Exterminators offer many different types of pest control services to help prevent insects and rodents from invading your home. If certain pests are on your property, an exterminator can help you eliminate them through baiting, traps, spray treatments, heat treatments, and fumigation.

Some pest control professionals can also help prevent pests from entering your home again. For example, they might seal a hole in your roof and wall to keep pests out. Just be sure you understand whether these extra services will incur additional costs.

National average pest control costs range from $114-$160* per treatment. However, your total cost will likely exceed this amount if you require recurring service (which many homeowners do). 

Getting a price quote from local pros is important because many factors can impact how much you’ll pay. Some of the biggest factors include: 

• Recurring service: you’ll likely need more than a one-time application. Some homeowners may need monthly or quarterly service.

• Pest type: getting rid of ants is usually much cheaper than exterminating bed bugs (which costs $428* per treatment, on average).

• Infestation size: a large infestation with a lot of pest activity may require frequent visits, more extensive treatments, and more time to address.

• Additional services: an exterminator may offer to seal a hole that pests enter through. 

• Recurring service: you’ll likely need more than a one-time application. 

Be sure to get several written estimates that explain what’s included in the exterminators’ prices. Also, ask your pro how much a monthly or quarterly cost will be for recurring pest control services. 

*Please note that all pricing represents the national average cost of pest control services and is subject to change at any time. Request a quote from a local professional to receive a personalized cost estimate.

Follow these steps to find a reliable and reputable exterminator: 

1. Explore their experience. Find out how long the exterminator has been in business and ensure they have plenty of experience with your specific pest problem. You can usually verify this information online or by messaging them. 

2. Read customer reviews. Choose a professional who has mostly positive reviews that praise their quality of work. For example, look for reviews that mention the exterminator’s punctuality, efficiency, or speed when applying the treatment. Try to find reviews that mention whether the pros’ pricing is fair and whether they provide prevention solutions to help avoid costly treatments in the future. 

3. Verify their license. A pest control service should have a license and proper certification in your state. For example, check if your state requires pros to have pesticide applicator licenses.

4. Get several quotes. Get a written estimate from at least three exterminators to help ensure you’re paying a fair price.

Generally, pest control treatments are not a threat to children and pets. However, you should keep them away from recently treated areas for 1-4 hours. The exterminator should explain how long the pesticide needs to dry.

Hiring a licensed professional for this task can help ensure you’re not applying too much pesticide or using a high concentration that can be dangerous to your household.

Some people schedule pest control treatments every month or quarter. According to our pros, pest control products typically have a degradation period of 30-90 days. The number of treatments you need ultimately depends on the pest problem. If pests tend to visit your property frequently or if you recently had a large infestation, you may require several more treatments. 

Ask your exterminator to recommend a prevention plan for your home.

Consider hiring a pest control service if you notice any of the following signs: 

• Bugs inside your home

• Droppings inside your home

• Damaged wood and holes 

• Weird smells (like musty odors)

• Scratching or buzzing sounds

• Dark patches, stains, and rub marks on the walls

• Damage to your property (roof, walls, flooring, windows, etc.)

For more tips, visit our guide that lists out 7 signs that pests are hiding in your home.

Many pest control companies offer eco-friendly treatments, which are also often mainstream products. 

They might also prioritize non-harmful techniques to remove pests, such as using a trap to capture and relocate animals like raccoons or squirrels inside your attic. 

Ask your professional about their eco-friendly pest control services.

A pest control treatment usually takes 30 minutes to 4 hours, according to our pros. However, if you have a severe infestation, the exterminator may need to visit your home a few times to eliminate the pest. Check with your pro to find out how long it will take to remove your pest and apply preventative

Always ask these questions before you hire an exterminator:

• Do you have a pesticide applicator license in this state? 

• Do you have experience with my pest problem?

• How long have you been in business?

• How much do you charge for pest control services?

• Can you please describe the different treatments (and how much they cost)?

• Do you also offer additional services, like sealing the pest's entry point?

• How long will it take to apply the pest control treatment?

• Does my pest problem require frequent treatments? How often will service occur? 

Before the exterminator arrives, clear the area and make it easy for them to do their job. For example, obstructions should be removed from pathways, and no unnecessary items should crowd the work site. Ensure the pro can easily access the room or space that contains the pest infestation.