Everything You Need To Know About Pest Control Costs

Like other home projects, you might be able to do some pest control yourself. A can of Raid will keep bugs at bay for a while. But for bigger problems, such as recurring mice or rabbits, you’ll want to call on a professional.

Here’s what you can expect to pay for pest control treatments.

Single-Visit Pest Control

You can hire a company to perform a single pest application. The cost will vary depending on type of pest, but you’ll typically pay more for a one-time treatment. It’s also not as effective in the long term. Professionals compare it to housecleaning. The first deep clean takes longer and costs more. But future visits take less time and effort.

Ongoing Pest Control

Each pest control company operates differently. But most set a schedule visits every 1, 2, 4 or 6 months. The more frequent the visits, the lower the cost per visit. A long-term pest control contract is the most effective way to rid your home of insects and rodents.

The size of your property and the level of infestation will impact the cost. Some pros charge an extra $25 per 1,000 square feet over 1,500. A bigger infestation will bump up the cost based on the type of pest and damage.

Pest control workers do more than just kill the pests. They work to plug up entry points too. And they also try to identify food sources to keep you from attracting more pests.

What do plans cover?

Ask your pest control pro what their plan will address. Most companies remove specific kinds of pests. Some bugs, such as termites and bed bugs, require separate treatment.

Termites cost more to remove than other kinds of pest. They require extensive work. Workers will apply insecticides, repellent and bait. Termites can also infest so heavily that this won’t work. Then, you need to rely on fumigation treatment or tenting and heating the house. These are big and costly jobs.

Ask if your company offers a guarantee. Many companies will offer re-treatments in between contract periods at no cost if pest problems re-occur.

Numerous pest control products can be purchased over the counter. But it becomes more effective to hire a pest control professional to treat your home on a regular basis. Most over-the-counter products treat one pest, whereas a pro’s program is all-encompassing.

Common Pest Control Costs:

• Termite inspection: $145
• Bee/wasp control: $95 for one nest, $195 for whole-house prevention
• Single-service mouse control: $145, including one follow-up appointment
• One-time multi-insect treatment: $425
• Initial assessment for periodic visits: $180
• Monthly visits: $40 to $45
• Every other month: $50 to $60
• Quarterly: $100 to $300
• Average termite treatment: $527
• Extensive termite treatment: $1,200 to $2,500