How Much Does It Cost to Hire an Exterminator?

In this guide

Pest Control Fees

Labor for each pest depends on certain variables. This may include where the pest is located, how big the infestation is, and the method you and the pest control company agree to use to treat the issue.

Pests in easy-to-reach areas or that don’t require invasive techniques to deal with the problem tend to be less expensive to deal with than pests located inside walls or crawl spaces where the worker may need to cut or damage the property to remove the pest. The latter type of project means that there are added repair costs.

Most pest companies charge by the visit or by the project, with flat fees for each of the services they offer. For example, there may be a fee for having a room sprayed and a separate fee for spraying the perimeter of the home. Fees start at $50 to $100 for the initial visit and labor, with serious infestations having higher fees, usually starting at $200 to $350 for labor.

If you contract with a company for further services such as repair or prevention, these are carried out after the initial issue has been resolved. The additional services are usually done later.

Pest Control Prices by Frequency of Service

Different costs are associated with pest control for one-time visits vs. recurring visits. The one-time pest control cost may be higher depending on the severity and size of the infestation. Subsequent visits could be slightly discounted depending on the professional’s pricing plans. Pest control companies offer different packages with monthly payments. Monthly service is the most common setup, although each local business varies. The cost of pest control service by frequency varies from $50 to $400 on average. The below table shows average prices for the most common pest control service schedules.

One-Time Pest Control Cost

An initial, one-off pest control treatment costs around $250 to $350 on average. The cost can be less or higher depending on the pest involved and the severity of the infestation. Something like a quick spray treatment would cost less than a comprehensive fumigation service, for example. Many pest control providers offer special introductory prices or coupons for one-time services like a single inspection and treatment. Others may give a small discount for returning customers if you like the quality and results of their one-time services and come back if you have another pest problem.

Pest Control Monthly Cost

Compared to a one-off pest control service, monthly services are typically less expensive. It’s common for homes witht serious issues in the past to contract with a monthly service for around $50 to $100 per visit. The contractor returns each month, reapplies chemicals, and checks for signs of returning infestations. Semi-monthly visits are another option, which generally runs around $100 to $150 a visit. Both are popular options for preventative pest control and maintenance in areas with many unwanted insects and rodents.

Pest Control Quarterly Prices

You can also set up recurring quarterly visits for a pest control check each season, which costs around $150 to $200 per visit. Professionals recommend this service for areas with noticeable season changes, as pests may come and go depending on the time of the year. Getting a pest inspection and addressing any small pest populations across the winter, spring, summer, and fall keeps seasonal pests at bay. Some pests are more active during certain seasons, which is why a quarterly service keeps homeowners covered.

Pest Control Yearly Cost

Annual visits are around $200 to $400. For homeowners who haven’t had much trouble with pests but still want to protect their properties, this yearly cost is worthwhile. This service usually includes a thorough inspection of all areas in the home, plus any initial traps or treatments to prevent any existing pest populations from spreading. The pest control specialist may offer recommendations on some simple steps to keep pests from invading the home in the next year.

Pest Control and Wildlife Removal Methods

Depending on the type of pest, its location, and your personal preferences, your pest control company may use one or more methods of dealing with the pest. Each of these can have different costs and different levels of effectiveness.

Hygienic Pest Control

Hygienic pest control costs $50 to $200 on average and is usually started by the homeowner. It involves removing whatever it is that’s attracting the pests, so your home isn’t as welcoming. This can mean giving it a deep clean, removing old food, and cleaning up water from things like burst or leaking pipes. It may also entail making any repairs that can keep these types of things from recurring. If you cannot clean well enough, some pest control companies offer hygienic control to clean those areas for you.

This method is not as effective as others for some pests. For example, it won’t help with raccoons in your attic or wasps, but it can help with problems such as ants.

Biological Pest Control

The average price of biological pest control is $50 to $200. This isn’t something you’ll typically have done in your home, but it’s good for gardens and outdoor spaces. Rather than using chemicals or traps, biological pest control relies on having an introduced predator take out your pest. For example, if you have pests in your garden eating your plants, then an insect that eats those pests but not your plants may be introduced. This is a good method for outdoor pests but won’t work for interior issues.

Chemical Pest Control

Chemical pest control costs $250 to $1,000 per room and is one of the most common methods of eradicating most pests. It involves using some type of chemical or poison to kill the pests and deter them from returning. Chemicals may be organic or not, depending on your preferences and what’s offered by the company. They may be sprayed or distributed in powder form. They may or may not require you to leave your home while they are applied. Some chemical treatments are not safe for children or pets, while others may pose no harm. If you choose chemical methods, you should carefully question the pest control company to determine the best method for your home. Depending on the issue, the company will schedule further visits to apply more chemicals.

Physical Pest Control

Physical pest control costs $350 to $700 and is usually for animals or for removing large nests, such as bee or wasp nests. This may include traps or the pest control worker needing to get close to the animals or nest to grab and physically trap them. Sometimes the traps are set, and the worker will return later to check them and retrieve the animal. Other times, the worker may trap the animal or animals during the visit and relocate them immediately. In the case of large infestations or families of animals, there may be multiple visits to ensure they have all been removed. This method works well for animals but isn’t always an answer to insects. It may be impossible to trap and remove very small pests.

Pest Control Heat Treatment Cost

Heat treatment costs $2,000 to $4,000 and may sometimes be used in place of fumigation for dealing with tough infestations such as bedbugs. Your home is sealed and superheated, but once it’s done, you can re-enter immediately. It’s good for bed bugs and similar pests in all stages of development, but it can be expensive.

Fumigation Pest Control

Fumigation pest control costs $2,500 to $7,000 on average. If you have a house-wide issue that is difficult to get under control, such as termites or bed bugs, fumigation may be the right choice. This process is generally more expensive and is often considered a last resort after other methods have failed or for very serious infestations. During a fumigation, the home is sealed off, and a chemical mist or spray is deployed to the entire property. The home is left to sit for a time, then aired out before you can return. Because this is so invasive and difficult on the homeowner, who must vacate the home until the process is over, it’s generally not considered the first step unless absolutely necessary.

Exterminator Cost by Company

Pest control is a big industry in the U.S. worth approximately $20 billion and is expected to grow significantly within the next decade. Several key pest control companies have franchises across the country. These big names in pest control are regarded for trustworthy service, cutting-edge equipment, and pest management solutions. Here are some of the most popular pest control companies and the average price of their services.

Abell Pest Control Prices

Homeowners pay $90 to $400 on average for Abell Pest Control services. The company has certified pest technicians available 24/7 to assist with safe, fast pest elimination, including ants, earwigs, bees, spiders, centipedes, mice, and rats. They have customized protection plans for homeowners who want to safeguard their homes against the most common pests in their areas. Their tick prevention and bed bug, termite, and wildlife management services are some of their most popular. For termites and similar pests, they use a combination of monitoring, pre-construction treatment, bait stations, and regular inspections to control these pest populations.

Dewey Pest Control Prices

Pest control solutions from Dewey are usually priced between $100 and $400. Since 1929, the California-based company has provided extermination and fumigation services to eliminate ants, bed bugs, bees, and carpet beetles, just to name a few. Its integrated pest management technicians use green products for spraying and baiting to achieve a natural, healthy response in residential settings. They are known for their termite control program that monitors homes for returning infestations and effectively mitigates the risk without harming the environment.

Rottler Pest Control Cost

Homeowners usually pay between $125 and $350 for general pest control service with Rottler, a family-owned pest control business based in St Louis, MO. Since 1956, the company has provided same-day services to address pest infestations, including spiders, termites, ants, and crickets. Its pest control technicians inspect the property for signs of insect/rodent activity before removing visible spider webs and eggs. They treat the home perimeter with a barrier treatment to stop pests from getting in and use rodent bait as required.

Western Exterminator Prices

Costs for Western Exterminator services average $125 to $375. The company’s extermination team provides integrated pest management, fumigation, and structural repair following significant termite infestations and other pest problems. They address infestation issues with ants, bats, bed bugs, cockroaches, bees, birds, scorpions, rats, chipmunks, and more. They use local spot treatments first and then use fumigation for larger infestations of termites, cockroaches, and fleas.

Arrow Exterminators Prices

Plan on paying between $130 and $400 for initial pest control service with Arrow Exterminators. The company offers the STEPS Total Protection System as a commitment to environmentally-friendly pest management practices. They identify pests but, more importantly, the infestation source to stop it from happening again. They focus on termite treatment that averages $800 to $1,800 depending on the severity of the infestation and the damage to your home. The Sentricon System is a trusted form of termite control. It’s used to bait termite colonies, but house cricket, fire ant, spider, cockroach, and scorpion control services are also offered.

Terminix Pest Control Cost

Most homeowners pay around $175 to $450 for their first Terminix pest control service. As one of the world’s largest pest control companies serving the U.S. and over 20 other countries, Terminix specializes in cutting-edge termite treatment, including its Bait Defend, Liquid Defend, and Tent Defend Systems. Its pest control technicians target subterranean termite populations and offer home fumigation services for bed bugs, cockroaches, spiders, and wildlife and rodent removal.

Orkin Pest Control Cost

Average Orkin Man prices are around $200 to $500 for an initial visit and spray treatment. Costs vary slightly based on the region and the pest problem. Orkin is one of the most trusted names in pest control, offering customized services since 1901. Its pest control experts treat termites, bed bugs, mosquitoes, cockroaches, ants, spiders, ticks, beetles, and more. Their pest treatment process includes investigating the infestation, removing any accessible nests, and sealing/caulking cracks to prevent pests from returning. They also install pest monitors and provide follow-up services.

Ehrlich Pest Control Prices

The average price for initial pest control services with Ehrlich is between $200 and $550. Founded in 1928, the residential pest control company serves the Eastern U.S. with a range of solutions to help with ants, bed bugs, termites, bees, cockroaches, mosquitoes, moths, and more. Its pest specialists use environmentally sensitive treatments that are safe for children and pets. Their services include residential disinfection, fumigation, and entry point sealing. Their perimeter treatments minimize the chances of major infestations.

Insect Control Cost by Type

A pest is any animal or insect that you do not want in your home or on your property. Most pest companies treat tiny insects and wild animals differently to make their pest control service as safe as possible. While most insects are exterminated and eliminated, some wild animals are trapped alive and relocated back to their natural habitat away from humans. This influences the cost. Insect infestations may require multiple treatments and follow-ups. However, a one-off raccoon or bat visit may cost less. Each situation is different. The service provided and its cost depend on how big the infestation is and where it’s located. The below table outlines the average cost for insect control based on different pest varieties.

Tick Extermination Cost

The average range for tick extermination treatment is $60 to $90. Ticks are a serious issue in many people’s yards. There are many different types of ticks, and many of them are responsible for spreading tick-borne illnesses through their bites. Ticks can often be controlled through various methods, including clearing out brush and tall grass, using sprays or chemicals, and sometimes introducing other animals (like opossum) that will eat the ticks in the area.

Moth Exterminator Cost

The average price for moth extermination is $100 to $200. Most moths typically stay outside and are harmless to people. Occasionally, however, they may make their way indoors, where an infestation can occur. Moths can eat clothing, particularly natural fibers like wool. They need to be dealt with quickly to avoid damage. Chemical sprays may work for small infestations, but large ones will likely need fumigation.

Earwig Extermination Cost

The average price to exterminate pesky earwigs is $100 to $400. Earwigs or pincher bugs are most commonly found outside. They may occasionally make their way in if it’s very hot or cold outside. If you have many earwigs in your yard, then spraying your yard’s perimeter and the perimeter of your home with chemicals reduces the population and keeps them from entering your home.

Roach Extermination Cost

Eliminating roaches from your home costs $150 to $450 on average. Roaches can be a serious problem. They carry parasites and transmit diseases. They are most common in damp areas and in areas where there is food. It may take several visits to fully eradicate the infestation. You will likely need some sealing or prevention techniques to keep them from returning.

Fly Exterminator Cost

The average cost of fly extermination services is $175 to $300. There are upwards of 16,000 fly species just in the U.S. Many are attracted to food scraps and other garbage, making them a common household pest. While flies are generally harmless and just annoying, there is a slight risk they could spread serious diseases. It’s best to remove them immediately. Some flies are caught with traps, but bait, insecticide, and chemical treatment are other options.

Ant Exterminator Cost

Ant extermination costs between $175 and $325 on average. Numerous species of ants may invade your home. Most are harmless, but a few, such as carpenter ants, may harm your property. Fire ants can have painful bites. If you find them indoors, they are likely outdoors as well. You may need ongoing treatment or at least a two-phase treatment to thoroughly deal with the problem.

Cricket Extermination Cost

The average cost to get rid of crickets in a home is $175 to $325. These distant relatives of the grasshopper often make their way into homes away from the elements so they can survive longer. While some homeowners notice a cricket infestation due to their signature chirping sounds of their mating call or chewed fabric, other times, a pest professional spots them in warm, moist areas of the home. Cricket infestations are usually treated with vacuum and chemical controls.

Scorpion Pest Control Cost

Eliminating a scorpion infestation costs $200 to $300 on average. If you live in the Southwest, then you may have encountered scorpions. More than 1,400 different scorpions have been identified, with 25 of them being fatal to humans. They are usually found outdoors but can enter the home. They eat other insects, so keeping your home free of other pests helps keep it free of scorpions as well. Good hygiene and chemical deterrents are crucial to keeping scorpions away.

Flea Fumigation Cost

Homeowners pay $200 to $350 on average to get rid of fleas in their homes. Fleas can be a serious problem in the home. More than 2,000 different types have been identified. Many of them spread diseases. Treatment involves cleaning and spraying the home and any family pets. At least one follow-up visit is usually required.

Spider Extermination Cost

Hiring a spider exterminator costs $200 to $500 on average. Spiders are typically found outdoors but may make their way inside over time. Most spiders are harmless; however, some are venomous. Others have very painful bites. Spiders are usually eradicated by spraying the perimeter of your home with chemicals, and repeat visits may be necessary. One of the most feared spiders is the brown recluse, which is venomous.

Silverfish Extermination Cost

Silverfish pest control treatments cost between $200 and $600 on average. Silverfish don’t pose any harm to people or pets but can do serious damage to your property. They are frequently found in damp areas like basements or bathrooms but can also be found inside cabinets and near food sources and books. Depending on the size of the infestation, you may need multiple treatments to eradicate them.

Bee Removal Cost

It’s safe to budget between $200 and $750 for bee removal. If there are bees in your home, they are more likely to harm your house than you. Bees may damage wood or build nests in inconvenient places. The normal method of dealing with them is to remove and relocate the nest. They can be found in or around your property.

Carpet Beetle Extermination Cost

The average cost to exterminate carpet beetles is $225 to $275. Carpet beetles are fairly harmless to humans and typically exist outdoors, as they prefer to eat pollen. However, if they find their way inside, they will eat your clothing and furnishings instead. If you have an infestation, chemical treatments are the best way to eradicate them. Often one visit is enough, but it may require several if the problem is bad.

Centipede Extermination Cost

Exterminating centipedes costs $300 to $500 on average. It’s very rare to have a centipede infestation in your home, as these insects are usually solitary. There are many different kinds of centipedes, but only one that usually comes into your home. Good hygiene is the key to keeping centipedes away, but if you think you have a small infestation, chemical sprays can also be used to kill them.

Wasp Extermination Cost

Wasp extermination costs $325 to $450 on average. You may need to have a wasp nest removed from the interior or exterior of your property. Wasps can be a serious problem for those who are allergic to their stings. Even in those who are not allergic, stings can cause redness, swelling, or pain. There are more than 30,000 different types of wasps. Your area determines the type that you may find in or around your home. Wasp nest removal is generally done in one step, but you may require repairs once it’s done.

Mosquito Extermination Cost

Mosquito control costs $350 to $500 for the average homeowner. Mosquitoes are more commonly a problem outside of the home, in and around your yard. They’re normally dealt with either by spraying or installing a misting system that provides more continuous coverage. If you choose to spray, you need to have follow-up visits every few weeks, as the lifecycle of the mosquito is only 21 days long.

Termite Extermination Cost

Termite treatment costs $600 to $2,400 on average. Termites pose a serious problem for your home. There are six different types of termites. Each needs a different level of treatment, depending on how big the infestation is or how much damage they’ve done. You may find that serious repair work must be completed after you’ve eradicated the insects.

Bed Bug Exterminator Cost

Homeowners pay $750 to $1,050 on average to eliminate bed bugs. Bed bugs are amongst the most annoying and difficult-to-treat pests. They can live in your furniture, the cracks of your baseboards, and in your bedding. They don’t spread disease, but their bites can be itchy, which can lead 1 to secondary infections. You need to have a whole-house treatment done. Depending on the level 3 of infestation, you may need more than one treatment.

Wildlife Removal Cost by Animal

Wild animals often live near humans. While the array of wildlife varies based on the region you live in, the possibility of animals getting into your home remains very real. Sometimes these animals make a noticeable entrance inside your house, and you have to call a pest removal company right away. In other cases, they may be sneakily living in your attic or basement without your knowledge. The animal control cost depends on the number of animals and how difficult they are to relocate. The table below explains the most common wild animals found in homes and the wildlife removal cost for each one.

Mole Extermination Cost

Professional mole extermination costs $170 to $350 on average. These small, subterranean mammals like to dig tunnels beneath homes and gardens, causing significant damage if left undiscovered for too long. Extermination and live removal are two trusted methods for getting rid of moles that will otherwise destroy your lawn. Pest control companies may recommend bait trapping or fumigation based on the size and scope of the tunnels and the mole population.

Possum Removal Cost

Removing possums from your property costs $200 to $400 on average. These small scavengers may nest near or even in your home. If babies are involved, it’s all the more important to have a professional remove them from your chimney or shed. Live traps and snare poles are commonly used to remove these creatures from homes. Sealing off entry points and cleaning up droppings adds to the cost.

Snake Removal Cost

Homeowners usually pay between $300 and $400 to remove a snake from their house. Snakes are rarely found inside the home but may form a nest in crawl spaces and other damp, dark areas. If they aren’t dealt with in a timely way, they can multiply until there are thousands of them, making it dangerous to access these areas of your home. Snakes pose a threat of biting anyone who approaches or interacts with them. Some venomous snake bites could be fatal. Snake treatments usually include removal and relocation, setting traps, and returning to empty them later.

Fox Removal Cost

Getting a fox out of your yard through professional removal costs $300 to $500 on average. Several types of foxes may infest a home, usually having their kits there within two months. Foxes can be responsible for health risks such as canine distemper, rabies, and tapeworm, so it is best to have them removed. Foxes are usually trapped and relocated. If there are a large number of kits, several visits may be required to complete the job.

Bird Removal Cost

Removing birds from a home costs between $350 and $650 on average. Many different types of birds may infest a home. Birds, their feathers, their eggs, and their droppings can all cause health problems, including spreading various diseases. Birds are usually dealt with through trapping, nest removal, and relocation. These measures are followed by a thorough cleaning of the area. Steps do need to be taken to seal their entrance. Otherwise, they may return.

Raccoon Removal Cost

The price of removing raccoons from your home averages $375 to $625. Raccoons can be a serious nuisance if they get into your home. They can spread diseases and do a lot of damage to your property, sometimes even when they live outdoors in your yard. Raccoons are usually dealt with through trapping and relocation and may require several visits depending on the size of the infestation. You will also need to clean the area thoroughly and seal up their entry point so they can’t return.

Skunk Removal Cost

Most homeowners pay $400 to $500 to have a skunk removed from their property. Known for their distinct markings and foul smell, skunks can be a stubborn pest as they are nocturnal and prone to hiding in hard-to-reach places. Like raccoons and other wildlife, skunks are interested in trash and food scraps. They may make their home in garages or sheds out near the garbage cans. To minimize the risk of rabies for people and pets, it’s important to get skunks removed professionally using quality trapping systems.

Bat Removal Cost

Bat removal costs $400 to $600 on average. While bats themselves are rarely a health hazard, their excrement (called guano) may spread diseases or cause respiratory distress. The most common way of dealing with bats involves allowing them to leave on their own, then sealing the entrance so they can’t return. If this isn’t possible, then chemicals and repeat visits may be required.

Coyote Removal Cost

Removing a coyote costs $400 to $600 on average. These eye-catching, wild canines are smaller than their wolf relatives and known for scavenging, attracting them to houses, especially in semi-rural and suburban locations. Urban coyotes are a concerning pest in metropolitan areas because of the abundance of food scraps and very few predators. Some professional pest control providers specialize in live trapping and relocation of coyotes. Their expertise is needed when young pups are involved in a crawlspace, garage, or similar location.

Rodent Control Cost by Type

In addition to insects, rodents are common in many homes, regardless of where your home is located. Rodents often thrive in the tight, dark spaces beneath cabinets and behind walls. They are attracted to food scraps and garbage. The average rodent exterminator cost depends on the type of the pest and the size and location of the infestation. This table shows the average costs for rodent control based on the species.

Groundhog Removal Cost

Removing groundhogs costs $130 to $270 on average. Also known as woodchucks, these rodents are part of the squirrel family and are attracted to garden vegetables and landscaping. Big holes and tunnels in your lawn are a tell-tale sign of a groundhog infestation, although a professional can confirm this for sure. The options for removing groundhogs are repellant, lethal trap, and live trap/relocation. Many states have laws surrounding lethal traps. You may only be allowed to use them in the event of significant damage to your property. Your pest removal professional can explain the best way to get rid of the groundhogs in your yard safely.

Rat Extermination Cost

Most homeowners pay somewhere between $200 and $800 for rat extermination. Rats spread many of the same diseases as mice and require the same types of pest control, such as trapping and chemicals. Because they are larger, items like traps may be more costly. You may need more than one session to ensure that they are completely eradicated.

Squirrel Removal Cost

The average price for removing squirrels is between $400 and $600. While squirrels in your yard are likely not a problem, if they make a nest in your home, they can cause serious health problems. Squirrels can have up to four to six babies a year and can live for up to 12 years. Squirrels in your home can quickly multiply and become a major issue. They can damage your property and should be removed as soon as you see signs that they have infested your home. Squirrels are usually trapped and relocated, but depending on how many you have, this may take several visits. You will also need to have the area cleaned and any entrances sealed, so they don’t return.

Beaver Removal Cost

Most beaver removal jobs cost between $400 and $1,000. The price for removing these large, furry rodents depends on how many there are and where they’ve made themselves at home on your property. Lethal or live trapping are two options. Many wildlife removalists will relocate beavers to a safer spot close to the water. Keep in mind that male and female beavers typically live together with their young. The price to relocate an entire family would increase compared to just one beaver who wandered into your home and was caught right away. Homes near the water or that have recently flooded are more likely to see beavers.

Mice Extermination Cost

A professional mouse exterminator costs $450 to $600 on average. Mice can spread very serious diseases, which is why it’s important to deal with a mouse infestation as soon as possible. This may include various techniques, from trapping to chemicals to prevention and deep cleaning. Many different types of mice may infest a home. Extermination methods vary depending on the type.

Gopher Removal Cost

The average price for gopher removal is $500 to $700. These small rodents love to burrow and make tunnels throughout yards and underneath homes, which is why it’s a good idea to get them removed sooner rather than later. Plus, gophers carry insect pests like lice, fleas, and ticks. Trapping and removing gophers are effective and humane. However, there is also the option of extermination. Baiting and repellants are other ways to control gopher populations on your property.

Dead Animal Removal Cost

Depending on the pest problems in your home, you may be dealing with the dead animal removal, which averages around $100 to $400. In some cases, you may stumble upon a dead animal in your garage, basement, attic, or kitchen. This may be the first time you notice a pest in your home. You can then call a professional to remove the dead animal and check for signs of any more.

In the event of lethal bait or chemical treatment, you will also have to think about dead animals. Before starting the pest control treatment, your provider should let you know what you can expect and how often there may be dead animals in the traps. This is especially common for mice and rats. The more dead animals there are to remove and the frequency of required removals, the higher the project’s price will be.

Animal in Attic Removal Cost

One common area where animals like to hide is the attic. It costs around $150 to $450 to remove them on average. Pest control companies may charge slightly more for removing animals from hard-to-reach attics that require ladders and crawling in tight spaces. Mice, rats, squirrels, rodents, and raccoons are some of the common inhabitants of attics. Signs of an attic infestation include urine, droppings, damaged insulation, ripped ducts, and nests. You may also hear scurrying or squeaking noises.

Eco-Friendly Pest Control

If you don’t like the idea of chemicals, some pest control companies offer eco-friendly treatments such as diatomaceous earth and other products harmless to people or the environment. These may cost more than other chemical treatments, with costs starting at $200 to $300 per area.

It’s worthwhile to check with your local pest company on their green practices and products, as many pest control businesses are making the switch to environmentally-friendly techniques and materials to better serve their customers and their natural surroundings. Depending on the pest control provider, you may request they only use certain products for pest removal and prevention. Some businesses include this already in their pricing. Others may charge $20 to $200 more depending on the products and the amount needed based on each pest situation.

Pet Safe Pest Control

Many people worry about pesticides, repellants, and traps, fearing that their beloved pets may be injured or fall seriously ill if they come into contact with these materials. That’s why many pest control specialists offer pet- and child-safe options for greater peace of mind. They may use chemicals that are not harmful to dogs and cats or on-site trapping to ensure a pet can’t wander into the wildlife trap later.

Each company may have slightly different recommendations on the best pet-safe practices for pest management on your property. You need a balance between protecting your pet but also successfully eliminating the pests. Some companies may charge slightly more for pet-safe products, but it greatly depends on each individual business and their pest control practices. Expect to pay between $25 and $250 or more for pest control solutions that are specifically pet-safe. Always check with your chosen pest management company for their most up-to-date quotes.

Pest Inspection Cost

For nearly all pests, the company begins with an inspection. They help you identify the exact type of pest you’re dealing with and offer you various treatment plans. Once you decide on the plan, one of several things will happen.

If the problem is severe and the pest control company needs assistance in locating the pests, you may need a canine inspection. During this inspection, a dog is brought in to help locate the problem areas. This process has fees starting at $200. They can go much higher depending on how large the property is.

Baiting is another option for discovering where pests are hiding. This method is usually slightly less expensive, costing around $50 to $150. Pest control specialists set the bait, either non-lethal or lethal, and check for signs of animals. Suppose the infestation is obvious from the inspection. In that case, the pest control technician may begin the removal process right away, whether it be through chemical treatment, fumigation, manual labor/removal, trapping, or a combination of several methods.

Many pest control businesses offer free inspections to help homeowners uncover insects, rodents, and animals that may be lurking undetected. Special deals and coupons for inspections and subsequent services are also common. Of course, each company may have different pricing policies, but generally, you can expect to have the inspection cost included in the overall removal. Annual pest inspections are another option. If you go with one of the pest control companies that charge for inspections separately, expect to pay around $75 to $125.

Pest and Wildlife Damage Repair

The cost of pest-related repairs ranges from $100 to $3,000. Sometimes repairs are needed after the pest is gone. If walls needed to be opened to reach the pest, or if the pest damaged your property during its stay, you may need repairs. These repairs have a range of associated costs depending on the pest.

Carpet and Textile Repairs

The cost of repairing damaged carpet and textiles is between $50 and $1,680 on average. Many tiny insects do a great job of hiding beneath carpet and other fabrics, chewing away and causing considerable damage without you even knowing. If you need to put in fresh carpet, keep in mind that new carpet installation costs on the higher end around $980 to $1,680 on average. In addition to carpet beetles, fleas and moths are other pests that may be problematic. They may damage carpet and other fabrics like window upholstery and furniture. You might end up paying $50 to $500 to install new curtains if a fabric-loving pest starts hiding in your home.

Wiring and Plumbing

Most homeowners pay $100 to $300 to fix wires and pipes damaged by pests. Mice and squirrels may chew through wiring or plumbing, which can require expensive repairs. If this is the case, you will need to hire an electrician at the cost of $65 to $85 per hour and a plumber at $45 to $150 per hour.

Gutters

Gutter repairs after pest damage can cost anywhere from $150 to $1,200. Birds, squirrels, and other nesting animals can clog and damage gutters, ultimately affecting water drainage. The average cost to clean clogged gutters is $150 to $225. Repairs to leaking, dented, sagging, cracked, and rotting gutters can cost anywhere from $500 to $1,200. Clogged gutters may lead to a backup of rainwater that could soften exterior wood and attract termite infestations.

Attic Repairs

Repairs in the attic due to pest damage usually start around $150 to $400, depending on the level of damage done. Because many people don’t pay much attention to their attics and only go upstairs to check on it every once in a while, animals can live there for quite some time undetected, which means more time to cause damage. Squirrels and bats are the two most common problems in attics. They may disturb insulation or wires, as well as damage woodwork.

Wall Repairs

Wall repairs after pests can cost around $150 to $500. Sometimes walls need to be opened to remove the pest, this is most common with bees, mice, squirrels, birds, and wasps, but any pest that made its home in the walls can cause damage that needs repair. Wall repairs start at $150 for just the drywall and can go as high as $500 if you must repair wiring or studs. If the pests have gone undetected for a long time, you may need new insulation for the walls, costing anywhere from $0.10 to $2 per square foot.

Roofing Repairs

The average cost for repairing roofs ranges from $200 to $800. Termites, carpenter ants, mice, rats, bees, squirrels, and bats may damage residential roofing. They may chew through siding and water-damaged shingles to affect the structural integrity of the roof, which in turn requires expensive repairs. After a pest infestation, required repairs may include replacing shingles, repairing soffit and fascia, or filling in cracks.

Hardwood Floor Repair

Hardwood floor repairs cost between $250 and $3,000 on average. Termites, beetles, and ants are known for damaging hardwood floors. A stubborn pest infestation can turn beautiful hardwood floors into spotted, dull floors with signs of aging. Loose floorboards, buckling wood, and small holes on the floor’s surface are a few signs of a pest infestation that needs to be taken seriously.

Most Dangerous Pests and Animals

Many people have a dislike or downright fear of pest insects and animals. Some of the most common phobias related to animals are spiders, snakes, mice, and bees. In many cases, just the sight of the pest alone is enough to scare someone, although the health risks and danger can elevate a person’s fear.

Even for those who are not scared of any insects or animals, it’s extremely important to treat all pests with caution. That’s because many of them can be very dangerous and even deadly sometimes for people and pets. One of the most concerning is termites, which don’t spread disease to humans like other pests but are the most likely to cause significant structural damage that could lead to building damage and even collapse. Termites are hard to spot and work in massive colonies, so they can essentially eat away at your house from the inside out without you even noticing, putting your entire family at risk.

Bed bugs are another dangerous pest, as they bite humans and pets, leading to itchy welts and, in some cases, secondary skin infections. Plus, many scorpion, spider, and snake species are venomous. Cockroaches, mice, mosquitoes, fleas, and lice transmit viruses and other serious diseases.

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IPM Pest Control

Integrated pest management (IPM) is a modern approach to economical, effective pest control that focuses on suppression and prevention before pest infestations get out of hand and lead to costly damage. This covers both indoors and outdoors, with certain strategies like weather stripping doors and sealing wall openings to stop pests from getting inside in the first place.

IPM is used in agriculture and residential pest control, with four key areas to focus on: biological control, habitat changes, cultural practices, and resistant varieties. For example, replacing certain flowers and plants with more pest-resistant varieties can help and putting a fence around the garden to keep animals out. There are so many different aspects of a comprehensive IPM plan, which is why it’s usually more expensive than conventional pest control. IPM prices are reasonable when companies offer a package deal for continued management, especially for an infestation that’s been recurring in the past. IPM typically costs between $20 to $100 a month for a yearly contract, although prices vary based on the pest business and their specific IPM practices.

Indoor vs Outdoor Pest Control

Indoor pest control differs slightly from outdoor pest treatments, which is why it’s best to have a professional on hand with extensive knowledge of both.

Insect infestations such as termites, bed bugs, fleas, centipedes, beetles, and roaches are more common inside, although spiders, snakes, and squirrels can make their way inside too. Outdoor pest control more commonly addresses wild animals such as beavers, coyotes, foxes, gophers, groundhogs, moles, possums, and skunks. Chemical treatment is more common with insect pests, while live trapping and relocation work well for larger wild animals.

Pest Control DIY vs Professional

Some homeowners start with DIY pest control by using a few cans of repellant from the store or making their own pesticides like soap or oil spray. While swatting one lone fly or using a generic mouse trap for one little rodent may work at first, pest control is always better handled by professionals. That’s because there is often more than one pest, especially with insects or young animal mothers. To properly address the pest population and stop these unwanted visitors from returning in the future, it’s important to have a pest professional on hand to inspect your home and provide targeted treatments. This is the safest option for pest control, especially compared to DIY dealings with murder hornets, scorpions, and snakes that may sting or bite.

Pest Control vs Exterminator

While every pest scenario is unique, some main similarities may be noted that pest experts encounter during their years on the job. Their extensive training and experience allow them to identify a wide range of pests and provide recommendations on the best treatment method. A pest control specialist should walk you through your extermination choices and remove/relocate pests when applicable.

Although some cases require extermination, especially with insects, there are humane ways of dealing with larger rodent and animal infestations. Catch and release services may be cheaper than extermination. It depends greatly on the risks involved, including the number of animals, their location, and the distance from the home to a safe, natural habitat for relocation.

Preventive Pest Control Cost

Pest prevention measures generally can cost from $25 to $7,000 for the most expensive measures. Prevention is often a multi-step process that can be very similar for several types of pests. In most cases, good hygiene and removing potential food sources for the pests are the best places to start. Pests won’t go where they can’t find food, so identifying and removing the food source is always the right first step.

How to Prevent Rodents

Rodent prevention costs anywhere from $25 to $900 on average. It can be difficult because they are often small enough to slip into holes or cracks that are overlooked. Good hygiene and removing their food sources deter them from entering. If possible, you should also clear brush or tall trees away from your home. Professional tree removal costs between $400 and $900 on average. Try to locate and seal up any small cracks or holes that allow them to enter. Sometimes it may be necessary to spray the perimeter of the home to discourage them from entering. Sometimes electronic pest deterrents priced between $25 and $300 can be used to create a sound or vibration that discourages them from entering.

How to Prevent Insects

Insect prevention costs an average of $350 to $2,000, depending on the methods you choose. The average cost for sealing up doors and windows is $350 to $650. It costs around $500 to $4,000 on average to fix foundation cracks. This helps prevent insects from entering the home. Preventing insects always starts with good hygiene and making sure that there are no open food containers or other food sources. Clean up standing water or damp areas because this attracts some insects. Spraying chemicals around the foundation may prevent some insects from entering. Caulking or sealing cracks around the foundation makes a difference.

Mosquito misting systems cost between $1,500 and $4,000, and like lawn treatments, they can help keep insect populations down and prevent insect infestations from getting out of hand.

How to Prevent Wildlife

Installing a new fence for wildlife prevention costs around $3,000 to $7,000 on average for wood or vinyl fencing. Putting up a quality fence around the perimeter of your property is one of the first steps in keeping wildlife away.

In most instances, sealing up the entryways for wildlife is the best way to prevent them from entering. This may mean locating vents and other uncovered areas and keeping things like tree branches well away from the roof and eaves where they could be entering.

Window nets and snake fences around crawl spaces help prevent wildlife from entering your home. Electronic pest deterrents can be used to discourage wildlife from entering.

Enhancement and Improvement Costs

Structural Fumigation Cost

Sometimes fumigation of the interior isn’t enough to deal with the problem. Structural fumigation goes deeper and gets into more of your home’s crawl spaces, attics, and other hard-to-reach areas to eliminate the problem. Costs start at around $5,000 for most homes.

House Cleaning

You may also want to opt for whole-house cleaning after the issue is resolved to remove chemicals, droppings, and other potential problems. House cleaning can help prevent the pests from returning. House cleaning costs between $25 and $40 per hour on average.