How Much Does Pest Control Cost in 2023? - MarketWatch

Average pest control cost

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 visit if that's how you prefer to pay. 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.

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, typically paid monthly or quarterly.

Note that your initial visit and treatment are typically more expensive than ongoing visits. Depending on your selected provider and services, this initial treatment can range from $99 to $350.

Cost of DIY pest control

The cost of do-it-yourself (DIY) pest control varies greatly depending on the pest. 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 the severity of the problem prices many pest control services, paying more, in the long run, is possible if you try first to 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 alone.

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