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Even if you’re not immediately showing signs of pests, it’s a good idea to get into the habit of routine pest control. This should be done yearly, quarterly, bi-monthly, or monthly, depending on your location and if any signs of infestation are already present. For example, if you live by water, you might experience more pests in the spring and summer than someone who lives in a dry climate. Discuss treatment options with your pest professional to determine a suitable schedule for you and your home. 

The cost of pest control is $175 for the average homeowner. However, you could spend as little as $100 or as much as $500 or more, depending on the infestation size, the number of visits you need, and the pest you’re exterminating. 

For example, if you need to rid your home of spiders, you’ll likely be spending between $100 and $300. However, if you have a termite problem, you can expect a bill of $230 to $2,500 or more, depending on the infestation size and damage caused. 

Different pest control methods exist to help mitigate an infestation. Not every technique will work with every pest, which is why speaking with a pest control expert is crucial to taming your problem. Different methods of pest removal include:

• Heat treatments

• Freezing treatments

• Traps

• Barriers

• Diatomaceous earth

• Chemical pesticides

• Fumigation

• Rodenticides

• Mechanical devices

• Repellants

There are specific methods for pest removal that you can DIY without hiring an expert. If you are preventing pests from making an appearance or clearing out a small infestation of harmless insects, you will likely have success on your own. However, if you’re dealing with pests that eat wood, bedbugs, or other pests that carry a disease risk, like rodents, it’s always worth it to call a pest professional to help you.

While not every infestation is preventable, there are some actions you can take to minimize the risk of running into these pests in your home. These actions include:

• Keeping your home tidy. This includes vacuuming regularly, sanitizing your kitchen, storing food in airtight containers, disposing garbage regularly, and keeping your home clutter-free. 

• Deep clean at least twice a year. Deep cleaning neglected crevices and corners of your home can help prevent breeding grounds from forming. 

• Repairing your home when needed. If your home has cracks or holes, you have an open invitation for pests to come in. Remove any standing water and seal any gaps in your floors, walls, and foundation. 

• Cleaning up your yard. Keep shrubbery and branches well-trimmed and away from your home. Remove fallen leaves and other debris.

• Be smart with storage. If you use firewood, store it away from the home (at least 20 feet away if possible) and off of the ground.