How Much Does Hiring a Flea Exterminator Cost? [2024 Data]
Normal range: $75 - $400
Professional flea extermination costs between $75 and $400 or an average of $270, depending on your home size and extermination method.
Fleas aren’t just an itchy annoyance; they carry diseases and spread like wildfire, which is why your next step is to determine flea exterminator cost. Flea exterminator costs ranges from $75 to $400, with a national average of $270.
Promptly bringing in a pro ensures the safe, effective, and appropriate full life-cycle treatment of these prolific pests. How much you’ll ultimately pay depends on several factors, including where you live, the severity of the infestation, and your home size.
- Average
- $270
- Low end
- $5
- high end
- $600
Flea Extermination Cost Factors
Many factors influence how much it costs to hire a flea exterminator. To get a handle on how much you could pay, consider the following.
Severity of Infestation
Severe infestations that go without treatment for months are typically much more complex to eliminate than if your pet has only just brought a few into the home. These bustling breeding grounds are where you’ll likely need to get the exterminator out more than once.
| Infestation Level | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Small | $100–$175 |
| Medium | $175–$300 |
| Large | $325–$550 |
Location
Some companies charge a standard rate, regardless of your house size, and some have tiered rates depending on your home’s square footage or the number of rooms. Here’s how much you can expect to pay based on the location of your infestation.
| Location | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Yard | $75 |
| Outdoors | $100 |
| Bedroom | $150 |
| Kitchen | $175 |
| Living Room | $175 |
| Entire house | $400 |
Main Treatment Method
The cost for the main flea treatment ranges from $150 to $400. Extermination consists of an in-house topical treatment that kills adults and prevents developing fleas from reaching maturity.
The table below lists examples of extras that might result in the costs being at the higher end of the range.
| Method | Description | Average Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Vacuuming | This is a critical part of the process for successful extermination. Some professionals give you instructions for carrying this out pre- and post-visit; others do this as part of their treatment. | $80–$140 |
| Spraying | Pros often apply additional exterior treatment around windows, doors, porches, and yards. | $150–$300 |
| Fumigation | While not as effective as spray products, fumigation gas for fleas can also help eradicate other pests in your home. The fumigation costs are comparable to spray, so ask your exterminator for their preferred method. | $175–$350 |
| Heat | For some severe infestations, the heat used for steam cleaning will kill almost all adult fleas but may not kill all the eggs. | $300–$500 |
| Flea bomb | Flea bombs are ideal for when the infestation is contained in a single room. A pesticide is released into the room, killing fleas and their eggs within two to four hours. | $100–$200 |
Number of Treatments
Some companies offer a money-back guarantee or a follow-up treatment as part of their initial price if you find more pests within 30 days of the first application. Others charge an additional follow-up fee of up to $200.
Because of the flea life cycle, eradicating them in one visit isn’t always possible. Frustratingly, flea pupae are hard to kill with pesticide treatments. If you haven’t caught all the pupae and eggs during the vacuuming and washing process, the pros might have to come back to apply a second treatment after these eggs hatch a couple of weeks later.
| Number of Treatments | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Single Visit | $75–$400 |
| Monthly | $950–$2,500 |
| Quarterly | $500–$1,600 |
| Yearly | $900–$4,800 |
Time of Year
During the warm, humid months, fleas are the biggest problem, and prices may be higher when pros are more in demand.
Type of Flea
There are more than 2,500 species of fleas worldwide, with more than 300 of those found in the United States. Some fleas can reproduce at an alarming rate, finding multiple places in your home to lay new eggs. Exterminators will need more time and aggressive methods to eliminate these pests, increasing your final cost.
Additional Sanitation Steps
If you don’t keep up with the vacuuming and washing of bedding and soft furnishings to get rid of unhatched eggs, a repeat visit down the line is a dead cert once they hatch. And if you don’t treat your pets, they’ll probably bring new fleas into the house.
Initial Inspection
If the problem isn’t fleas, some companies won’t charge for the callout. Others may still charge a flat rate of around $75 to $100.
First, a professional will confirm if you have a flea infestation and where the problem is the worst. They’ll focus their search on fleas in carpets, bedding, upholstery, and areas where pets sleep. Since fleas can’t fly, they’re more likely to camp out in a low-to-the-ground spot.
If they need to treat your home, they’ll tackle it during your inspection. Your pro will typically include the inspection in the treatment price.
How Much Does it Cost to Exterminate Fleas Myself?
When over-the-counter pesticides are so readily available, it's tempting to opt for these less expensive options to get rid of fleas without the help of the experts. Foggers, sprays, and organic products typically cost anywhere from $5 to $30 per bottle or package.
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro
While DIY methods are less expensive upfront, natural ways to kill fleas are not typically as effective as professional options, and they can be unsafe for your family and pets if you are not careful when applying the treatment. You may also have to buy multiple bottles to treat the whole house more than once. This adds up, especially if it doesn’t work and you have to pay to call in a pro anyway.
A pro knows where to focus their efforts, and foregoing their strategic approach may have you missing problem areas like attics, basements, or subfloors.
Typically, 95% of a flea infestation is in 5% of the house or yard; if you miss that spot, your efforts will be futile.
Flea Exterminator Costs: How to Save
While it’s true that the price of flea extermination can be a nuisance of its own, here are some ways you can save on pest control:
Get multiple quotes
Take preventative measures
Invest in a complete treatment plan
Act quickly before the problem worsens
Invest in monthly or quarterly treatment rather than yearly
Take advantage of promotions and discounts
How to Prevent Fleas
Of course, the best way to save money on flea extermination is not to need it in the first place. Take these preventative steps to protect your home and pets against fleas:
Mow, prune, and remove debris from your yard regularly
Treat your pet for fleas using a vet-approved medication or flea collar
Bathe and brush your pet regularly
Wash bedding frequently, especially your pet’s bedding
Regularly sweep and vacuum carpets, rugs, chairs, and sofas
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! Keeping up to date with regular flea treatments for pets, washing their bedding, and vacuuming regularly are all simple and inexpensive ways to help prevent a flea infestation from developing in the first place.
Annual flea control treatments for your pet typically cost between $40 and $200. Talk to your vet about safe and effective options.
Keeping up with garden maintenance also helps make your yard less inviting for fleas. Mow your lawn regularly, don’t overwater, and avoid attracting rodents by carefully storing food waste, removing clutter, and sealing holes.
Avoid pest control scams by selecting an experienced and insured professional. Licensing is usually required when applying flea-related pesticides, although exact requirements vary by state, and a good exterminator will be happy to show you copies of their certification.
Cold winter months won’t always kill off fleas completely. Your home is typically warm enough for fleas to survive or, at least, for the eggs to lay dormant, ready to hatch when warmer weather arrives. Plus, waiting for the winter isn’t a good idea. The infestation will continue to grow, and fleas carry pathogens that can harm humans and pets.
You can get rid of fleas by taking several steps as quickly as possible. First, consult your pet’s vet to determine the best flea shampoo or medicine to apply to their coat. In conjunction with treating your furry friend, treat your house by washing all linens, including pet bedding, in warm to hot water with detergent. You should also use a strong vacuum on all floor surfaces, spread diatomaceous earth in flea-prone areas, and consider using commercial baits, traps, and powders.