How Much Is Pest Control, and What Services Are There?

Our homes don’t just keep our families and us warm and dry and our food well stored. They’re also an attractive haven for all kinds of pests, from cockroaches to mice. After all, they love everything we love about our homes.

Of course, few homeowners want to share their homes with an infestation of critters. They’re not just gross but can also harbor serious health hazards—everything from Zika virus, Lyme disease, and rabies to triggering asthma and allergies.

But how much is pest control? And what does that money get you? Is it worth the investment when there are so many DIY products available?

We explore these questions and more below. So read on!

Pest Control Cost at a Glance

If your infestation isn’t that extensive, you might be able to treat the problem with DIY pest extermination products. Depending on the sprays, gels, pellets, or traps you choose to purchase, this could cost you a few dollars to a few hundred dollars.

But if you see insects or animals daily, it’s time to call in the professionals. An initial visit to assess your situation may cost anywhere between $250 and $600.

The pest control company will help you devise a strategy to deal with your problem. It all depends on the type of pest and the severity of the infestation.

Examples of some standard bug and pest control treatments and their costs include:

• Cockroach fumigation: $100-$400
• Ant extermination: $80-$500
• Termite control: $500-$3,000
• Bedbugs treatment: $300-$5,000

If you need whole-house fumigation, you could be looking at prices well into the thousands.

Common Types of Residential Pest Control Available

Companies like whyubugginpest.com offer a wide range of pest control services, focusing on the creepy crawlies most found in American homes. These include insects like termites and cockroaches and animals like rats.

Termites

While termites aren’t dangerous to your health, they can be fatal to the structure of your home. Termites eat wood, so houses with wooden supports are at risk of collapse if infected with a termite infestation.

You must act fast if you see signs of termites, including hollow-sounding wood, mud tubes, peeling paint, and, of course, live termites. Your pest control company will advise you on the extent of your problem and the treatment options available—usually, a chemical insect control sprayed in and around your home.

Cockroaches

Cockroaches are a problem in almost every part of the USA, but they’re especially prevalent in regions with a year-round warm climate. These insects are a problem because they breed quickly and (may carry https://www.healthline.com/health/are-cockroaches-dangerous)—and, more alarmingly, transmit—diseases.

Today, most pest control companies use gel bait to get rid of a minor cockroach infestation. If the problem is extensive, they may also recommend fumigation.

Ants

Most ant infestations don’t last too long, and a homeowner can address them using supermarket pest control products. However, one type of ant you don’t want to mess with is the fire ant.

They boast a nasty bite that can even lead to hospitalization in some cases, and, like cockroaches, their populations multiply fast. You’ll need to call in pest control to assess the size of your infestation and create a backyard control plan.

Bed Bugs

Bed bugs feed on human blood—one of the first signs of an infestation is waking up with bites on your body. The only plus is that these pests are not known to transmit diseases.

Once bed bugs have camped out in your furniture or mattress, they’re notoriously tricky to get rid of. In many cases, you will have to throw out infected furniture and freeze bed linens and clothing or submit them to high heat (for example, your clothes dryer).

DIY practices are often ineffective on these hardy bugs, so don’t wait too long to hire a pest control professional.

Rats and Mice

Rodents like our homes because they offer a safe place to build nests and a steady food supply.

To prevent rats and mice from calling your home their home, make certain grains and other dry food products are stored in sealed containers. Check the exterior of your home for gaps—which can act as an entry point for small mammals—and fill them.

If you’re not keen on trapping or poisoning rats and mice yourself, a professional exterminator can do the job for you.

Finding the Right Home Pest Control Services Contractor

To get the most out of your investment, collect at least three quotes from service providers in your area.

To find pest control companies, ask your friends, family, or neighbors for recommendations or do a quick Google search. Check the client testimonials on the companies’ websites and reviews on sites like Google maps and the Better Business Bureau.

Once you’ve narrowed down your list, contact the companies for quotes, asking them questions about the services they offer and how long it typically takes them to complete a job.

How Much Is Pest Control? Answered

When deciding whether you need some help ridding your home, answering the question “How much is pest control?” is just one factor.

More importantly, you need to determine the extent of your pest problem so you can work out if you can take care of it yourself or if you need to employ the services of a professional exterminator. Of course, if your insect or animal problem is becoming a health hazard (which many can become when an infestation gets out of control), it’s best to call in the pros sooner rather than later.

Do you own your own home or manage rental properties? For more helpful homeowner advice, browse the other articles on our website.