How much does it cost to exterminate roaches?

On average, the cost to exterminate cockroaches is $134. However, here’s how much pest control companies charge, in general.

Average pest control costs:

Exterminating pests like ants, spiders, ticks and mosquitos all cost less than getting rid of cockroaches. But exterminating pests like bees, fleas, rodents and bed bugs cost more.

A pest control company will likely set their prices based on several factors, including:

The size of your home 

The larger your home, the more space for an infestation to spread. Because cockroaches breed rapidly, they can easily spread through large sections of a house. A pro will determine the potential scope of the problem during the inspection by searching every crevice that could harbor bug populations.

Type of cockroach

Different types of cockroach control and treatment may be required for different types of cockroaches. 

The German cockroach, or brown-banded cockroach, tends to infest bathrooms and kitchens. German cockroaches are also the most common cockroach species in the world. American cockroaches are larger and tend to be found in sewers and basements. And Oriental cockroaches are usually found in drains, crawlspaces and basements.

Location of cockroach infestation

Warmer, moist areas tend to attract cockroaches. This means an exterminator may have to access hard-to-reach areas under floorboards, behind stoves and sinks, and under refrigerators to bait, trap and kill the insects. They may also have to remove flooring or wall spaces in bathrooms, attics and roofs.

Scope of damage

Pest control companies will charge more to kill extensive pest infestations. Because cockroaches also damage clothing, furniture, fabric and other materials, a pest control professional may determine the extent of your pest problem by viewing damages throughout the home. And preventing future pest problems may require additional follow-up visits and treatments.

Tools needed

A professional exterminator will use different tools, equipment, baits, insecticides or more to trap and kill all sorts of pests.

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The following are indicators that you may have a cockroach infestation in your home.

1. Droppings. Cockroach droppings can look like flakes, pepper, dark grains of rice or pellets. They are usually black or brown in color.
2. Skin shedding. As cockroaches mature, they shed their nymphal skins. These skins are light brown, translucent and flaky. 
3. Brown smears. Wherever cockroaches are active, they tend to leave brown smear marks across walls and floors. 
4. Egg capsules. When a cockroach breeds, it lays eggs in an egg case. Some roaches may drop the egg case, while some will carry it.
5. A musty smell. Wherever cockroaches live, they leave behind pheromone-rich feces that attract other cockroaches. Humans pick up this pheromone as a sickly musty smell.

To eliminate cockroach populations in your home, pest control professionals may use a variety cockroach control methods, tools and insecticides. Among these methods are:

• Gel baits. A gel bait contains an insecticide in a syringe, which allows the pro to apply dabs of it all over the home. Roaches will slip through a crack or crevice, eat the bait and die. This bait is often able to take out multiple cockroach generations at once.
• Boric acid. Boric acid is usually applied as a powder, which pests crawl over and then ingest when preening themselves.
• Indoxacarb. This insecticide is useful for cockroach control and is often included in gel baits.
• Tent fumigation. Tent fumigation is not always recommended treatment, as cockroaches can easily avoid the fumes. But, it can quickly kill a lot of pests.

When you're chatting with pest control pros, ask them what type of insecticide (e.g boric acid) they would consider using to fix your pest problem.

There are pros and cons to both DIY pest control and hiring a professional. When debating over which route you should take, consider the following.

DIY:

• Pros
  • Lower initial investment than hiring an exterminator.
  • You can treat the infection immediately instead of having to schedule an appointment.
  • It can be an effective way to kill small pest problems.
• Cons
  • Unable to treat large-scale infestations.
  • Other colonies may exist in your home, transmitting bacteria without you knowing it.
  • You don’t have the experience to understand roach behavior.
  • You’ll have to clean them up after killing them.

Hiring an exterminator:

• Pros
  • Pros understand the chemicals and can choose the right method for the job.
  • They are experienced and can spot other pest problems.
  • They will come back regularly to inspect their work and prevent more infestations.
• Cons
  • Professionals bring higher upfront costs. 

In short, if you have a small pest infestation, you can probably try a DIY cockroach control method first. Buy some cockroach control products. Set some glue traps. Lay out a few bait stations. Or, try a few bug bombs or a natural remedy.

If any of those methods end up killing the pests, great. If not, contact a pest control company near you.

After an exterminator treats your home for cockroaches, take steps to prevent a future infestation — and save you money on pest control costs down the line. For example:

• Keep your house clean. Cockroaches thrive in dirty houses. Keep all areas sanitary, particularly your kitchen and bathroom. Vacuum regularly, and clean up spills.
• Store food in sealed containers. Don’t leave open bowls of food out overnight — this is a feasting ground for roaches. Keep items sealed up.
• Take out the trash. Don’t leave trash sitting around. Keep it in a tightly sealed can and remove it when the bag is full.
• Plug the holes. Cockroaches can’t get into your home without entry points. Caulk small openings, and cover larger openings with a screen or spray foam.
• Remove hiding spots. These pests like to hide under cardboard and other flat surfaces. Pick these up off the floor to prevent giving them shelter.

If you start seeing signs of cockroaches or pick up multiple insects on an adhesive-based trap, it’s time to contact the pest control company again. A recurring problem means you probably need regular maintenance and preventative treatments.

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Start your search for an exterminator with an online search so you can see and compare the top-rated professionals in your area. Read through the customer reviews, ratings and even uploaded before and after photos of the pros’ work. These are extremely valuable in helping you make a shortlist of potential hires.

Next, make sure everyone on your list has the proper license to apply insecticide. Your state may require that pest control applicators to have a license.

Finally, contact the best roach exterminators near you and ask if they provide free estimates and site visits. Ask what type of methods they use to make your house roach-free. And make your decision based on your research and their cost estimates.

For more tips on how to hire an exterminator, visit Thumbtack’s Smart Hiring guide.

Follow these tips so that you’re ready when the roach exterminator arrives:

• Put all food away and seal open containers.
• Take careful note of where you’ve noticed all insect activity.
• Thoroughly clean the floor and carpets.
• Protect pets of all types — fish, birds, and reptiles included.
• Slide furniture away from walls.
• Remove baby or pet items from areas that will encounter chemicals.

The section will answer common questions about cockroach removal and extermination.

How long does it take an exterminator to get rid of roaches?

Getting rid of roaches generally takes about two weeks. Another treatment may be required if this does not fix the problem. But, ultimately, the time it takes to eliminate roaches depends on the severity of the problem, and the steps you’ve taken to prevent roaches from coming back.

What will repel cockroaches?

Some say essential oils, as well as diluted vinegar, are cockroach repellants. However, this will not kill them. The best prevention is a clean house.

How do you get rid of roaches permanently?

The best way to get rid of roaches permanently is by hiring an exterminator and keeping your house clean and maintained.

How do you get cockroaches in your house?

Cockroaches enter your house either by traveling in on pets, in suitcases or in other objects. They may also find a way in through holes and cracks in the building or openings by the windows and doors. They then feed on available food and water sources, and live in hidden places.

Will keeping lights on keep roaches away?

Keeping the lights on may keep cockroaches in hiding, but they will continue to multiply. Seeing a cockroach out during the day is a potential sign of a bad infestation.

Is one roach a sign of infestation?

Usually, seeing one bug is a sign that there are many more. However, it’s best to hire an exterminator to figure this out for sure.