How Much Does Pest Control Cost? [2024 Data]

Average Pest Control Cost 

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:

Pest Control Cost Factors

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.

Type of Pest 

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 

Size of the Infestation

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. 

Type of Treatment

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.

Home and Yard Size

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. Additionally, if the infestation affects a larger space, this can mean more money spent on pesticides and other materials, which will drive up your final bill.

Accessibility

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. 

Location 

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.

DIY Pest Control vs. Hiring a Professional

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.

DIY Pest Control Products 

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.

How to Exterminate Pests Yourself

For minor infestations, there are a few effective DIY pest control methods. Here are more resources on how to get rid of these common pests:

• Termites

• Ants

• Bed bugs

• Cockroaches

• Rats

• Mice

• Wasps

• Fleas

• Spiders

• Bats

Benefits of Hiring a Professional Exterminator

Photo: New Africa / Adobe Stock

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

5 Tips to Reduce Your Pest Control Cost

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.

Additional Costs to Consider

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.

Exterminator Services vs. Pest Control

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.