Maybe you've tried do-it-yourself pest control without success, maybe you're dealing with an invasive species that has suddenly claimed your home as its own, maybe you just don't have time to try home remedies – whatever the reason, there's a lot to learn before you hire a professional contractor to handle pest control services in your home or business. Perhaps the first and most pressing inquiry you will have is one of expense. And it's an interesting point to consider. So, how much does pest control service cost on average?
The quick answer is that it depends on a lot of things.
According to HomeGuide.com, the average cost for a professional contractor's pest control visit in January 2018 was $170, with a range of $100 to $270. Meanwhile, HomeAdvisor.com reports that the average cost of a single visit is $108 to $260, with the national average being $173.
Those are pretty broad pricing ranges, but when you consider the breadth of pest management requirements, it makes sense.
That is why it is critical to understand your problem. Respond to your pest control demands first, and you'll be able to better answer the question: what is the average cost for pest control service? Termite services, for example, will cost far more than cockroach or any other expulsion. And rodent extermination and expulsion is also distinct. The key to establishing these charges is to interrogate any prospective exterminator thoroughly and pointedly.
Also, if you want to sign a yearly contract with a company that includes occasional and constant inspections by the contractor, the fees range from:
1. Every month: $40-$45.
2. $50 to $60 every two months (semi-monthly).
3. $100 to $300 every three months (quarterly).
There are additional geographic problems to consider. In other words, the larger your home, the more you will pay. Pest treatment, for example, will be more expensive for a 3,000-square-foot house than for a 1,500-square-foot condo. Some exterminators even charge an additional $25 per 1,000 square feet over 1,500.
The good news is that most pest control businesses offer free on-site estimates.
As with any contractual arrangement, you should always solicit bids from multiple organizations before making a final decision — and not just for financial reasons. Obtaining a free quote will also help you to assess the prospective contractor's demeanor (are they nice and courteous? ), professionalism (do they appear and act like they've done this before?) and rapport (do they treat you and your home/business with respect?).
You may also conduct extensive research on any prospective contractor by visiting their website and looking for accreditation and licenses. Companies in Georgia should be certified by the Georgia Pest Control Association. In addition, they should be a member of the National Pest Management Association.
Before signing any contract, you should also ensure that the organization in question will not try to charge you at every turn. Re-treatments, for example, should always be provided free of charge and covered by the company's service guarantee. You should also avoid any contractor who charges a premium for same-day or next-day services.
It's also a good idea to look into a company's past. In fact, the EPA recommends that you inquire about how long the contractor has been in business at its current location in order to establish their longevity and stability. Experience and tenacity are always indicators of a good organization.
Also, ask friends, neighbors, and family members whether they have any experience with a certain contractor. Referrals from friends and family are priceless.
Finally, it is usually a good idea to request a copy of the pest control company's license. Inquire about the pesticides/baits/repellants that will be used in your house or business, as well as how they will be sprayed. Any reputable contractor should be pleased and straightforward with that information. After all, you are the one who is paying for it.
It is not a short procedure, but it should not be difficult, and you should do it as soon as feasible. Why is this so? Once pests have infiltrated your home, the longer you wait for them to go, the more difficult it will be to get rid of them. This is due to the fact that they are spawning baby bugs and causing additional difficulties on your home.
And keep in mind that just because you see a few, dispose of them, and then don't see any more for a few days doesn't mean they're gone. Insects and rodents have coexisted with humans for millennia, owing to their ability to live in comparable environments without being noticed.
When left to their own devices, they not only grow (see below for more), but they can also spread disease or – particularly in the case of carpenter ants or termites – cause real, physical damage to your home.
As an example:
A single female mouse has 5 to 10 litters a year, each consisting of five to six young, who can breed on their own after only 30 days! That is how five or six mice can quickly grow into 25 to 60 mice.
In the case of roaches, a female cockroach can lay four to eight egg capsules in her lifetime. Each capsule contains 30 to 48 eggs, resulting in a reproduction rate of 120 to 384 eggs throughout an average life span of one year. A roach matures in 40 to 125 days, thus a little more than a month can yield an increase of about 1,500 roaches - and that adds up to 18,000 roaches in a year!
If you want to get rid of pests like these, you must schedule regular visits from a professional contractor. Control and upkeep are essential since, especially with cockroaches, you may never completely evict them.
So, though pest control services may be expensive, they are likely to pay for themselves many times over — if you are diligent and analytical in your approach to signing a contract. Give a call today!