The national average cost for ant extermination is $100 $170. Common household ant species include carpenter ants, fire ants, crazy ants, rover ants, and odorous house ants; their populations vary by geographic location. Different types of ants respond to different treatments, so its important to have a pro who knows their stuff.
An ant infestation is a major nuisance, so youre most likely looking to get rid of them ASAP. By hiring a professional ant exterminator, youll make sure that once the ants are gone, theyre gone for good. Washing dishes and keeping crumbs off the floor is not enough to deter ants. If a house has been marked as a hot food spot, pest professionals can help erase the chemical trails that keep the ants coming back for more.
Costs for ant extermination are affected by the size of the space to be treated, the need to exterminate ants one time or on an ongoing basis, the type of ants to be exterminated, and the severity of the infestation. Getting rid of ants for good goes beyond cleaning up sticky spills and crumbs. DIY bait traps are no match for the unseen ant colonies that could be living in walls or around the exterior of a home, so more severe ant infestations require a multipronged approach. Several factors affect the cost of exterminating ants in a home, office or commercial space.
Some pest professionals charge by the square foot to treat ant problems. The larger the house or commercial property, the more chemicals and employee labor required and the higher the cost to treat.
For example, here is the pricing breakdown from Falkin Pest Control in Carrollton, Texas:
| Square Footage | One-Time Treatment Price | Quarterly Treatment Price |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 2,000 sq. ft. | $159 | $99 |
| 2,000 3,500 sq. ft. | $179 | $109 |
| 3,500 5,000 sq. ft. | $199 | $119 |
Treatment includes foundation barrier spray (8-foot continuous barrier around property perimeter), eave and overhang treatment, extended barrier yard treatment (application of a water-activated granule that combats subterranean ants), exterior void application, interior baseboard application, and interior voids (such as plumbing voids under the sink).
Some pest control services charge a flat rate, which generally covers a set quantity of services on a one-time basis. Some companies offer a warranty or guarantee to follow up with a retreatment if the ants return within a certain period of time.
Here are some examples of flat rate costs for ant extermination:
Some pest control companies charge a separate travel fee for services outside of their standard service range. These fees help cover employee work time, fuel, and transportation costs (such as toll fees).
There are a few steps you can take to aid in your decision-making and ensure that you hire an ant exterminator who is right for the job:
For more tips on smart hiring, see our page.
Hiring a professional ant extermination service doesnt have to break the bank. Here are some ways to save money on ant extermination service costs:
Bad ant infestations generally require professional help. DIY bait ant traps are no match for the unseen ant colonies that could be living in walls or around the exterior of a home. An ant colony can have millions of ants, so eliminating those visible in the house is just the tip of the iceberg! Ants communicate by leaving pheromone-like chemical trails that alert other members of their colony to food sources. Washing dishes and keeping crumbs off the floor is not enough to deter the ants. If a house has been marked as a hot food spot, pest professionals can help erase those chemical trails that keep the ants coming back for more.
More severe ant infestations require a multipronged approach. In these situations, a can of Raid simply won't do. Professional ant exterminators will eliminate visible ants, then track down active ant nests and eliminate those as well. The exterminators then scrub identified entry points with special detergent to eliminate the ant pheromones and apply a residual insecticide to prevent future ant visitors or new colonies. Different types of ants respond to different treatments, so its important to have a pro who knows their stuff about ants. Most states regulate the licensure of pest control professionals, so for safety, its a good idea to confirm that pest professionals are registered appropriately.
Overall, there are many benefits to hiring a professional ant control expert. From specialized equipment to safe and non-toxic chemical options, trained professional exterminators are knowledgeable about heavy infestations and are equipped with a variety of treatments to get the job done effectively. The internet may house a lot of DIY pest solutions, but to get to the real root of the problem, you should hire a professional exterminator.