents can cause serious damage to your home or health. In those cases, professional help is the safest option.
Simple DIY Pest Control Tips
You don’t always have to spend big to keep pests away. Try these easy and safe DIY tricks first:
- Use vinegar and water: Spray along baseboards and windows to keep ants away.
- Peppermint oil: Place cotton balls soaked in oil near doors and corners. It helps keep spiders and mice out.
- Seal cracks: Close small holes and gaps with caulk so pests can’t sneak in.
- Clean regularly: Wipe down counters and floors to remove crumbs that attract bugs.
- Declutter: Pests love hiding in piles of paper and boxes. Keep your space tidy.
These small steps can prevent infestations before they start.
Best Pest Control Companies in 2025
If you need professional help, here are some of the most trusted pest control companies in the U.S.:
Company | Rating (Out of 5) | BBB Rating | Available States |
---|---|---|---|
Terminix | 4.7 | A+ | 45 states |
Orkin | 4.6 | A+ | 49 states |
Ehrlich | 4.6 | A+ | 20 states |
Aptive | 4.0 | A- | 36 states |
Hawx | 3.6 | B | 16 states |
Each company offers free quotes and custom plans depending on your pest problem.
How To Hire an Exterminator
Here’s how to find and hire the right pest control expert:
- Find out what pest you have.
Take photos or samples if possible — it helps the exterminator know what to treat. - Compare companies.
Check online reviews and ask for recommendations. - Get free quotes.
A good company will inspect your home before giving a price. - Check for licenses.
Make sure the exterminator is certified by your state. - Review the contract.
Look for guarantees, follow-up visits, and cancellation terms.
How To Prevent Future Pest Problems
Prevention is always cheaper than extermination. Follow these simple habits to keep your home pest-free year-round:
- Keep food in sealed containers.
- Take out the trash often.
- Trim trees and bushes near your house.
- Fix leaks to avoid attracting bugs that love moisture.
- Schedule a yearly pest inspection if you live in a pest-prone area.
Is Pest Control Worth It?
Yes — pest control is worth the cost if it keeps your home safe and clean.
While DIY methods can work for small problems, large infestations usually need professional help.
Remember, the sooner you act, the cheaper it will be to fix the problem.
Final Thoughts
Pest control costs usually range from $100 to $260 per visit, but that can increase if the infestation is serious.
Whether you try a few DIY fixes or call a professional, taking action early can save you money and protect your home.
Keeping pests away isn’t just about comfort — it’s about keeping your family safe and your home strong.
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