Exterminator costs, real pricing to send bugs packing

• The average cost for a general pest control service ranges from $100 to $500.
• Pricing is affected by the type of pest, severity of the infestation, and the size of the property.
• Termites and bed bugs are typically the most expensive pests to exterminate.

If pests are treating your home like a rent-free Airbnb, it’s time to send them packing. But getting rid of them for good will cost you.  

Whether it’s ants, termites or mice, these pesky squatters need to be evicted immediately. 

Here’s what USA TODAY found pest control costs to banish these pests from your home forever. 

How much does pest control cost? 

“According to some national studies, the average general pest control service can range between $100 and $500 with most homeowners paying about $171,” says Shannon Harlow-Ellis, associate certified entomologist and technical services manager at Mosquito Joe, a Neighborly company. 

When you have pests, you need to hire a pest control professional to inspect your property to determine the appropriate service for your pest problem.

Pest control pricing starts with a base service rate. The final cost depends on “the type of service, the type of pest being treated for, the severity of an infestation and the size of the home or property,” Harlow-Ellis says.   

Prices can vary depending on the pest control company and your location as well, so it’s important to shop around and compare quotes. 

Pest control cost by service type 

Average exterminator cost

From pest control companies like Orkin and Terminix, here is what you can expect pest control treatments to cost.

Pest control cost by pest type 

The type of pest is one of the biggest factors in what it costs to exterminate. For example, you can expect to pay significantly more to get rid of termites and bedbugs, but can likely exterminate roaches and ants for a fraction of the cost.

Luckily, most pest control services exterminate all common pests into one treatment, so you can save money by opting for a quarterly service.

These figures below give an average estimate of costs for pest control by the bug you need to exterminate. The high-end figures account for severe infestations, repeat visits and structural repairs (e.g. termites and bed bugs). Rodents and recurring issues make up the mid-point range. Basic mosquito treatment, roaches and ants make up the lower range. 

What factors affect pest control prices? 

Various factors affect pest control pricing, ranging from type of pest to size of your home. 

“Specialized services such as termites, bed bugs or wildlife can require more advanced treatments and may require multiple visits, which can increase the overall price of the service,” says Harlow-Ellis. 

Having a pest control professional inspect your home and yard can determine the type of targeted services and treatments needed. Your price will also reflect how many treatments you will need and how often. 

Professional pest control vs DIY pest control costs 

Minor pest problems can easily be tackled using DIY methods. These DIY methods can include: 

• Sealing pest entry points with caulk, weather stripping or steel wool 
• Using essential oils like peppermint to repel them 
• Sprinkling diatomaceous earth (a type of silica powder) around the house 
• Keeping your lawn and yard tidy and clean 

But if none of these DIY methods are working, it’s time to call in the big guns.  

“Pests hide in walls, crawl spaces and other hard-to-reach places that professional pest control services can better target,” says Harlow-Ellis. “Pest control services help with long-term solutions, targeted treatments and have experience to reduce the risk of reinfestation.” 

Is pest control worth the cost? 

For anyone whose home has been infiltrated by mice, fire ants or termites, pest control is worth the cost. This is especially true if DIY efforts aren’t making a difference, or you have a recurring problem you can't keep up with. A professional pest control company can get rid of pests and make sure they don’t come back. 

“Pest control is an important part of homeownership as pests can cause long-term structural damage, threaten health and safety and lead to costly repairs if left untreated,” says Harlow-Ellis. 

Does insurance cover pest control? 

Homeowner insurance covers your home, personal belongings, liability and additional living expenses. It doesn’t cover floods, earthquakes or normal wear and tear. 

“Homeowner insurance policies don’t generally cover pest-related damage or treatment, as it is considered preventable with proper home maintenance,” Harlow-Ellis says. 

Having a pest control professional come out to your home can keep your home safe and damage-free and keep your family healthy. Pests like insects and disease-carrying vermin can transmit or trigger serious, even life-threatening illnesses, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 

How to save money on pest control services 

Pest control services can add up, but there are several ways to save money. To start, get quotes from different pest control companies and compare costs. Only buy services you need. 

“Enroll in recurring service plans, which can cost less per visit. Seasonal promotions can also help homeowners save on services,” says Harlow-Ellis. “Bundle services can also help save on the overall cost of pest control.” 

How to get an accurate pest control quote 

Hiring a professional for pest inspection can help homeowners get an accurate quote. These experts know where to look and what treatments to use on pests currently causing mayhem in and around your home. 

“Trained service professionals can identify the types of pests, where they come from and how extensive the problem is. This allows for a more customized treatment plan unique to the customer's needs,” says Harlow-Ellis. 

Frequently asked questions 

Is it worth it to do pest control? 

Pest control can give you peace of mind knowing that a professional has inspected your home and yard. It can keep your home safe and family members healthy. 

What pests are most expensive to remove? 

Termites are the most expensive pests to remove. They go unnoticed for years and can cause a great deal of damage since they eat through structural wood and cost homeowners thousands of dollars. 

What is the hardest pest to get rid of? 

Bed bug infestations are the hardest pest to remove. They can take about a month to get rid of. Pest control professionals must deal with different life cycles and quick spread, since bed bugs lay hundreds of eggs at once.