"How much will this cost?" It's the first question every homeowner asks when facing a pest problem — and the answer is frustratingly often "it depends." This guide cuts through the vague ranges and gives you real numbers based on pest type, treatment method, home size, and where you live.
Average Pest Control Costs at a Glance
Here's a quick overview of what you can expect to pay in 2026:
| Service | Average Cost | Range |
|---|---|---|
| General pest control (one-time) | $175 | $100–$300 |
| General pest control (quarterly) | $150/visit | $100–$200/visit |
| Ant control | $250 | $150–$500 |
| Cockroach extermination | $400 | $200–$800 |
| Rodent removal | $650 | $300–$1,200 |
| Termite treatment | $1,500 | $500–$3,000 |
| Bed bug treatment | $1,500 | $800–$2,500 |
| Mosquito treatment | $200/visit | $100–$400/visit |
| Wildlife removal | $750 | $300–$1,500 |
These are national averages. Your actual cost depends on several factors we'll cover below.
Cost Breakdown by Pest Type
Termite Treatment Cost: $500–$3,000
Termite control is one of the most expensive pest treatments because termites threaten your home's structural integrity. Treatment cost depends on the method:
- Liquid barrier treatment: $500–$2,000. A chemical barrier is applied around your foundation to kill termites and prevent new colonies from entering. Lasts 5–10 years.
- Bait station systems: $800–$1,500 for installation, plus $200–$400/year for monitoring. Stations placed around the perimeter attract and kill termites over time.
- Fumigation (tenting): $1,500–$3,000+. Used for severe drywood termite infestations. The entire home is tented and filled with gas. Most common in Southern California and Florida.
- Spot treatments: $200–$600. For small, localized infestations. Less comprehensive but cheaper.
Real talk: Don't skip termite treatment to save money. Termite damage repairs average $3,000–$8,000, and severe cases can exceed $25,000. A $1,500 treatment is cheap insurance.
Bed Bug Treatment Cost: $800–$2,500
Bed bug treatment is expensive because it requires thoroughness — miss a few eggs and you're back to square one.
- Heat treatment: $1,200–$2,500 per room. The most effective single-visit method. Raises room temperature to 120°F+, killing all life stages.
- Chemical treatment: $800–$1,500 for 2–3 visits. Professional-grade products applied over multiple treatments to catch newly hatched bugs.
- Combination (heat + chemical): $1,500–$2,500. Some companies use heat for the main treatment and chemicals for residual protection.
Price per room matters: A single bedroom might cost $800–$1,200, but a whole-home treatment is $2,000–$4,000+. Catching the problem early saves significant money.
Rodent Removal Cost: $300–$1,200
Rodent control pricing depends on the type of rodent and the extent of exclusion work needed:
- Mouse trapping + basic exclusion: $300–$600. Includes trapping, removal, and sealing a few entry points.
- Rat removal + full exclusion: $500–$1,200. Rats require more extensive exclusion work because they're stronger and can create larger entry points.
- Attic cleanout and insulation replacement: $1,000–$3,000+ (additional). If rodents have contaminated your attic insulation, this is a separate but often necessary service.
Ant Control Cost: $150–$500
Ant treatment is relatively affordable:
- Common ant species: $150–$300. Bait application and perimeter treatment.
- Carpenter ants: $300–$500. Requires locating and treating the nest, often inside walls. More labor-intensive.
- Fire ants (yard treatment): $100–$300. Mound treatments and yard-wide bait application.
Cockroach Extermination Cost: $200–$800
Cockroach treatment cost depends heavily on the species:
- American/Oriental cockroaches: $200–$400. Often requires just perimeter and crack-and-crevice treatment.
- German cockroaches: $300–$800. Multiple treatments needed due to rapid reproduction. May require 2–4 visits over 4–8 weeks.
Mosquito Treatment Cost: $100–$400 per visit
Mosquito control is typically an ongoing seasonal service:
- Barrier spray treatment: $75–$150 per visit. Applied to vegetation every 3–4 weeks during mosquito season.
- Mosquito misting systems: $1,500–$3,000 for installation, plus $50–$100/month for refills.
- Seasonal package (5–7 treatments): $400–$800 for the season.
Wildlife Removal Cost: $300–$1,500
Wildlife removal varies widely by species:
- Squirrel removal: $300–$600
- Raccoon removal: $400–$800
- Bat exclusion: $500–$1,500 (often requires one-way doors and sealing many entry points)
- Bird removal: $300–$700
Factors That Affect Your Price
Home Size
Larger homes cost more to treat because they have more linear footage to cover (perimeter treatments) and more interior space. A 1,200 sq ft home might pay $150 for general treatment; a 3,500 sq ft home might pay $250–$300.
Severity of Infestation
A minor problem caught early is always cheaper. A severe cockroach infestation might require 4 treatments instead of 2, doubling the cost. This is the #1 reason to act quickly when you spot pests.
Treatment Method
Heat treatments cost more than chemical treatments. Fumigation costs more than spot treatment. Your technician will recommend the right method for your situation.
One-Time vs. Ongoing Service
One-time treatments have a higher per-visit cost. Signing up for a quarterly plan usually reduces the per-visit cost by 20–40%. Many companies also offer free re-treatments between scheduled visits.
- One-time visit: $175–$300
- Monthly plan: $40–$70/month
- Quarterly plan: $100–$200/visit
- Annual plan: $400–$800/year
Regional Price Variations
Pest control costs vary by region due to differences in pest pressure, cost of living, and competition:
Southeast (Higher Than Average)
States like Florida, Georgia, Texas, and Louisiana tend to have higher pest control costs because year-round warmth means year-round pest activity. Termite treatments are especially common and competitive here.
Northeast (Average to Above Average)
Higher cost of living drives prices up, but seasonal pest activity means you may not need year-round service. Bed bug treatments are notably expensive in major cities like New York.
Midwest (Below Average to Average)
Generally the most affordable region for pest control. Lower cost of living and seasonal pest activity keep prices competitive.
West Coast (Above Average)
California prices are among the highest in the country, driven by high cost of living and significant termite pressure. Pacific Northwest prices are moderate.
Find pest control pricing in your city →
How to Save Money on Pest Control
- Get multiple quotes: Always compare 2–3 estimates. Prices can vary 30–50% between companies for the same service.
- Sign up for a plan: Quarterly plans are almost always cheaper per visit than one-time treatments.
- Act early: A small problem is always cheaper to treat than a big one. Don't wait.
- Do your own prevention: Sealing entry points, reducing moisture, and keeping a clean home reduce the amount of treatment needed.
- Ask about guarantees: Companies that offer free re-treatments between visits provide better value.
- Bundle services: Some companies discount when you bundle (e.g., general pest + mosquito treatment).
Is Pest Control Worth the Cost?
Let's put it in perspective:
- A quarterly pest control plan costs $400–$800/year
- Repairing termite damage costs $3,000–$8,000 on average
- Replacing a rodent-contaminated attic costs $1,000–$3,000
- A bed bug infestation at a rental property can cost $5,000+ including lost rent
For most homeowners, professional pest control is one of the most cost-effective home maintenance investments you can make. For more on the DIY vs. professional decision, see our comparison guide.
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