How much does pest control cost in 2022?
Average pest control cost
Pest control can sometimes be purchased as an a la carte service, such as bedbug or wildlife solutions. However, many homeowners opt for an ongoing plan to prevent future issues while dealing with current pests. For preventive services, it’s best to sign up for a yearly plan, which is typically paid monthly or quarterly.
Based on our secret shopping, we found that the national average for general pest control plans is$51 per month, or$152 for each quarterly pest control visitif that’s how you prefer to pay. Adding specialized treatments for bedbugs, wildlife control or termites will increase that number. A one-time visit can range from $150 for ants or fleas to $8,000 for fumigation services.
Most pest control companies make quarterly visits to your home. Note that your initial visit and treatment are typically a bit more expensive than ongoing visits. Thisinitial treatment can range from $99 to $350, depending on your selected provider and services.
The cost of do-it-yourself (DIY) pest control varies greatly depending on the pest in question. Expenses you will likely face are purchasing traps, which can range from $6 for ant baits to $58 for a large wildlife trap, and any cleaning products you use to deter invasions from ants, cockroaches, fruit flies or other bugs.
Our in-depth research into trap prices, cleaning supply costs and potential damage from pests found that the cost of DIY pest control varies based on several factors. These variables include the size of your home, whether the pests are inside or outside, the number of entry points, the type of pest, the number of treatments and the level of infestation. Due to the many factors, the average cost of DIY pest control can fall anywhere from $50 for a small ant problem to $250 for a minor mouse infestation.
However, there is a hidden cost to DIY pest control. Homeowners risk a full-fledged pest infestation if their home methods don’t go according to plan. Since many pest control services are priced by the severity of the problem, it’s possible to end up paying more in the long run for pest control if you try to first do it yourself.
If your pest problem continues to grow while you wait to call in professional help, your plan to save money can backfire. When we surveyed 1,000 homeowners who had recently dealt with a pest problem, 62% first attempted DIY methods. Of those, one-third said their home treatments didn’t resolve the problem, and half of the unsuccessful DIYers went on to hire a professional.
Additionally, if you already have a large infestation, it’s almost impossible to treat it yourself. Below, we outline what pest problems you should never tackle on your own.
When to use professional pest control services
Though you may be tempted to try DIY first, these are the common household pests best left to the professionals for treatment:
If you’re facing one of these nuisances, it’s best to schedule a professional pest control treatment quickly. The providers listed in this review even offer same-day service for serious pest issues.
