Commercial pest control pricing for services Costs will vary depend on level Size of the infestation

How much does cockroach Exterminator cost for Your House?

DIY pest control with products such as pesticide sprays, boric acid, ant traps, “roach motels”, or any number of commercially available sprays like Raid, Black Flag, or Ortho from Home Depot, Lowes, and other hardware stores. Some of these can be effective when the pests are first noticed, such as when you first spot a small hornet’s nest. In other cases, such as combatting ant or roach infestations, they can only hold the line. They don’t take the battle back to the pests’ lairs.


The average cost to hire an insect control service ranges between $119 and $378, depending on the problem. Hiring a professional pest control service is the best way to rid your home of pests, not just convince them to stay out of your sight. If you are concerned about the cost of calling in a pro to take care of your pest problem, here are a few things to consider.

Wood-Boring Insects

Wood-boring insects can cause severe structural damage to your home, potentially costing tens of thousands of dollars in repairs or making your home unlivable.

Stinging and Biting Insects

Stinging and biting insects can range from painful to deadly. Addressing these pests promptly is essential to prevent serious harm.

Why Professional Pest Control is Necessary

Health Risks

Many household pests carry diseases, such as salmonella from cockroaches and Hantavirus from mice and rats. Even less harmful insects, like pincher bugs, can contaminate your food with eggs and feces.

Safety Concerns

While you may recognize dangerous insects like black widows or fire ants, your children and pets might not. Professional exterminators can help protect your home and family from these risks.

Choosing Pest Control Services

One-Time Removal vs. Contract Services

If you suddenly notice signs of an insect problem, a one-time extermination might suffice. However, for ongoing issues, a contract with regular visits may be more effective.

Cost Factors

The cost of pest control services varies based on visit frequency, home size, and the type of pests. Although a contract may cost more over time, it can effectively prevent infestations and offer long-term savings.

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Exterminator Costs and Services

Initial vs. Ongoing Visits

Some exterminators compare their work to house cleaning: the longer you wait, the harder it gets. Thus, an initial visit is usually more expensive, with cheaper maintenance visits following.

Cost Breakdown

One-Time Visit

A one-time pest control visit typically costs between $100 and $450. This price reflects the comprehensive work involved, including infestation assessment and identifying entry points.

Initial Visit

The initial visit generally costs between $120 and $385. It includes assessment, locating nests, and setting up a periodic visit schedule. Some contracts may offer free interim treatments if issues arise between scheduled visits.

Periodic Visits

  • Monthly Visits: Average $40 to $45
  • Quarterly Visits: Average $100 to $300

Costs can increase with larger properties and severe infestations. For properties larger than 1,200 square feet, an additional $45 per 1,000 square feet might apply. Discuss potential costs during the inspection.

Pest Control Needs

Ongoing Treatment

Some pests, like raccoons and squirrels, can be managed by removing food sources and blocking access. Other pests, such as roaches, termites, and fleas, often require ongoing treatment due to their persistent nature.

Climate Considerations

Climate can affect pest severity. Warm, dry areas may attract pests seeking shade, while warm, humid areas attract wood-boring insects. Cold climates might see pests seeking warmth inside homes.

Identifying Pests

Identifying the type of pest is crucial for effective control. Some pests may indicate the presence of others. For instance, wolf spiders may signal a cockroach problem.

Pests commonly found in American homes include:

  • Ants: Especially carpenter ants, known for their destructive nature.

Bed bugs

Cockroaches

Beetles
Centipedes (if you are allergic to bee stings, you are probably allergic to centipede bites as well)
Crickets (more noisy than anything, they can still leave feces)
Earwigs
Flies
Mice

Moths
Raccoons

Common Household Pests

Types of Pests

  • Rats
  • Silverfish: Damages fabrics, books, and materials.
  • Spiders: Trap dust and allergens in their webs.
  • Squirrels
  • Termites
  • Weevils
  • Woodlice

Pests can be poisonous or spread disease through parasites and feces. They are harmful to health and property. For instance, raccoons may damage insulation while nesting.

Handling Pest Infestations

Early Intervention

Addressing pests early is crucial. If you spot a pest, it’s usually too late to prevent a larger infestation. Insects reproduce rapidly and can become a significant issue if not managed promptly.

Reproduction Rates

  • Mice: A single female can produce 5 to 10 litters per year, leading to up to 1,000 mice in a year.
  • Roaches: A female cockroach produces 120 to 384 eggs annually, potentially leading to thousands of roaches in a year.

Regular visits from an exterminator are essential for control and maintenance.

Damage Caused By Pests

Cost of Ignoring Pests

Ignoring pests can be costly. The price of DIY solutions is minor compared to the potential damage caused by pests. Insects can damage clothing, food, and even the structure of your home. They also spread germs and bacteria.

Specific Pests and Damage

  • Mice: Contaminate food, spread diseases like salmonella and Hantavirus, and damage electrical wiring, potentially causing fires.
  • Carpenter Ants: Carve damp wood and grow molds, causing structural damage. Repair costs range from $2,000 to $17,000.
  • Termites: Eat wood and cause significant structural damage, with annual damage estimates around $5 billion. Early detection is crucial to avoid costly repairs.

Psychological Impact

Living with an infestation can lead to ongoing discomfort and phobias, even after the pests are gone. Individuals may feel like they’re still being crawled on, which can have a lasting psychological impact.

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