How much does pest control cost?

One-time treatment: general pests: $100-$300. Mice/rats: $200-$500. Termites: $500-$3,000+. Bed bugs: $300-$3,000. Ongoing plans: monthly: $30-$50/month. Quarterly: $100-$300. Annual: $300-$600. Factors: type of pest, severity of infestation, home size, treatment method, and location. Termite treatment: liquid barrier: $500-$2,000. Bait system: $800-$3,000 + $300-$500/year. Is it worth it: for most pests, a quarterly plan ($400-$1,200/year) provides good prevention and early detection.

How do I get rid of termites?

Step 1: professional inspection ($75-$150, often free). Step 2: identify the type (subterranean vs drywood). Step 3: choose treatment: liquid barrier (Termidor, etc.): $500-$2,000. Applied around foundation. Creates a treated zone that kills termites on contact. Lasts 5+ years. Bait stations: $800-$3,000 installed + $300-$500/year monitoring. Stations placed around the home. Termites feed on bait and bring it back to the colony. Tent fumigation (drywood only): $1,000-$3,000+. Entire home is tented and fumigated. Step 4: annual monitoring and inspection. Prevention: reduce wood-to-soil contact. Fix moisture issues. Annual inspections. Remove wood debris near the home. Never DIY for termites. Professional treatment is necessary.

How do I get rid of bed bugs?

Professional treatment is strongly recommended. Heat treatment: $1,000-$3,000 per room. Raises room temperature to 120-140°F. Kills all life stages in one treatment. Most effective single-treatment option. Chemical treatment: $300-$1,500. Multiple treatments usually needed (2-3 visits). Less expensive but slower. DIY: extremely difficult and usually ineffective. Over-the-counter sprays rarely solve the problem. Bed bugs are resistant to many common pesticides. Steps while treating: wash all bedding and clothing in hot water. Vacuum thoroughly and seal vacuum bag. Encase mattress and box spring in bed bug-proof covers. Reduce clutter. Do not move items from infested room to other rooms.

Do I need regular pest control?

Benefits of regular pest control: prevents infestations before they start. Catches problems early (when treatment is cheaper). Creates a protective barrier around your home. Provides regular inspections for termites and other wood-destroying insects. Peace of mind. Who benefits most: homes in areas with high pest pressure (warm climates, wooded areas). Homes with previous pest issues. Older homes with more entry points. Homes near water or in humid areas. DIY alternative: seal entry points, maintain cleanliness, monitor for signs, treat small issues yourself. Call a professional if: DIY methods are not working. You have termites. You have bed bugs. The infestation is large or recurring.

Article

Home Improvement

Pest Control Guide: Common Pests, Cost & Prevention

Lumberama Editorial Team, Pest Control & Home Protection Specialists Nov 16, 2026 9 min read

Common Household Pests

Ants: Most common household pest. Types: carpenter ants (damage wood), fire ants (painful bites), pavement ants, odorous house ants. Prevention: seal entry points, clean up food, eliminate moisture. Treatment: bait stations (DIY: $5-$15), professional: $100-$300.

Cockroaches: German cockroaches (indoor, most common), American cockroaches (large, often in basements/sewers). Prevention: seal cracks, fix leaks, clean thoroughly, store food properly. Treatment: gel bait (DIY: $10-$30), professional: $100-$400. May require multiple treatments.

Mice and rats: Enter through gaps as small as 1/4 inch (mice) or 1/2 inch (rats). Signs: droppings, gnaw marks, scratching sounds, nesting material. Prevention: seal all entry points (steel wool + caulk), store food in sealed containers. Treatment: snap traps (DIY: $5-$15), professional: $200-$500+.

Termites: Cause $5 billion in property damage annually in the US. Types: subterranean (most common, most destructive), drywood, dampwood. Signs: mud tubes on foundation, hollow-sounding wood, discarded wings. Prevention: reduce wood-to-soil contact, fix moisture issues, annual inspections. Treatment: $500-$3,000+ (depending on type and extent).

Bed bugs: Hitchhike on luggage, furniture, clothing. Signs: bites (itchy welts in a line), blood spots on sheets, small dark spots (fecal matter). Treatment: heat treatment: $1,000-$3,000. Chemical treatment: $300-$1,500. Often requires 2-3 treatments.

Cost

One-time treatment: General pest (ants, spiders, roaches): $100-$300. Mice/rats: $200-$500. Termites: $500-$3,000+. Bed bugs: $300-$3,000. Wasps/hornets: $100-$400. Fleas/ticks: $150-$400. Wildlife removal (raccoon, squirrel): $200-$600.

Ongoing pest control plan: Monthly: $30-$50/month. Quarterly: $100-$300/quarter. Annual: $300-$600/year.

Termite treatment: Liquid barrier treatment: $500-$2,000. Bait station system: $800-$3,000 (installation) + $300-$500/year (monitoring). Tent fumigation (drywood): $1,000-$3,000+. Annual inspection: $75-$150 (often free with a treatment plan).

Prevention

Exterior: Seal cracks and gaps in foundation, siding, and around pipes/wires. Keep firewood at least 20 feet from the house. Trim trees and shrubs away from the house (1-2 feet clearance). Clean gutters regularly. Eliminate standing water. Keep yard debris cleared. Ensure proper drainage away from foundation.

Interior: Fix leaks promptly (pests need water). Store food in sealed containers. Clean up crumbs and spills immediately. Take out trash regularly. Reduce clutter (provides hiding spots). Seal gaps around pipes, outlets, and baseboards. Use door sweeps on exterior doors. Repair window screens.

Regular inspections: Annual termite inspection ($75-$150). Seasonal check of exterior entry points. Monitor for signs of pest activity.