How Much Does Pest Control Cost?
Learn How Much You Should Pay To Get Rid Of Pests
We all want to save money these days. However, hiring professional pest control services is no exception. So how much will you have to spend to get rid of pests? In Australia, the average cost for pest control is between $120 – $300 for a standard treatment on a small residential home.
Dealing with pests in your home can be frustrating, expensive, and downright gross. From cockroaches skittering across your kitchen floor to mice chewing holes in your walls, they can make living at home unbearable.
But how much will it cost to get rid of them? The price depends on several factors, including the pest species, size of your home, and how severe the infestation is. Keep reading to learn what to expect to pay for effective pest control solutions.
Average Pest Control Cost
Here are some general estimates of how much you can expect to pay for pest control in Australia:
- General pest control: $120-$300 for a one-off treatment of a small house or apartment.
- Termite control: $500-$1,500 for a one-off treatment of a small house or apartment.
- Termite Inspections: $150 – $350 – Standard inspections include internal and external areas of the property.
- Flea and tick control: $150-$275 for a one-off treatment of a small house or apartment.
- End-of-lease pest control: $200-$350 for a one-off treatment of a small house or apartment.
On average, you can expect to pay the following for a standard pest control treatment at a residential property:
| 1 bedroom unit or apartment | $100 – $200 |
| 2-3 bedroom house | $120 – $300 |
| 4+ bedroom house | $140 – $350 |
| Commercial property (small office, shop, restaurant) | $20000 – $800 |
These pest control prices assume a minor infestation of common pests like spiders, ants, or cockroaches. More severe infestations or difficult to treat pests like termites or rodents will cost more.
What’s Included in Pest Control Services
A standard treatment from a pest control company will include:
- Inspection and identification of pest issues
- Application of pesticides and insecticides
- Setting bait traps or insect monitors
- Sealing cracks and crevices they use to enter the home
- Post-treatment inspection and follow up
Ongoing maintenance services are also available, which provide regular treatments to prevent future infestations. This is highly recommended for difficult to control pests.
Common Household Pests and Removal Costs
Cockroaches
One of the most hated is the cockroach. Getting rid of roaches typically costs $200-300 for an initial treatment.
Ants
Ant treatments range from $100 for small infestations to $300 for carpenter ants that nest in your home’s structure.
Spiders
Cobwebs filling up your corners? Spider treatments cost $150-200 on average.
Rodents
Mice and rats can be tricky to eliminate. Expect to pay $300-500 for rodent treatments.
Silverfish
These creepy crawlies love dark, damp areas. Killing them off starts around $200 per treatment.
Termites
As major structural pests, termite infestations can cause structural damage and are expensive to treat. You’ll pay $1000+ for termite treatments and termite barriers to effectively eliminate and prevent them.
Factors that Influence Prices
Several things impact the overall price of pest control:
Types of Pest
As you saw above, termites are more difficult and expensive to treat than say, ants. The common type and extent of the infestation raises costs.
Size of Property
Larger homes require more pesticide to treat. Commercial spaces tend to be the most expensive to treat on a per square metre basis.
Level of Infestation
Severe pest infestations take longer to treat and require more visits from the exterminator. Light infestations cost less.
Type of Treatment
Heat treatments or fumigation for termites costs more than spraying insecticides for ants. Eco-friendly options are also typically more expensive.
Regularity of Service
Ongoing quarterly or monthly treatments cost less per visit compared to one-time treatments.
DIY Pest Control
Want to skip the exterminator and handle things yourself? Here’s what you need to know about DIY:
DIY Treatment Methods
- Pesticide sprays
- Insect growth regulator products
- Bait traps and poison
- Insect monitors
- Repellents
- Sealing cracks and crevices
Pros: Cheaper, customised solutions, avoid chemicals
Cons: Require more effort, less effective, safety risks
DIY Rates
You can expect to spend:
- Cockroach baits – $10-20
- Ant killer sprays – $10-15
- Spider repellents – $5-15
- Mice traps and poison – $15-40
- Insect growth regulators – $15-30
While cheaper up front, DIY methods may require multiple applications or products to work.
DIY vs Professional Pest Control
Pest control experts can offer:
- Effective treatment options
- Ability to reach pests in hard to access areas
- Knowledge to identify pests and nests
- Industry strength pesticides
- Ongoing prevention and maintenance
But at a higher cost than DIY options. Consider pros, cons and costs for your specific situation.
How to Choose a Pest Controller
When hiring a professional service provider, look for:
- Licensed and insured services
- Specialise in treating your pest trouble
- Offer guaranteed results and warranty
- Positive customer reviews
- Environmentally friendly options
Get at least 3 quotes to compare costs. And be sure to confirm exactly what is included so there are no surprises. Reputable companies should offer free on-site inspections to assess your situation and provide accurate quotes. And be sure to thoroughly clean and prep your home according to their instructions for best results.
FAQs
What is the cheapest way to get rid of pests?
The cheapest pest control option is to purchase DIY treatment products and apply them yourself. But DIY solutions require more effort and may not be as effective as professional services.
Will insurance cover pest treatment?
Most standard home insurance policies do not cover routine treatments. But if pests cause direct damage to your home, your policy may provide reimbursement for treatments.
Are yearly pest control contracts worth it?
Yearly service agreements can be cost-effective if you have frequent infestations. They provide ongoing prevention and quick treatment of issues before they escalate.
When is the best time to get my property treated for pests?
It’s best to get pest control in early spring to nip any problems in the bud before they increase rapidly in warm weather. Fall is also key to prevent pests from entering your home during winter.
Summary
Dealing with dangerous pests can get expensive, especially for large infestations. But in most cases, pest control professionals will set you back around $120 – $300 for common house pests like spiders, roaches, ants, and mice. Expect to pay higher prices, often costing $1000+ for difficult to treat like termites or mice infestations. And don’t forget to consider environmentally friendly treatment options when hiring a pest management company.
Consider DIY options for minor issues to save money. But pros provide more effective, ongoing protection when you need it.
What destructive pests plague your home? Let us know if this overview helped explain the cost of pest control!
