Having a roach infestation in your home can be a stressful and unpleasant experience. Cockroaches carry diseases, contaminate food, and can be difficult to fully eradicate. Calling a professional exterminator is often the best solution for getting rid of roaches, but how much will it cost? The price to hire an exterminator for roaches depends on several factors.
What Causes Roach Infestations
Before examining exterminator costs, it helps to understand what allows cockroaches to infest a home in the first place. Here are some of the most common reasons roaches may invade your house:
- Access to food and water – Roaches are attracted to any available food sources, especially leftovers, uncleaned dishes, pet food, garbage, etc. They only need tiny amounts of sustenance to survive.
- Cracks and crevices – Roaches can flatten their bodies to fit into incredibly small spaces. Any cracks along baseboards, under appliances, or between cabinets can become an entryway.
- Moisture – Roaches thrive in damp areas like leaky pipes, wet basements, humid climates, etc.
- Clutter – Piles of stuff give roaches plenty of hiding spots. Cardboard boxes and paper items are especially attractive to them.
- Warm temperatures – Roaches prefer temperatures between 75-95° F. Heat sources like appliances or heating vents can draw them in.
Controlling these conditions is key to preventing and eliminating roach populations. An exterminator can target infestations at their source while also using professional-grade insecticides inaccessible to homeowners.
Factors That Influence Exterminator Costs
Hiring a pest control professional to manage a roach problem typically costs $200 to $600 on average. However, many elements impact your final bill:
Type of Roach
There are over 4,500 species of cockroaches, but only around 30 of those are considered pests. The most common roach varieties found within homes are:
- German – The most prevalent species in US households. About 1-1.5 inches long.
- American – Larger in size around 1.5 inches. Reddish brown color.
- Oriental – Up to 1 inch long. Often found in moist areas.
- Brown-Banded – Distinctive light bands across wings and abdomen.
- Australian – Average 1 inch long size with distinct yellow markings.
Some species like German roaches are easier and less expensive to exterminate than others. More resilient or larger roaches may require more intensive treatment.
Size of Infestation
A minor roach problem with a limited number of insects will cost much less to treat than a major infestation spread throughout an entire home. The severity and scale of the infestation directly impacts how much time, staff, and products the exterminator will need. A widespread roach issue could require fumigation which is more labor-intensive and expensive.
Type of Treatment Method
Exterminators have a variety of treatment options depending on the roach species and infestation extent:
- Sprays – Application of liquid insecticide concentrates in cracks, crevices, and roach hideouts. More affordable but shorter-lasting results.
- Dusts – Water-resistant powders made from boric acid, silica gels, or diatomaceous earth that kill roaches through contact. Also affordable and may require multiple applications.
- Baits – Chemical or insecticide-laced bait that roaches eat and bring back to their nests. Very effective for major infestations.
- Traps – Adhesive traps or roach bait stations. Useful for monitoring and access prevention.
- Fumigation – Whole building treatment with a gaseous insecticide. For severe widespread infestations only. More expensive.
Location of Property
Hiring an exterminator in an area with a high cost of living will be more expensive than a low cost of living area based on overhead costs and wages. Urban and suburban regions also frequently see higher rates.
Size of Property
Larger homes with more rooms and square footage will logically cost more for an exterminator to treat than smaller spaces. Most companies charge per room or unit. Areas like attics and basements may incur added fees too.
Accessibility of Infested Areas
If the roach infestation is situated in easy to access spots like cabinets and open floor plans, an exterminator can treat them faster and cheaper. But confined places like wall voids, attics, and crawlspaces make treatment tougher and can increase costs. Fumigation may be required.
Service Frequency/Contract
You can either pay an exterminator for one-time treatment or an ongoing service contract. One-off services cost less upfront but may not fully eliminate the roaches. Contracts spread out costs over several planned visits and help ensure roaches don’t return.
Company Reputation and Experience
The specific pest control company you hire also influences price. Well-established exterminators with extensive roach experience, licenses, good reviews, and reputation for results will charge higher rates. Newer or part-time companies may offer discounts.
Average Costs of Common Exterminator Services
To give you a better idea of typical professional exterminator pricing, here are some average costs for common roach treatments:
- Initial inspection: $50-$100
- Single room treatment: $150-$300
- Two-three bedroom home: $300-$600
- Entire average sized home: $500-$800
- Severe infestation, whole home: $800-$2,500+
- Fumigation tenting house: $2,000-$5,000
- Monthly or quarterly contract: $30-$80 per visit
Keep in mind these are approximations only, and your specific situation can vary based on the factors outlined above. Get an itemized estimate from reputable companies before agreeing to any services.
Professional Extermination Process and What to Expect
The exterminator will follow a strategic process to eliminate your roaches. Here are the typical steps:
Inspection and Assessment
An inspection locates where roaches are active, types of roaches, and investigates why they are present. This informs the treatment plan.
Preparation of Treatment Areas
The exterminator will have you clean areas and remove objects obstructing access to infested crevices and spaces.
Targeted Applications of Insecticides
Based on inspection findings, the exterminator applies precise insecticide sprays, dusts, or baits in infested areas and roach hiding spots.
Follow-Up Appointments
For ongoing contracts or severe cases, exterminators schedule follow-up visits every few weeks to reapply treatments and ensure roaches are gone.
Sanitation and Prevention Recommendations
Your exterminator should provide sanitation tips to help restrict roach access to food, water, and entryways in your home.
With this process, a professional can eliminate roaches where over-the-counter products may fail. Allow the exterminator access to all areas of your home during service visits. Completely removing roaches often takes repeated applications and patience over weeks or months.
DIY Roach Extermination vs Professional Services
Some homeowners try tackling roach problems themselves through hardware store sprays, foggers, and traps. However, there are several benefits to hiring a professional exterminator instead:
- Stronger and more effective products – Exterminators have access to concentrated professional-grade insecticides you can’t buy in stores.
- Precision application – Years of experience allow exterminators to expertly apply targeted treatments to kill roaches fast. DIY is often scattershot.
- Inspection expertise – Exterminators can pinpoint exactly where roaches are hiding and how they enter the home based on expert inspection knowledge.
- Cost savings – Improper DIY treatments mean roaches inevitably return. Exterminators give long-lasting results saving you money on rebuying supplies.
- Health risks – Insecticide misuse carries risks. Licensed professionals are trained to use chemicals safely in your home.
- Guarantees – Most exterminators provide warranties and will retreat if roaches return within a set timeframe. DIY has no guarantees.
So while calling an exterminator does cost money upfront, in the long-run it’s the faster and more reliable investment compared to attempting do-it-yourself roach removal.
Questions to Ask Your Exterminator Before Booking
To choose the best exterminator for your roach problem and understand all the costs involved, ask these questions during your research:
- Are you licensed in my state/city?
- What methods and products do you use for roach extermination?
- Do you offer any roach treatment guarantees?
- What specific roach species have you encountered?
- How long have you been in business and how much roach treatment experience do you have?
- Who will be the specific technician servicing my home? Are they trained and certified?
- What will the entire process be from start to finish?
- Do you provide a detailed inspection report and recommended plan?
- What can I do to prepare my home before your visit?
- Do you offer discounts for seniors, veterans, long-time customers, etc.?
- What is the total cost estimate for my specific roach issue?
Reputable exterminators should readily provide licenses, training credentials, specific cost quotes, service details, and answers to any of your questions without hesitation.
8 Tips to Prevent Roaches After Professional Treatment
To maximize your investment in professional extermination, follow these tips to help prevent future roach issues after treatment:
- Seal cracks and crevices where roaches enter with caulk.
- Store all food in sealed containers and regularly clean cabinets.
- Fix any water leaks and humidity issues.
- Remove clutter and cardboard from floors and storage areas.
- Vacuum and sweep floors regularly.
- Take out trash and recycling daily.
- Limit pets’ food access to one designated spot.
- Inspect packages and bags before bringing them inside.
Continuing diligent household hygiene and roach-proofing keeps infestations at bay. Call your exterminator back for follow up treatments if you spot any lingering roaches.
Conclusion
Dealing with roaches invading your home can be extremely troublesome. But a professional exterminator has the expertise and solutions to eliminate roaches and prevent their return through intensive treatments and insecticides not available to homeowners. Average costs range from $200 to $600 depending on your specific roach situation and type of service. While hiring an exterminator does require an upfront investment, it’s far more effective than attempting risky DIY removal methods. Partner with a licensed, reputable, experienced exterminator to resolve your roach problem as quickly as possible.
Have a Roach Problem? Here’s How Much an Exterminator Will Cost You – FAQ
Below are some frequently asked questions about hiring professional exterminators to eliminate roach infestations:
How quickly can an exterminator get rid of my roaches?
Results will vary depending on the size of the infestation. For small isolated cases, roaches may disappear after initial treatment. Major infestations take longer – usually requiring 2-3 visits over 4-6 weeks to fully eliminate roaches and any eggs/larvae. Fumigation provides fastest results for widespread infestations.
When is exterminator fumigation required vs other methods?
Fumigation using gas tenting is only needed for the most extreme, out of control roach infestations overtaking an entire home. Other methods like sprays, dusts, and baits can resolve smaller or more contained infestations.
How can I verify an exterminator is licensed?
Ask to see their license, ensure it is current, and verify it through your state pesticide regulatory office. Licensed exterminators have undergone accredited training and know how to safely apply commercial-grade insecticides.
What chemicals do exterminators use? Are they safe?
Common active ingredients against roaches include synthetic pyrethroids, insect growth regulators, boric acid, and chitin synthesis inhibitors. When applied correctly by licensed professionals, the public health risks are very low.
Are there any natural roach control options?
Some less-toxic alternatives exist like diatomaceous earth and boric acid powders. However, these are slower, less powerful options compared to commercial insecticides and may need multiple applications. Avoid essential oils or home remedies.
Should I throw away food, dishes, or appliances after roach treatment?
It’s not necessary if the exterminator can treat appliances directly and prevent cross-contamination. Thorough cleaning is recommended. Discard anything showing signs of roach evidence like droppings or egg casings.
How can I prevent roaches from coming back after professional treatment?
Practice excellent sanitation by cleaning surfaces and vacuuming often, sealing off entry points, fixing plumbing leaks, controlling moisture, and storing food in tightly sealed containers. Don’t let clutter accumulate.
What guarantees do exterminators provide?
Most exterminators offer a guarantee between 30-90 days. If roaches return during that period, they will provide follow up treatments or a partial refund. Guarantees give peace of mind in the effectiveness of roach elimination services.