You’ve discovered an ant infestation in your home and want to get rid of it as quickly and efficiently as possible. Hiring an exterminator is often the best way to eliminate an ant problem, but how much will professional ant extermination and control services cost? The cost of ant extermination can vary significantly based on the severity of the infestation, the size of your home, the types of treatments needed, and where you live. Let’s look at some of the various factors to consider.
How Much Does an Exterminator Typically Charge for Ant Treatment?
Exterminators typically charge between $50 to $200 for ant treatment, depending on the specifics of an infestation and control methods used.
Treatment Options and Associated Costs
There are several options for eliminating an ant infestation:
Bait Gel or Granules
These poisonous baits that worker ants carry back to the colony typically cost $50 to $150 per treatment. Multiple treatments are often needed for complete eradication.
Spray Insecticide
An exterminator will spray insecticide around the entry points and trails of the ants which usually costs $75 to $200 per treatment. For severe infestations, interior spraying of baseboards and cracks/crevices may also be required at a higher cost. Periodic re-treatments are common to fully eliminate an infestation.
Fumigation
Tenting and fumigating an entire home with gas to eliminate all ants cost $500 to $2,000 or more, depending on the size of the structure. This is usually only recommended in cases of massive infestations where other methods have failed.
Natural or “Green” Treatments
Using diatomaceous earth or natural essential oils and sprays costs $100 to $250. Multiple treatments are typically required and may have limited efficacy for large colonies.
Factors That Affect the Cost of Ant Extermination
The cost of professional ant extermination can vary depending on several factors.
Type of Ant
- The specific species of ant invading your property affects the difficulty and method of elimination, which impacts price. Common house ants are typically the least expensive to eliminate, while more aggressive species like fire ants or carpenter ants often require intensive treatments and higher costs.
Infestation Severity
- The size and duration of an ant infestation directly correlates to the time and resources required to eliminate it. Minor infestations confined to a small area may only necessitate spot treatments of insecticide, while widespread severe infestations can require fumigation of the entire structure. Multiple follow-up visits and treatments may also be needed for long-term infestations, increasing total fees.
Property Size
- Larger properties require more insecticide and time to treat thoroughly, so exterminators will usually charge more for bigger homes, commercial buildings, or extensive outdoor areas. Fees are often calculated on a square footage basis.
Treatment Method
- The techniques and products used to eliminate an ant infestation affect cost. Non-toxic, natural treatments utilizing baits and boric acid tend to be more affordable than synthetic pesticides. Fumigation of an entire structure is typically the most expensive option.
Exterminator Rates
- Pest control companies charge varying rates in different areas and markets. Get multiple quotes from local exterminators to determine the average rate in your region. Reputable companies with extensive experience eliminating ants may charge slightly higher fees but are often worth the investment.
How Much Does It Cost for an Exterminator to Spray for Carpenter Ants?
Inspection and Assessment
- The first step is for the exterminator to thoroughly inspect your home to locate the carpenter’s ant nest(s) and assess the extent of the infestation. They will search in areas where carpenter ants commonly build their nests, such as in wall voids, the attic, basement, garage, porch, deck, and yard. The initial inspection typically costs between $50 to $200. The exterminator will then provide you with an estimate for the full treatment needed to eliminate the carpenter ant colony.
Treatment Methods
- The two most common methods for carpenter ant control are liquid insecticide sprays and baits. Spray treatments involve applying a liquid residual insecticide to the areas where carpenter ants are active and nesting. Baits contain slow-acting poisons that worker ants carry back to the colony. The exterminator will determine the best approach based on the location and size of the nest. Multiple visits are often required to achieve full control. The total cost will depend on the method used and several treatments needed, averaging $200 to $500 for most homes.
Follow-Up Service
- To prevent carpenter ants from returning, the exterminator will also provide recommendations for pest-proofing your home by caulking or sealing any cracks or holes in foundations, siding, roofs, and entry points. They may charge an additional fee for follow-up inspections and treatments to ensure the infestation has been eliminated. Yearly maintenance service contracts are also available for monitoring and controlling carpenter ants.
How Much Does It Cost for an Exterminator to Spray for Biting Ants Like Fire Ants?
When an infestation of biting ants like fire ants becomes severe, it may be necessary to hire an exterminator to eliminate the colony and spray your property. The cost for an exterminator to spray for biting ants can range from $50 to $200 per visit, depending on the specifics of your situation.
Treatment Area
- The size of the area needing treatment is one of the biggest factors determining the total cost. A single mound treatment may be $50 to $75 while spraying an entire yard could be $150 to $200 or more. Exterminators charge by the square foot, so larger properties will cost significantly more to treat than smaller areas.
Product Used
- The types of pesticides and chemicals used also affect the price. Natural or organic products tend to cost slightly more than synthetic pesticides. The more powerful the product, the higher the cost. Products that provide residual control and longer-lasting protection from re-infestation will be on the higher end of the price range.
Infestation Severity
- A heavy infestation with multiple large mounds and hills will cost more to eliminate than a minor infestation with only a few small mounds. Exterminators may need to make multiple visits to fully eradicate a severe infestation, which also increases the total cost.
Additional Services
- Some companies offer additional services beyond just spraying for the ants, such as bait treatments, granule applications, and barrier sprays. Bait treatments, where poison bait is used to eliminate the entire colony, tend to be the most effective method but also typically the most expensive. Installation of an ant bait or spray barrier around the foundation of your home provides residual protection and control, which also adds to the total cost.
How Much Does An Exterminator Cost For Ants
Hiring an exterminator is often the most effective solution if you find yourself with an ant infestation. While the costs can vary, you can expect to pay between $50 to $200 per visit, depending on the severity of the infestation and treatment required. For the best results, get bids from a few reputable exterminators in your area, check their credentials and experience, and go with the company you feel most confident in to eliminate the colony and prevent the ants from returning. Though it may require an initial investment, professional pest control can give you peace of mind and help you regain control of your home. With the proper treatment, you’ll be ant-free in no time and able to get back to enjoying your space.
