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Pest Control
Pest control runs from $35 quarterly contracts to $5,000+ termite treatments. Know what each service costs, when DIY works, and how to choose a company that won't lock you into bad contracts.
The pest control industry is heavily contract-based. Understanding what's in your service plan — and what's an upsell — keeps recurring costs reasonable and effective.
Regional cost comparison
Figures are widely cited industry averages compiled from contractor surveys, trade publications, and consumer-reporting databases. Your real quote will vary by home size, materials, accessibility, permits, and local labor rates.
| Service | Northeast | South | Midwest | West | National avg |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Quarterly general pest contract | $140–$220 | $110–$180 | $120–$190 | $140–$230 | $120–$200 |
| Termite inspection (real estate) | $120–$280 | $95–$200 | $100–$220 | $130–$300 | $100–$250 |
| Termite treatment (full home, liquid) | $1,800–$3,800 | $1,400–$3,000 | $1,500–$3,200 | $1,900–$4,000 | $1,500–$3,500 |
| Bed bug heat treatment (whole home) | $1,800–$4,500 | $1,400–$3,500 | $1,500–$3,800 | $1,900–$4,800 | $1,500–$4,000 |
| Rodent exclusion (full home) | $650–$1,800 | $500–$1,400 | $550–$1,500 | $650–$1,900 | $550–$1,700 |
When to hire a pro
- Termite inspections and treatment (always)
- Rodent exclusion and structural sealing
- Bed bug infestations (DIY almost always fails)
- Wasp nests above eye level or in walls
- Carpenter ant colonies inside the structure
When DIY is OK
- Sealing entry points with steel wool and caulk
- Setting and monitoring snap traps for mice
- Treating individual ant trails with bait stations
- Routine spider and silverfish management
Pest Control guides
Termite Treatment Cost Guide: Liquid, Bait, and Fumigation
What each treatment method costs, how they actually work, and why the cheapest option usually isn't.
Read guideAre Quarterly Pest Control Contracts Worth It?
The honest math on $35-a-month plans, what's actually included, and where DIY beats them.
Read guideBed Bug Treatment: Why DIY Almost Always Fails
Heat vs. chemical treatment, prep work required, and realistic timelines.
Coming soonMouse and Rat Removal: Trapping, Exclusion, and Sanitation
Why traps alone never solve the problem — and how exclusion does.
Coming soonCarpenter Ants vs. Termites: How to Tell the Difference
Visual ID, damage patterns, and why both need professional treatment.
Coming soonMosquito Yard Treatment: Does It Actually Work?
Barrier sprays, larvicide programs, and what the science says.
Coming soonWildlife Removal: Raccoons, Squirrels, Bats, and Skunks
Trapping, exclusion, and the legal restrictions that vary by state.
Coming soonWasp and Hornet Nest Removal: Costs and Safety
When DIY is fine, when it's dangerous, and what pros charge.
Coming soonPest Control Warranties: What's Actually Covered
Termite damage repair coverage, annual renewal fees, and the gotchas.
Coming soonHow to Choose a Pest Control Company
Licensing, certifications, contract terms, and the red flags.
Coming soon