Are you dealing with an ant infestation? If so, it might be time to call in a professional. The cost of an ant exterminator varies depending on the size of your home and the scope of the infestation. Generally, you can expect to pay anywhere from $115 to $350 for a standard ant extermination service.
The cost of ant extermination services can also vary depending on the type of treatment used. For example, a DIY solution might be cheaper than professional services. However, it’s important to note that DIY solutions are often less effective than those provided by a licensed exterminator.
In this article:
- Average Costs
- Cost Estimator by Home Size
- Other Factors That Affect Cost
- Related Services
- Pro Cost vs. DIY Cost
- Cost by Location
- FAQ
Average Costs to Hire an Ant Exterminator in 2024
Generally, you can expect to pay anywhere from $115 to $350 for a standard ant extermination service. This cost usually includes an inspection of your home and the use of pesticides or other treatments that are designed specifically to target ants.
| National Average Cost | $185 |
| Typical Price Range | $115 – $350 |
| Extreme Low-End cost | $105 |
| Extreme High-End cost | $735 |
While the cost of an ant exterminator may vary depending on the size of your home and the scope of the infestation, it’s important to note that hiring a professional is usually more effective (and cheaper in the long run) than trying to tackle an infestation yourself.
Ant Extermination Cost Estimator by Home Size
If you’re looking for a rough estimate of what an ant extermination service might cost, consider the following estimates:
| Home Size | Average Cost for Ant Treatment |
| 500 sq. ft. | $150 – $200 |
| 1,000 sq. ft. | $175 – $250 |
| 2,000 sq. ft. | $180 – $250 |
| 3,000 sq. ft. | $240 – $360 |
| 4,000 sq. ft. | $320 – $500 |
While these estimates are based on the square footage of a home, it’s important to note that they may not reflect the cost of your particular situation. For example, if you have an especially large home or a severe infestation, the price could be higher than what is listed above.
Other Factors That Affect Cost
Your home size and the severity of the infestation aren’t the only things that can affect the cost of an ant extermination service. Other factors to consider include:
Type of Treatment Used
Some exterminators offer specialized treatments, such as heat treatments or baiting systems. These services usually cost more than standard pest control treatments but may be more effective.
Barrier Spray
Many exterminators use a barrier spray to create an invisible wall around your home that repels ants and other pests. The cost of this service may be included in the initial extermination fee, or it could be charged as an additional fee.
The cost of a barrier spray can vary depending on the size of your home and the type of spray used, but, on average, it will cost you between $80 and $140.
Mound Control
If you’re dealing with a particularly stubborn infestation of ants, an exterminator may also use mound control treatments. These treatments involve treating the ant mounds directly, which can be more effective than other types of treatments.
Mound control treatments typically cost around $100 to $180, depending on the size of your home and the number of mounds that need to be treated.
Poisoned Bait
Poisoned bait is often used to target the queen ant in a colony, which can help reduce the number of ants in your home. These treatments usually cost between $110 and $210 and can be more effective than other forms of control.
Fumigation
If the infestation is severe, an exterminator may recommend fumigation. This type of treatment involves using a specially designed pesticide to target a large area and can be effective at eliminating pests. Whole-home fumigation typically costs between $1,430 and $3,720, but it may be necessary for particularly stubborn infestations.
Two-Step Method
Some exterminators use a two-step method for treating ant infestations. This involves using both a pesticide treatment and an ant bait treatment in order to target the ants at different points in their life cycle. The cost of this type of treatment will vary depending on the extent of the infestation but typically ranges from $530 to $970.
Infestation Level
In addition to the size and type of treatment, the cost of an ant extermination service may also be affected by the level of infestation. For example, a small infestation can cost between $150 and $300 to eliminate, while a severe infestation may cost between $800 and $1,260 or more.
| Infestation Level | Typical Cost |
| Minor Infestation | $150 – $300 |
| Medium Infestation | $270 – $530 |
| Major Infestation | $470 – $830 |
| Severe, Repeat Infestations | $800 – $1,260 |
A severe infestation may require more extensive treatments, such as fumigation or mound control, which could increase the cost of extermination.
Frequency of Treatments
It’s also important to consider how often you need to have your home treated. Some exterminators offer discounts for repeat customers or packages that include multiple treatments in a single year. There are four basic frequencies for extermination services:
- One-time
- Monthly
- Quarterly
- Yearly
Whether you need a one-time treatment or a yearly package, be sure to discuss the cost with your exterminator before signing any agreement.
| Pest Control Contract Frequency | Typical Yearly Cost |
| One-Time Visit | $170 – $350 |
| Monthly | $850 – $1,330 |
| Quarterly | $350 – $530 |
| Yearly | $100 – $200 |
For a one-off visit, on average, homeowners pay between $170 and $350. Monthly, quarterly, and yearly packages usually cost less per treatment than a one-time service but may be more expensive overall.
Location of the Infestation
Where the ants are in your home or yard also matters. Some rooms may be more difficult to treat than others, and the cost may vary depending on your location.
For example, an infestation in a kitchen is usually easier to treat than one in a bedroom or basement. The cost of treatment may also be affected by how easy it is to access the area where the ants are located.
| Location | Average Cost |
| Attic | $150 – $600 |
| Basement | $180 – $500 |
| Bathroom | $130 – $560 |
| Bedroom | $200 – $500 |
| Car | $200 – $700 |
| Carpet | $130 – $430 |
| Ceiling | $125 – $400 |
| Floorboards | $150 – $380 |
| Garage | $130 – $560 |
| Heating Ducts | $140 – $380 |
| Kitchen | $130 – $330 |
| Lawn | $130 – $460 |
| Pantry | $120 – $330 |
| Plant Pots | $130 – $380 |
| Shed | $130 – $330 |
| Under House Foundation | $190 – $500 |
| Walls | $130 – $460 |
| Window Frame | $150 – $430 |
Type of Ant
The type of ant you’re dealing with can also affect the cost of extermination. Different types of ants require different methods of treatment, so it’s important to discuss this with your exterminator before signing any agreement.
| Ant Type | Average Removal Cost |
| Fire Ants | $100 – $300 |
| Little Black Ants (sugar ants) | $230 – $330 |
| Pharaoh Ants | $200 – $250 |
| Argentine Ants | $180 – $280 |
| Carpenter Ants | $280 – $470 |
Fire Ants
Fire ants typically can’t be treated with regular pesticides, so they often require specialized fire ant treatments. Fire ant extermination typically costs between $100 to $300 per treatment—though the cost may vary depending on the size of your home and the extent of the infestation.
Fire ants are particularly aggressive and can cause painful stings, so they should be treated as soon as possible.
Carpenter Ants
Carpenter ants are another type of ant that may require specialized treatment due to their wood-eating habits. Treating carpenter ants often costs between $280 and $470 per treatment, depending on the size of your home and the extent of the infestation.
It’s important to note that carpenter ants can cause significant damage to wooden structures, so it’s best to have them treated as soon as possible.
Little Black Ants
Little black ants or sugar ants, so-called because they are attracted to sugar and other sweet substances, can sometimes be treated with conventional ant control methods. Treatment for little black ants typically costs between $230 and $330 per treatment.
These ants are particularly pesky and tend to multiply quickly, so it’s important to have them treated promptly.
Pharaoh Ants
Pharaoh ants are a particularly nasty type of ant and typically require specialized treatment. They’re also very difficult to eradicate, so it’s important to hire an experienced exterminator. Treatment for Pharaoh ants usually costs between $200 and $250 per treatment.
Argentine Ants
Argentine ants are another type of ant that can be difficult to eliminate. Argentine ants often travel in large numbers and take up residence in homes, forming large colonies.
Treatment for Argentine ants typically includes spraying insecticides around the perimeter of your home or lawn. A treatment costs on average between $180 and $280.
Related Services
In addition to ant extermination services, many exterminators also offer other related services such as termite inspection and control, rodent control, bed bug removal, and more. These services can add to the overall cost of extermination, so it’s important to discuss all options with your exterminator before signing any agreement.
Pest Inspections
Not all pest extermination services include a thorough inspection of your home. Before hiring an exterminator, it’s a good idea to request an inspection so you can be sure that all potential sources of infestation are identified and addressed. A thorough pest inspection typically costs between $60 to $200.
Sealing Cracks & Crevices
Sealing cracks and crevices around windows, doors, and other potential points of entry can go a long way toward keeping pests out. It’s important to make sure that these areas are properly sealed to prevent any entry points for pests.
Your exterminator should be able to provide recommendations on the best materials and methods for sealing these areas. The cost of this service is between $2 and $4.20 per linear foot for caulking services.
General Pest Control
Regular exterminator services can be a great way to prevent future infestations. These services typically include traps, monitoring devices, and baiting systems, as well as the application of insecticide. They can prevent ants and many other common household pests.
The cost of a general pest control service will depend on the size and scope of the job, but expect to pay between $250 and $550 for a general pest control package.
Pro Cost vs. DIY Cost
The cost of professional ant extermination services is often much less than attempting do-it-yourself methods in the long run. On average, pest control professionals charge between $115 and $350, depending on the size of the infestation and the type of services required.
On the other hand, do-it-yourself ant control with over-the-counter products can cost anywhere from $5 to $50 or more, depending on the product you choose.
| Method | DIY Cost | Pro Cost |
| Ant Baits | $15 – $20 | $110 – $210 |
| Bait Stations | $15 | $110 – $210 |
Many DIY solutions require multiple treatments and may not work as quickly or efficiently as professional exterminators. Additionally, it’s important to use the right type of insecticide for each type of ant, which may not be available to the general public. Find out more about DIY ant control in our guide to getting rid of ants.
The cost of professional extermination services is well worth it in most cases, as they will provide a much more effective solution than DIY products and methods. Professional exterminators have access to the right tools and products that are necessary for successful ant eradication.
Ant Exterminator Cost by Location
The cost of ant extermination services can vary greatly depending on where you live. In the United States, the national average cost for ant extermination is $185, but costs may be higher or lower in certain regions.
For example, exterminators in California tend to charge more than those in other parts of the country due to higher labor costs and more stringent regulations. From a regional perspective, extermination services in the Midwest and Northeast tend to cost more than those in the South and Southwest.
Ultimately, the best way to determine exact cost estimates for ant extermination services is to get quotes from local exterminators who have experience with the specific type of ant in your home. This will help you get the best value for your money.
FAQ About Ant Control
The speed of ant extermination depends on the type of ant, the extent of the infestation, and the methods used by your exterminator. In general, it can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks for an exterminator to completely eliminate an ant infestation.
The number of treatments required to get rid of ants depends on the size and scope of the infestation. Generally, it can take anywhere from one to four treatments for an exterminator to completely eradicate an ant infestation.
If left untreated, ant infestations can last indefinitely. Ants are highly adaptable and can quickly colonize an area if left unchecked. To prevent ant colonies from establishing in your home, it’s important to contact a professional exterminator as soon as you notice an infestation.
Some of the most common ant species found in homes and gardens in the US are odorous house ants, pavement ants, and carpenter ants. Add fire ants to that list if you’re in the Sout
Exterminators typically use a combination of visual inspection and ant baiting to determine the source of an ant infestation. They’ll look for signs of activity, such as ant nests and trails, in order to locate the nest and identify the type of ants present. Once they’ve identified the problem, they can begin treating the infestation.
DIY or Hire a Pro for Ant Control?
Ant infestations can be an unpleasant nuisance, but they don’t necessarily have to cost a fortune. By doing your research and getting quotes from local exterminators, you can find a quality service provider who will get rid of the infestation in a timely and effective manner.
The average cost for ant extermination is $185, but the actual cost may vary depending on your location and the type of ant you’re dealing with. Don’t wait too long – contact a professional exterminator as soon as you notice an ant infestation to ensure the problem is taken care of quickly and efficiently.
Main Photo by: PxHere
