Last updated: July 7, 2026 · Prices reviewed quarterly
An exterminator visit costs $100 to $600 one-time in 2026, with recurring plans at $40-$75 per monthly visit or $100-$150 quarterly. The pest determines the price: ants sit at the cheap end; bed bugs run $1,000-$4,000 and are not a DIY project.
Cost by pest
| Pest | Typical 2026 cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ants | $100 – $500 | Species matters — carpenter ants cost more |
| General one-time visit | $100 – $600 | National average visit: $114 – $160 |
| Rodents (mice/rats) | $150 – $600 | Plus exclusion: sealing entry points |
| Cockroaches | $150 – $700 | German roaches need follow-ups |
| Bed bugs | $1,000 – $4,000 | Heat treatment or multi-visit chemical |
| Termites | $263 – $2,500+ | Own guide: termite costs |
One-time vs. a plan
One-time visits fit single incursions: a wasp nest, a mouse, a spider situation. Recurring plans (initial $150-$300, then monthly $40-$75 or quarterly $100-$150) fit PRESSURE: ants every spring, roaches in multifamily, rodents in older homes. The honest test: if you called twice in a year, the plan was cheaper. If a company only sells plans and refuses one-time work, keep dialing.
The bed bug exception
Everything about bed bugs breaks the rules: over-the-counter sprays scatter them into walls, whole-structure heat treatments ($1,000-$4,000) kill all life stages in a day, and chemical alternatives need 2-4 visits over weeks. Preparation — laundering, bagging, decluttering — determines success as much as the treatment. Do not negotiate protocol; negotiate price between reputable companies.
Getting real value
Ask what is included: interior + exterior? Web sweeps? Rodent stations? Free re-service between visits? (Reputable quarterly plans include callbacks.) Exclusion beats poison for rodents — $300-$800 once to seal entry points outperforms years of bait. And require the applicator’s state license number on the contract.
Official resources & free help
- Safe pest control practices: EPA.gov/safepestcontrol
- Bed bugs (ID, prep, treatment): EPA.gov/bedbugs
- Pesticide questions & incidents: NPIC 1-800-858-7378
- Renters: habitability rules often put this on landlords — USA.gov/tenant-rights
FAQ
Why did the roach treatment need three visits?
German cockroach egg cases resist most treatments — follow-ups catch hatchlings. Multi-visit protocols are correct, not upselling.
Is quarterly service a scam if I see no bugs?
Seeing no bugs is the product. But with genuinely low pressure (newer home, dry climate), one-time-as-needed is defensible — run the two-calls test.
Pets and kids — safe?
Modern baits and targeted applications per label, by licensed pros, are designed for occupied homes. Get product labels and re-entry times in writing; NPIC answers safety questions free.
Prices on this page are researched estimates compiled from the cited sources; your local costs will vary with market, access and scope. Always get multiple written quotes from licensed professionals before hiring.