Cockroaches are among the most common home-invading pests. They are prevalent in food preparation areas as well as unhygienic environments. Besides, these creatures are repulsive to most people, especially those with katsaridaphobia.
Cockroaches can contaminate food and food preparation areas, spread allergens, and trigger allergic reactions. Therefore, you should get rid of these nuisances as soon as you detect an infestation. While there are various ways to eliminate pests, hiring a roach exterminator is best. But how much does it cost?
This article will discuss the signs of a cockroach infestation, the cost of extermination, the advantages of getting the help of professional exterminators, and factors that affect the cost of cockroach extermination.
Signs You Have a Cockroach Problem
Watching for signs of a roach infestation can help you determine if it’s time to hire a professional exterminator.
Droppings: Seeing cockroach droppings is a sure indicator of an infestation. These scavengers will feed on anything and leave behind poop that resembles coffee grounds or black pepper. Roaches can also leave behind shed skin and egg sacs.
Unusual odor: Unlike humans, roaches don’t have a designated toilet, which is why you will find their droppings in case of an infestation. These droppings contain pheromones which are stinky chemicals these creatures use to communicate. To make matters worse, this smell can quickly sink into any surface, especially if the area is damp.
Property damage: Roaches can eat anything if food is scarce due to a growing infestation. Look out for chewed food packaging and damage in other items like clothes and leather materials.
Live roaches: Roaches are nocturnal, and you can hardly see them unless you enter a dark kitchen and turn on the lights; you will see them scurry away to hide. Thus, if you see a cockroach, especially during the day, chances are that there are more, since these creatures are social insects.
The Cost of Extermination
Typically, cockroach exterminators will have to identify entryways, the location of the nest and feeding areas to get rid of a cockroach infestation. That said, a typical cockroach infestation will require a three-phase treatment plan, which might call for the use of glue traps, gel baits and insecticidal sprays. Also, some pest control companies might include the first inspection as a free service or offer you a discounted price for follow-up visits.
The average cost of hiring a roach exterminator can be as high as $8,000 to as low as $100, with most people paying $250. These prices vary depending on various factors.
Factors That Impact the Cost of Cockroach Extermination Services
The cost of cockroach extermination will vary based on various factors. The following are some aspects that can influence the pricing of this pest control service.
The Size of Your Home
The size of your house can significantly impact roach exterminator costs. For example, if your house is big, you will spend more on treatments. Here is an estimation for cockroach treatments depending on the square footage of your home.
Home size | Average price |
1,00O sq. ft or less | $100- $200 |
1,000-2,000 sq. ft | $150-$500 |
2,000-3,000 sq. ft | $200-$550 |
3,000 sq. ft or more | $400-$900 |
The Degree of Infestation
The level of a cockroach infestation can significantly affect the cost of extermination. A minor infestation will need less work, few treatment methods, and a single visit. On the other hand, a severe infestation will need more work, a lot of insecticides, and several visits.
The following is an estimation of cockroach extermination costs based on the severity of the infestation.
| Level of infestation | Extermination cost |
| Serious or Recurring | $1,240-$2000 |
| Major | $300-$700 |
| Medium | $160-$250 |
| Minor | $100-$400 |
Frequency of Visits
The number of visits exterminators make to your home will be determined by the size and level of infestation. Typically, most companies have four primary visiting frequencies. This includes one-time, monthly, quarterly and annual. Here is an estimation of extermination costs based on the number of visits.
| The number of visits | Costs |
| Single visit | $100-$350 |
| Monthly | $65-$100 |
| Quarterly | $100-$130 |
| Annual | $235-$520 |
Treatment Method Used
Pest control companies use various treatment methods depending on the infestation at hand. In most infestations, pocket-friendly treatment options like traps, baits, and sprays are enough. However, exterminators must tent and fumigate the entire house in severe infestations.
Fumigation
In severe infestations, pest control experts will need to fumigate the entire house. This will cost you an average of $2,000 to $8,000. Note that the size of your home will determine the fumigation costs. The bigger your home, the pricier the fumigation costs will be.
Tenting
When fumigation is necessary, exterminators install a wall over your house to enclose the fumigant. When the fumigant is applied, pets, house plants, and everyone must be evacuated for at least two days. However, tenting is rarely needed to control roaches unless the infestation is severe and recurrent. Nevertheless, house tenting costs range from $1,200 to $2,500.
Spray Treatments
When compared to fumigation and tenting, spray treatments are usually cheaper. This treatment is recommended if you don’t have a severe infestation. That said, spray treatment will cost you between $50 and $100 for one treatment.
Traps and Baits
Exterminators use glue traps and gel baits to get rid of a mild roach infestation. Glue traps and gel baits will cost around $100 to $600. While the treatment process might take some weeks to work, it is very effective. Glue traps are used to eliminate roaches and locate cockroach nests.
Dust
In cases of a medium-sized cockroach infestation, exterminators use dust to eliminate roaches. For example, they can use boric acid and diatomaceous earth. People and animals must be evacuated from the area before dust treatment is applied.
Heat Treatment
Heat treatment is an excellent way to get rid of roaches. This method entails raising your home’s temperature to the point that it is fatal for roaches but safe for you and your pets. The best thing about heat treatment is that it can be used against pesticide-resistant roaches.
That said, based on the size of your home, heat treatment costs range from $2,000 and $7,000. Follow-up visits will also be done to guarantee an effective and long-lasting treatment.
Sealing Entry Points
This is a critical step in preventing and getting rid of a roach problem. Exterminators use foam sealant or caulk to seal cracks and any entry points. This service might cost you between $2 and $4 for every linear foot.
Inspection
Inspection is usually recommended before any pest control treatment is implemented. The pest control expert will inspect to identify problematic areas to determine the best way to handle the infestation.
This service can cost you $60 to $200, depending on the size of your home and the level of infestation. Note that some pest control companies might offer a free inspection while others will provide the service at a discounted fee. Nevertheless, ask about it before committing yourself to any more service.
The Cost of DIY Cockroach Treatment
DIY cockroach control is a possibility if you can handle a cockroach infestation by yourself. These will cost you at least $40 or a maximum of $180. You can also purchase bug bombs, gel bait, sprays, boric acid, and glue traps.
However, it is crucial to note that it is not wise to use chemicals and pesticides if you have no extermination skills or experience. Moreover, this is highly discouraged if you have pets and kids. Therefore, it will be best to leave cockroach extermination to the experts.
Advantages of Hiring a Professional Cockroach Exterminator
Hiring pest control services is crucial to achieving total control over a cockroach infestation. There are more reasons to hire a professional exterminator to get rid of your cockroach problem:
- They will inspect your home for any signs of infestation
- They will create an effective treatment plan to meet your needs
- They know how to handle chemicals safely without endangering your family or property
- They will update you throughout the whole process
- They have the knowledge and the right products to identify the source of the infestation and get rid of roaches faster
When to Get Professional Roach Extermination Services
If you have seen a few roaches running across your kitchen floor, countertops or in your pantry and cabinets, it is time to start clean-up efforts to eliminate them. First, make your home less inviting to these pests. However, if the roaches keep coming back and have increased in population, it might be time to schedule a pest control company to inspect your home.
Get help as soon as possible before the infestation becomes severe, keeping in mind that the level of an infestation can significantly affect the price of extermination.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hiring an Exterminator Worth It for Cockroaches?
Yes, hiring an exterminator is worth it for cockroaches.
How Long Will It Take for an Expert to Eliminate Roaches in My Home?
It will take 4-6 weeks for an expert to eliminate roaches in your home. However, this duration highly depends on the size of your home, the level of infestation, and the type of treatment applied.
What Is the Cheapest Way of Eliminating Cockroaches?
The cheapest way of eliminating cockroaches is using dust. This can be boric acid, borax, or diatomaceous earth powders.
Can Roaches Return After Extermination?
Yes, roaches can return after extermination. This is especially the case if the pest control plan doesn’t include addressing the things that attract the infestations in the first place.
