As a general rule, you can expect to pay around $100–$260 for pest control services each time you make an appointment with a professional exterminator. However, the exact price will vary depending on the type of pest you have in your home, infestation severity, and more.
While homeowners can remove some pests with do-it-yourself (DIY) traps and sprays, larger infestations may require a professional extermination team. Read on to learn more about common pest control costs, factors that affect pricing, and the top providers we recommend if you need an exterminator.
Note: The cost data featured in this article is based on pricing obtained from sources such as Angi, pest control companies, and market research into Amazon and other retailers.
Common Pest Control Costs
The average cost of general pest control in the U.S. is about $100–$260 for a one-time appointment, with an overall average cost of about $170 to treat a 1,500 square foot home. However, the average cost you’ll pay for pest control will vary based on factors like treatment choice and your home size. For example, fumigation, a method saved for the most severe infestations, typically costs significantly more.
Pest type is one of the most influential factors that influence extermination cost, which directly determines the most effective treatment method. The table below summarizes average costs to treat common pests you might see in your home.
| Pest | Average Extermination Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Ants | $100–$500 |
| Bed bugs | $350–$1,200 |
| Cockroaches | $100–$600 |
| Fleas | $100–$400 |
| Mice and other rodents | $450–$600 |
| Wasps | $150–$300 |
| Bats | $230–$730 |
| Mosquitos | $100–$500 |
| Termites | $200–$2,000 |
Cost by Pest Treatment Type
Exterminators can use multiple types of treatment methods to remove pests from the home, with the ideal service varying depending on the pest and severity of the infestation. If you’re able to catch a pest problem early enough, you can try using DIY methods to clear it out quickly and affordably. If you have a severe infestation, you may require a specialized chemical treatment, which comes with a higher final cost.
The table below summarizes the difference in price between some of the most common pest control methods.
| Treatment Type | Average Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Physical traps | $100–$600 |
| DIY sprays and vacuuming | $15–$75 |
| Professional spraying | $100–$3,000 |
| Heat treatment | $300–$4,000 |
| Tented fumigation | $1,500–$8,000 |
The variance in cost between pest control methods is based on the type of labor and chemicals required. DIY removal methods offer some of the most affordable options, while chemical-intensive services are usually more expensive. Some common treatment options you can typically choose from include:
- Physical traps: Physical traps are usually used for rodents and insects like cockroaches. These include snap traps, glue traps, and live-catch traps, which are effective for small, localized infestations. Individual traps are relatively inexpensive, with costs ranging from $5–$50. Larger-scale trapping by a professional—for pests like gophers—is often pricier.
- DIY sprays and vacuuming: Homeowners may use store-bought insecticides and vacuuming to control pests like fleas and common household ants. This method can reduce infestations but may not fully eliminate the problem if pests are deeply embedded in the home. DIY pest control is budget-friendly—usually costing less than $100 for products—but may not work for every pest problem.
- Professional spraying: Licensed exterminators use stronger, targeted insecticides to eliminate pests like ants and roaches. This is usually a more cost-effective way to get rid of in-home infestations, but may not work for pests like rodents, which cost more to remove.
- Heat treatment: This chemical-free method involves heating a home or affected areas to a temperature lethal to bed bugs and termites. Heat treatments penetrate deep into walls, furniture, and fabrics, effectively eliminating pests at all life stages. However, this type of treatment is also more expensive, contributing to higher treatment costs for termites and bed bugs.
- Fumigation: Used primarily for severe termite and rat infestations, this method requires sealing the home and releasing gas fumigants to eradicate pests. The process takes several days, requiring you to leave the home. Due to its effectiveness and large-scale application, tented fumigation is the most expensive option to remove pests in the home.
What Factors Affect How Much Pest Control Costs?
Understanding the factors that affect pest control prices can help you more accurately estimate your cost. Here’s a breakdown of some of the most important factors in determining your cost of pest control.
Type of Pest
The type of pest infestation plays a major role in your total pest control cost. Some pests—including ants and roaches—are relatively easy to manage, and may require only a one-time treatment to eliminate. However, other pests are more stubborn, and can embed colonies into your home’s wood or insulation. For example, termites may burrow into your home’s structure, requiring consistent chemical exposure to kill completely.
In severe situations, a few cans of bug spray just won’t do the job. More invasive pests are more costly to eliminate, and may require specialized chemicals or equipment to get rid of, increasing exterminator costs. As a general rule, expect to pay more for termite and bed bug extermination, as these pests are typically the most stubborn to get rid of.
Treatment Method
Different infestations may require varying treatment methods to completely eliminate. In some instances, you might need recurring or monthly pest control services to eliminate critters at all stages of their life cycle. This is common for bed bugs and fleas, which have eggs that may resist one-time service with chemical treatments.
More intensive removal methods such as heat treatment and fumigation carry much higher treatment costs due to the specialized equipment, labor, and preparation required. Heat treatments, which can eradicate bed bugs and termites, start at $300, while a tented fumigation may cost upwards of $2,000. These methods are usually only required for severe whole home infestations, which is part of the reason why it’s more affordable to catch pests early.
Infestation Severity
The severity of the infestation in your home is another key factor that influences treatment cost. You can more easily solve minor pest problems like a few ants in the kitchen with low-cost DIY treatments, such as buying a spray or using vinegar traps. On the opposite end of the spectrum, if pests have made their way into multiple rooms in your home, exterminators may need to use more product or visit more than once to kill off all pests.
Expect to pay higher costs to get rid of severe infestations, no matter the type of critter in your home. An annual home maintenance plan can offer a cost-effective way to keep pests out of your home in the first place if you live in an area where infestations are common. This can help you avoid expensive issues with pests before they cause major damage.
The table below summarizes infestation severity, what to look for at each level, and what you’re likely to pay for service.
| Severity | Description | Average Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Mild | The infestation is limited to a small area, like the kitchen or pantry. You may occasionally see a few pests, such as ants on countertops or a couple of mice droppings near food storage areas. There are no visible nests, and the pests have not spread throughout the home. | $100–$500 |
| Moderate | Pests have spread beyond a single area and are now in multiple rooms. You may notice frequent sightings of insects or rodents, pest activity at night, and signs of infestation like droppings, chew marks, or musty odors. Some pests, like bed bugs or fleas, may cause noticeable bites or skin irritation. | $300–$700 |
| Severe | Pests are visible in large numbers throughout the home, including inside walls, crawl spaces, and hard-to-reach areas. The infestation may start causing structural damage, contaminating food sources, or posing health risks. You may hear scratching in walls, see insects swarming, or notice an overwhelming odor from pest waste. | $1,000–$8,000 |
Location and Home Size
The location of a pest infestation affects price because it influences the amount of time and product required to treat the problem. If pests are confined to easily accessible areas like kitchen countertops or baseboards, exterminators can apply targeted treatments quickly and at a lower cost. If pests have nested in hard-to-reach spaces like inside walls, attics, crawl spaces, or deep within furniture, treatment becomes more complex and expensive.
If your whole home is infested with pests, the size of the property will also influence treatment size. Expect to pay more if your home is more than 1,500 square feet or if pest issues have spread beyond the main body of your home and into areas like your yard or attic.
Common DIY Pest Removal Methods
Some homeowners may want to attempt all-natural pest control before relying on chemical treatments, especially if they have children or pets. These cost-effective DIY pest control solutions can help keep critters away without using pesticides.
- Natural home repellents: Many household items have natural pest-repelling properties. Spraying a mixture of water and white vinegar along baseboards and entry points can discourage pests from entering the home—such as ants, for example. Similarly, placing cotton balls soaked in peppermint oil in areas where mice or spiders are common can help keep them away.
- Boric acid and diatomaceous earth: Boric acid and diatomaceous earth are widely used for insect control, especially for ants and fleas. Boric acid is a fine powder that, when ingested by insects, disrupts their digestive and nervous systems, leading to death. Diatomaceous earth, made from fossilized algae, works by dehydrating insects upon contact. You can sprinkle these powders in cracks, behind appliances, and along pest trails to kill bugs gradually. Both substances are relatively inexpensive at around $10–$30 but apply carefully to avoid inhalation risks.
- Sealing entry points and cracks: Preventative pest control is one of the most effective DIY methods. Sealing cracks, crevices, and gaps around doors and windows with caulk can help keep insects and rodents out. This method costs $50 or less but can provide long-term pest prevention and minimizes the need for future extermination.
Comparing the Best Pest Control Providers
From termite treatment to rat removal, you have choices as a homeowner when it comes to pest control treatments and service providers. Use the table below to compare our top-rated pest control providers before making a decision on your extermination plan.
| Company | Logo | Star Rating (Out of 5) | Better Business Bureau (BBB) Rating* | States Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
TerminixGet Quote |  | A+ | 46 states | |
OrkinGet Quote |  | A+ | 49 states (ex. Alaska) | |
EhrlichRead Our Review |  | A+ | 20 states | |
AptiveRead Our Review |  | A- | 36 states | |
HawxRead Our Review |  | B | 17 states |
*Better Business Bureau (BBB) ratings are accurate as of February 2025.
When Should You Call a Professional for Pest Removal?
How can you tell when it’s time to call a professional for a pest problem? If pests become too much to manage or if the infestation becomes dangerous to handle on your own, it’s best to let professional exterminators take care of the job. While DIY remedies can help for small infestations, these methods may fail if pests are embedded too deeply into your home. This means exterminators may have to use professional chemicals to end the infestation for good.
Pests like rodents, termites, and wasps can cause structural damage or health risks when spraying, making professional intervention necessary. Additionally, if pests are nesting in areas like attics or crawl spaces, exterminators may need to use specialized equipment for removal. Other signs you might need professional help include frequent sightings of pests, unexplained property damage, droppings or foul odors, and allergic reactions or bites on humans.
How To Hire an Exterminator
Hiring a professional exterminator is all about knowing what type of pest you’re dealing with and doing your homework when it comes to comparing local companies. Use these steps to ensure your pest control plan includes a qualified team of experts.
- Identify your pest problem: Before hiring an exterminator, determine what type of pest issue you’re dealing with. While some exterminators specialize in specific infestations, certain types of especially destructive pests like termites may need specialized removal services not available with all providers.
- Compare local companies: We recommend looking into both national pest control companies, such as Terminix and Orkin, and local exterminators. Look for pest control services that specialize in the type of pest you’ve got in your home.
- Verify local licensing: Pest control companies should have a license from your state’s regulatory board. Also look for exterminators that hold additional certifications from organizations such as the National Pest Management Association (NPMA).
- Request a free quote: Once you’ve found a few pest control providers you may want to work with, call each one to request a free quote for service. A reputable exterminator should offer a thorough inspection of your property before providing a quote. Get a written estimate that outlines your treatment plan, costs, and follow-up services.
- Compare a few service providers: Don’t go for the cheapest option without evaluating the quality of service you’re being offered. Our team recommends getting an estimate from at least three professional pest control services to understand your treatment options and get the best price.
- Review contract terms: Thoroughly read your plan contract before hiring any pest control company. Review the contract’s terms and conditions, including cancellation policies, liability coverage, and included services, before you sign on the dotted line.
- Book your services: Before your appointment arrives, make sure to clear out the treatment area. Follow any other pre-appointment instructions your exterminator provides you with—and leave the home if required for treatment.
- Ask about follow-up appointments: Some infestations require long-term management. If you need continued protection, consider companies that offer routine inspections and maintenance plans, and book these at the time of your initial visit.
How To Prevent Common Pest Infestations
Preventing pests is often easier and more cost-effective than dealing with an active infestation. Use these tips to prevent a pest infestation in your home.
- Seal entry points: Inspect and seal cracks, gaps, and holes around windows, doors, and vents to prevent pests from entering your home. Use caulk or mesh screens to block common entryways. Stopping pests from entering your home is more affordable than removing them—and this tip may also help you improve home insulation.
- Keep your home clean: Regularly clean floors, countertops, and food storage areas to eliminate crumbs and spills that attract pests. Vacuum frequently, especially in areas where pests can hide. Getting rid of pests’ food and sources of shelter can make your home unappealing, reducing the likelihood of an infestation.
- Store food properly: Proper food storage prevents pests like cockroaches and rodents from infesting your kitchen. Keep dry goods in airtight containers, avoid leaving pet food out overnight, and promptly discard expired or rotting food.
- Maintain your yard: Trim bushes and tree branches that touch your home, as they provide easy access for pests like ants, spiders, and rodents. Remove grass clipping and leaf litter that may serve as nesting spaces.
- Reduce clutter: Declutter storage spaces, basements, and attics where pests like to hide. Use plastic bins instead of cardboard boxes, which are more attractive to insects and rodents.
Is Professional Pest Control Worth It?
Whether or not pest control is worth the price will vary depending on the type of pest in your home and the extent of the infestation. If you’re only seeing a few pests in isolated areas, you may want to try treating them with a low-cost DIY method before calling in professionals or using chemicals.
There are some circumstances when calling a pest professional is unavoidable. If you’re dealing with dangerous pests like wasps or termites, you may risk injury if you try to remove them yourself. Severe infestations may also require specialized professional services to completely remove—so call the pros early if you think you might have uninvited guests in your home.
FAQs About Pest Control Costs
How much is pest control on average?
The average cost of a single pest control appointment is $170. However, you could pay as little as $75 or as much as $8,000 to eliminate a pest issue depending on factors like the pest and the severity of the infestation.
Is monthly pest control worth it?
Whether monthly pest control is worth it depends on several factors, including the severity of your pest issues, your home’s location, and your tolerance for occasional pest sightings. For homes in pest-prone areas like especially humid climates, routine pest control can prove a valuable investment. Monthly treatments help prevent infestations before they start, reducing the likelihood of costly exterminations down the line.
What is the hardest pest to get rid of?
Termites are some of the hardest pests to get rid of because they may go unnoticed until structural damage is done. In many cases, you’re unlikely to catch termites until a major pest infestation has developed. Bed bugs are also exceptionally hard to get rid of, with the ability to hide in tiny crevices of the home and survive months without feeding.
How We Evaluated Pest Control Providers
Our team uses a multi-point review methodology to determine which pest management services to recommend to readers like you. After speaking with representatives, considering plan offerings and pricing, and consulting with customer service representatives, we gave each company a score on a scale of 100, which we then converted into a 5-star rating.
Our process involved comparing service contracts and rating each plan in terms of availability, financing, services, and reputation. We also looked at each company’s plan inclusions against industry and national standards to provide you with the peace of mind that comes with working with a reputable service provider.
