Pest Control Cost by Pest Type

Pest control costs $100 to $250 for a typical one-time visit, averaging around $175, but that single number hides how much pest type actually matters. A minor ant or spider problem might run $100; a serious bed bug or termite infestation can run into the thousands. Home size barely factors in, what pest you have, how long it's been established, and whether you go with a national brand or a local exterminator drive the price far more. The chart below is the fastest way to find where your situation lands.

A general pest control visit (single treatment, common household pests) averages $100 to $250, around $175 typically. Whole-home fumigation for a serious infestation can run $2,000 to $8,000.

Why Termites and Bed Bugs Cost So Much More

Two things drive up cost for these two pests specifically: repeat visits and treatment intensity.

Termites often require soil treatment around the entire foundation, sometimes tenting or fumigation for severe infestations, and follow-up inspections to confirm the colony is gone. Basic chemical treatments can be a few hundred dollars; whole-structure fumigation for serious damage can reach $3,000 or more.

Bed bugs are notoriously hard to fully eliminate in one visit because eggs survive treatments that kill adults. Chemical treatments run $150 to $1,000; heat treatment, more effective but pricier, runs $1,200 to $4,000+ depending on room count.

National Brands: Terminix vs. Orkin

If you've researched pest control at all, you've seen these two names. Both are legitimate, long-established companies (Terminix since 1927, Orkin since 1901), and both price above a typical independent local exterminator for ongoing plans.

The gap reflects service model, not just brand markup, Orkin advertises same- or next-day service in many markets, and both companies include free follow-up treatments between scheduled visits if pests return. An independent local exterminator doing comparable general pest control typically prices below either national brand's annual plan, similar to how a franchise bathroom remodeler prices above an independent contractor for comparable work.

One-Time Visit vs. Ongoing Plan

One-time visit makes sense for an isolated, minor problem, a few ants, a single wasp nest, an occasional spider. You pay per visit and you're done.

Ongoing plan (quarterly or monthly) makes more sense when:

Ongoing plans typically run $30 to $70 per month or $350 to $900 per year, and usually work out cheaper than paying for repeat one-time visits if you're having recurring issues.

What Affects the Cost

Pest type. The single biggest factor, as the chart above shows.

Infestation severity. A pest problem caught early costs less than one that's had months to spread and establish.

Treatment method. Basic bait and trap stations run $300 to $700. Chemical sprays run $200 to $1,000 per room. Heat treatment and fumigation are the most expensive options, reserved for the toughest infestations.

Home size and accessibility. Larger homes and harder-to-access areas (crawl spaces, attics) mean more product and labor time.

One-time vs. ongoing. As covered above.

Getting an Accurate Quote

Have ready: which pest you're dealing with, roughly how long you've noticed it, whether it's isolated to one area or spread through the home, and whether you want a one-time treatment or ongoing coverage.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does pest control cost?

A general visit averages $100 to $250, around $175. Cost varies significantly by pest type, from around $100 for minor ant or spider issues up to $5,000 for a serious bed bug infestation.

How much does termite treatment cost?

$200 to $3,000 depending on method and severity, with basic chemical barrier treatments at the lower end and whole-structure fumigation at the higher end.

How much does an exterminator cost for bed bugs?

Chemical treatment runs $150 to $1,000; heat treatment, which is more effective, runs $1,200 to $4,000 or more depending on room count.

How much does Terminix cost? How much does Orkin cost?

Terminix's annual general pest control plan averages around $650; Orkin's averages around $800. Both price above a typical independent local exterminator.

How much does it cost to get rid of mice?

$150 to $600 for rodent control, depending on infestation size and how much exclusion work (sealing entry points) is needed.

Is a pest control subscription worth it over one-time visits?

If you have recurring issues or live somewhere with year-round pest pressure, yes, ongoing plans ($30-$70/month) typically cost less than repeated one-time visits over a year.

Bottom Line

Pest control cost comes down to which pest you're dealing with more than anything else. Minor pests like ants and spiders run under $300; termites and bed bugs can reach thousands. Identify the pest and its severity first, that's what actually determines your price, not your home's square footage.

Related reading

National averages are useful for planning. Verify pricing against a quote for your home before treating any range as final.