Hiring a pest control company, either privately or through your home warranty plan, can help ensure your infestation is eliminated quickly. Because these experts understand the depths of the infestation, they can also help prevent recurring issues by treating the root of the problem itself.
We researched what factors affect the cost of pest control, as well as the national averages associated with hiring a professional.
Factors That Determine the Price of Pest Treatment
Before we talk about price, it is best to identify the type of factors that can affect the cost of your pest treatment. For most exterminators, these factors will include location, climate, type of pest involved, and the size of your home or property.
Location
Location can affect the cost of your pest treatment. For many companies, they have a service area. Properties that fall within this service area will likely be charged their standard rates. However, areas that are beyond this service area will likely incur increased costs. Other companies charge by the distance they have to travel. Areas that are more affluent may also see a price increase as territory and local competition can contribute to the overall cost.
A pest control company that charges per mile will likely cost much more than those who do not. It is important that you discuss this with any potential pest control company before you hire them.
Climate
The climate you live in is another significant factor. Colder climates, for example, tend to attract rodents. Many of these are easy to kill and more likely to only need one or a couple treatments. Warmer climates, however, tend to attract some of the harder to kill pests, like termites or other insects. This is why warmer climate locations, on average, will have higher extermination costs.
Type of Pest
The type of pest infesting your home or property can contribute to the cost of the treatment plan. That is because each infestation requires a different type of treatment. Some infestations may even lead to the discovery of larger issues, or more complicated infestations. For example, if you have a wolf spider infestation—you might also have a cockroach problem, as they are the wolf spider’s favorite prey. An expert can help you identify the extent of your infestation, as well as identify any additional pests that may be lurking on your property.
Depending on your area, 16 of the most common infestations include:
- Ants
- Bed Bugs
- Beetles
- Centipedes
- Cockroaches
- Crickets
- Fleas
- Flies
- Mice/Rats
- Mites
- Moths
- Raccoons
- Spiders
- Squirrels
- Termites
- Wasps/Bees
Some pest control companies will provide free consultations. These companies will come to your home, take a look at the site and provide a free estimate for their proposed treatment plan.
Size of Home or Property
The size of your home or property can also affect the cost of your pest treatment plan. A home that is 1,500 square feet is considered the national average for residential dwellings. When discussing “average” costs for pest control, this is the home size most commonly used. Many exterminators will have a set price for homes up to 1,500 square feet. They will then charge an extra fee, typically around $25, per additional 1,000 square feet.
Average Cost of Pest Treatment
Above we discussed the factors that can affect the cost of your pest treatment. But what does this truly mean to you?
National averages for pest control can vary greatly. However, based on the standard home size of 1,500 square feet, averages indicate you will likely pay close to the following for several of the most common pest issues:
Ants: $200 - $250
Bed Bugs: $1,000 - $1,500
Beetles: $200 - $250
Cockroaches: $280 - $300
Fleas: $200 - $250
Mice: $180 - $200
Mites: $300 - $350
Rats: $280 - $300
Spiders: $180 - $200
Termites: $1,000 - $1,2000
Wasps/Bees: $300 - $350
You should note that these costs are all-inclusive. Whether you are seeking a one-time fee or setting up recurring treatment plans, these averages take into account the total effort used to eliminate the infestation.
One-Time Treatment vs. Contract Plans
Infestations can be caused by many different factors. However, the type of treatment plan that is best for you depends on the severity of your infestation. Some pests can be eliminated through a one-time treatment event. Others, however, may need recurring treatments.
One-Time Treatment: These services are typically higher than ongoing treatment plans. In fact, the national average for a one-time treatment runs between $300 and $560. This is because a one-time treatment plan is an all-inclusive service. That means this cost will typically include the assessment, locating the infestation source, identification of entry points into your structure, and extermination of the pests.
Contract Treatments: Contract treatments typically include 2 costs: the initial visit and the recurring treatments. The initial visit will likely be the most expensive part of your contract treatment. These visits, which average between $175 and $190, include the assessment, locating the source of the infestation, and identifying the entry points.
The subsequent treatments are often established via a contract once the initial visit has been completed. These treatment plans may vary based on your service provider, as well as the type of pest and severity of the infestation. National averages are as follows:
Monthly: $40 to $50
Semi-Monthly (Every 2 Months): $50 to $70
Quarterly (Every 3 months): $100 to $310
Some of the most common pests that require recurring treatment include ants, beetles, cockroaches, fleas, mice, spiders, and termites.
The Cost of Not Treating Pest Infestations
We get it. Treating for infestations can be expensive depending on the location and severity of the problem. However, failure to eradicate an infestation can be more costly than you realize.
Every year, thousands of Americans suffer from allergies. What many may not realize is that pest infestations can contribute to these allergies. Crickets and centipedes, for example, can often cause allergic reactions if you are bitten by them. Dust and pollen created by or introduced by pests can also cause allergies to trigger. Rodents that carry dander can also introduce allergens into your home. Mold can also stem from the feces and other traces left behind by insects, such as ants or roaches.
You also need to worry about the potential for diseases and hazardous toxins. Certain pests are most likely to carry diseases that can affect the health of you and your loved ones. Mice, ticks, and scorpions, for example, can all trigger health concerns due to illnesses or toxins they may infect a human with. Salmonella, rabies, Zika virus, and other such health hazards can all be carried through pests in your home.
The most costly part of untreated pest control, however, lies in the damage to your property. Several different types of pests can cause serious structural damage to your home. Termites live in and feed off cellulose, which is contained within wood. Estimated to affect approximately 600,000 US homes every year, these pests can destroy a wood frame house if left untreated; termite damage often leads to an average cost of $3,300 in home repairs. However, they are not the only dangers. Rodents, including mice and rats, are known to chew on electrical wires. This can lead to shorts and, in some situations, electrical fires. Regardless of the type of damage, fixing the havoc pests can wreak on your property is expensive. Not only will you have to eventually hire a professional to rid you of an extensive infestation that has gone unchecked, but also experts to assess and correct damages to the home itself.
Treat Your Pest Infestation Today
If you are looking to hire a pest control company to help you with your infestation, there are several things you should inquire about before signing any contracts. First, you should ask about how long the company has been in business and where they are located. Next, you should request a list of references, including past customers. If they refuse to do so, this should be a red flag for you to look elsewhere for help. Inquire about their certifications and licenses. Request a copy of these items for your records. You should also request a copy of any of the labels on the products that will be used on your home, as well as an explanation for how these chemicals will be applied. It is also vital that you request pricing up front. This way you know exactly what you will be paying for the services you need.
Well-respected pest control companies like Aptive Pest Control will display all of this information upfront, without the need to make any additional inquiries.
Leaving your pests to fester is never a good idea. The damages they can cause over time will cost much more than the price of hiring an expert to eliminate them. Finding the right pest control company for you may take time, but it is well worth the investment.
