A number of factors determine how much pest control costs. These include: location, the type of pests infesting a home and their ability to spread, the treatment method (e.g., chemical sprays versus bait traps) and the frequency of service visits. Overhead expenses, including office rent and utilities, labor and marketing, can also increase prices.
DIY Pest Control
Homeowners can use sprays, dusting and fogging products to tackle many pest problems at a fraction of the cost of professional services. These DIY pest control products can be purchased at local hardware stores and garden centers, as well as online. These chemicals work by disrupting the nervous system of pests and eliminating them. A specialized product called a bug bomb may also be used, but these are generally not recommended for use in the home as they are flammable and can interfere with electronic equipment.
Some pests, like wood-boring insects and termites, require special treatment that is usually only available from a professional. A pro will inspect and treat the problem area to thoroughly mitigate it, along with implementing ongoing prevention techniques. One-time pest control treatments can cost from $250-$400, depending on the type of pest and extent of damage.
Another option is a pest control subscription service, which offers monthly, quarterly or yearly rates. These services will supply customers with the products they need to treat their property, along with detailed instructions on how to apply them. This can be much more cost-effective than hiring a professional, as it eliminates the need for trial and error. It is also more convenient for homeowners to take care of the treatment on their own schedule, rather than waiting for a technician to arrive.
Professional Pest Control
If DIY treatments have failed to eradicate pests, it’s time to call in the pros. A professional pest control service will provide you with an individualized treatment plan that includes an assessment of the extent of your infestation and a detailed description of your home’s specific needs. They’ll also evaluate health and safety risks, if any exist. Pest control professionals will recommend either extermination or preventive treatments, depending on the severity of your infestation. Pest extermination typically involves spraying, setting traps or fumigating your home to kill existing pests and prevent them from returning. The average cost of basic pest extermination is $175. Preventive treatments are offered on a monthly or quarterly basis to repel pests and keep them away from your home. The cost of this type of pest control is usually based on the types of pests targeted and your home’s overall square footage.
Professional pest control services may cost more upfront than DIY products, but they’ll likely save you money in the long run. Many companies, such as Saela, offer pest control subscription services that include quarterly treatments for common household pests such as ants and roaches, in addition to rodents like rats and mice. They can also provide more specialized services, such as termite treatment, bed bug prevention and mosquito control.
Preventative Pest Control
Taking preventive measures to keep pests away is cheaper than dealing with the consequences of a full-blown infestation. For instance, a termite problem can lead to home damage, costing the homeowner thousands of dollars in repairs and property value loss. Pests can also carry diseases and aggravate allergies or asthma, making life miserable for people who are sensitive to them. Preventative pest control includes regular treatments to deter ants, mice, rats, roaches and other pests before they get out of hand.
Several factors influence pest control prices, including the size of the home, number of pests and level of infestation. A small infestation can be treated with baits, which is less costly than spraying insecticides. A large infestation may require extensive treatments on a set schedule, which will increase the total costs.
The location of the home, climate and number of potential entry points also impacts costs. For example, a warmer, humid region can support more pests and increase the need for more frequent treatments.
Preventative maintenance requires the homeowner to be vigilant, removing food, water and shelter for pests and closing off spaces where they can enter. This includes regularly cleaning and inspecting the property for places where pests like to breed or hide. For instance, a cluttered home or office can provide a perfect breeding ground for insects and rodents. Close off entryways by caulking cracks and crevices, sealing ductwork and using steel wool to cover openings around pipes.
Emergency Pest Control
From home remedies to over-the-counter sprays, many homeowners try their hand at do-it-yourself pest control. But while DIY options may seem cost effective, they often fail to address the underlying problem. And that’s the key to affordable pest control – addressing the issue before it gets out of hand.
For instance, if you’ve had your home treated for rodents but they come back, that is a sign of an infestation that needs to be addressed right away. This is why it’s important to choose a provider that offers emergency services. With a 24/7 phone line and live chat, Terminix is one such company that provides fast responses to customers.
Other factors that can affect pest control prices include the size of your home, the number of entry points and the level of infestation. For example, a severe infestation might require more treatments on a regular schedule, which can drive up your cost.
You should also check to see if your provider has a variety of plans that you can choose from. For example, some companies offer preventative or maintenance packages with a set number of visits throughout the year. This allows you to budget for the service and avoid a surprise bill when you need it most.
