The cost of a flea exterminator will vary greatly depending on the size of your home, the type of infestation, and the location of the bugs. The national average for extermination services is around $280, however, this price can be higher or lower depending on the specific situation. Some pest control companies also offer discounts if the infestation is extensive.
On the low end, a flea exterminator may charge $95 for a small home or apartment with a light infestation. For larger homes and more severe infestations, the cost can be as much as $410.
It’s important to note that flea extermination often requires multiple treatments, so that the total cost could be even higher depending on the extent of the infestation.
In this article:
Average Costs to Hire a Flea Exterminator
On average, a flea exterminator charges between $180 to $350 for their services. This price can range higher or lower depending on the severity of your infestation, the size of your home, and other factors.
| National Average Cost | $280 |
| Typical Price Range | $180 – $350 |
| Extreme Low-End Cost | $95 |
| Extreme High-End Cost | $410 |
While the cost of a flea exterminator can be more expensive than DIY methods, it’s important to consider the long-term costs associated with a flea infestation. Fleas reproduce quickly – a single female flea can lay as many as 50 eggs in one day. If a flea infestation is left untreated or is inadequately treated with insufficient DIY methods, the costs could quickly add up as the infestation grows.
The cost of flea extermination could be higher or lower than our averages, depending on a variety of factors. For an accurate estimate, it’s best to speak with a pest control company for a more detailed price quote.
Additionally, many companies offer discounts and special pricing packages depending on the severity of your infestation and the size of your home.
Factors That Affect Cost
When hiring a flea exterminator, it’s important to consider the factors that could affect the cost of services. Different factors can influence how much you’ll ultimately pay for flea extermination, from the size of the home to the type of infestation. These include:
Method of Treatment
The type of treatment used by the exterminator can have a major impact on the cost. For example, flea removal using heat treatments is typically more expensive than using chemical treatments.
The treatment options available will vary depending on the pest control company you hire and the type of infestation. Depending on the extent of the infestation, the cost could range from $100 to $500 per visit.
Fumigation
House fumigation typically costs between $175 and $350, depending on the size of your home. It involves using flea foggers or bombs throughout the home and may also include additional spray applications to ensure all fleas are exterminated.
Flea Bombing
Flea bombing is a method of extermination that uses an aerosol insecticide to kill fleas. The cost for this type of treatment can range from $100 to $200, depending on the size of your home.
Vacuuming
Most pest control companies will include vacuuming as part of the flea extermination process. This helps to remove fleas, eggs, and larvae from carpets, furniture, and other surfaces. Homeowners typically pay between $80 and $140 for vacuuming, depending on the size of their home.
It’s important to note that vacuuming alone is not enough to eliminate a flea infestation completely.
Heat Treatment
Heat treatment is a more expensive method of flea extermination that involves raising the temperature in your home to over 140 degrees Fahrenheit. This kills any adult fleas, eggs, and larvae that are present.
Heat treatment typically costs between $300 and $500 and is a more effective choice for larger infestations.
Spray Treatment
When flea extermination is needed in a smaller area, spray treatments may be used. They involve applying a chemical insecticide to carpets, furniture, and other surfaces where fleas may be present.
Spray treatment typically costs between $150 and $300 and is most effective when used in combination with other treatments.
Infestation Level
The cost of flea extermination can also vary depending on the level of infestation. If you have a minor infestation, it may be possible to get away with using DIY methods or cheaper treatments. Professional extermination may be the best choice for severe infestations, and it could cost more.
| Infestation Level | Typical Extermination Costs |
| Minor | $100 – $175 |
| Medium | $175 – $300 |
| Severe | $325 – $550 |
On average, a severe infestation may cost between $325 and $550 to eliminate, whereas a minor infestation can range from $100 to $175.
Location
Whether there is a flea infestation in just your bedroom or throughout your whole house, the size of the area that needs to be treated will affect the cost. Generally speaking, larger homes require more labor and materials and will be more expensive to treat.
| Location | Typical Extermination Costs |
| Bedroom | $150 |
| Kitchen | $175 |
| Outdoors | $100 |
| Yard | $75 |
| Whole house | $400 |
For example, dealing with a flea problem in the kitchen costs $175 on average, while treating a bedroom costs $150. This is because, in a kitchen, the exterminator must treat more surfaces and may have to move large appliances or furniture.
Frequency of Treatment
The cost of flea extermination also depends on how often the treatments will need to be repeated. Generally speaking, a one-time treatment costs, on average, $250, while follow-up treatments cost about $90.
| Service Frequency | Cost Per Service |
| One-time | $250 |
| Follow-Up Visits | $90 |
| Monthly | $80 |
| Yearly | $400 |
Depending on the level of infestation and other factors, you may need multiple visits from an exterminator in order to eliminate the fleas completely.
Related Services
The flea extermination cost may include additional services, such as sealing up cracks and crevices or cleaning the home. This can add to the treatment’s overall cost and should be considered when budgeting for flea extermination.
Sealing Cracks & Crevices
Sealing cracks and crevices can help to prevent future infestations by blocking off potential entry points for fleas. By using caulk or foam sealant, an exterminator can fill any gaps that may provide access points for fleas. Pros typically charge between $2 and $4.20 per linear foot for caulking services.
Laundry and House Cleaning
In order to completely eliminate fleas from your home, it is important to clean and vacuum the affected area. This includes laundering any bedding (including pet bedding), clothing, or fabrics that may be infested. Professional house cleaning and laundry services typically cost between $20 and $200, depending on the size of your home.
Carpet Cleaning
Carpet cleaning can also be used to help remove any remaining flea eggs or larvae. Professional carpet cleaning services typically cost between $100 and $200, depending on the size and condition of the carpets.
Pet Flea Treatment
If your pet is affected by fleas, you may also need to have them treated. Dog flea treatments or cat flea treatments typically cost between $15 and $50, depending on the type of treatment used.
| Pet Flea Treatment | Cost |
| Bottle of Flea Shampoo | $15 |
| Oral and Topical Treatments | $50 |
| Vet Visit Fee | $50 |
While a bottle of flea shampoo may be enough for a mild infestation, more severe cases may require oral or topical medication that can cost $50 on average.
Pest Inspections
When dealing with a pest infestation, a thorough inspection of your home is often recommended. A professional pest inspector can help you identify problem areas and advise on the best treatment course.
On average, an inspection will cost between $60 and $200, depending on the size of your home and how severe the infestation is. While not always available, some pest control companies may offer discounts on their treatment plans when you have an inspection performed first.
General Pest Control
If you have had an inspection and know the source of your pest problem, it may be time to look into a general pest control service. This usually involves a package of treatments designed to keep pests like ants, bed bugs, termites, and cockroaches away. The cost of general pest control packages typically ranges from $250 to $550.
Be sure to ask the exterminator about their experience with different types of pests and what kind of guarantee they offer for their services. This can ensure that you get the best possible service and results.
Ant Exterminator
An ant exterminator typically costs between $115 and $350 on average, depending on how severe the infestation is. The exterminator will use a combination of chemical treatments and baits to eliminate the ants.
Cockroach Exterminator
Cockroaches are one of the most common and difficult pests to eliminate. As such, they require a specialized approach. The cost of a cockroach exterminator typically ranges from $115 to $350 on average, depending on the extent of the infestation.
Generally, this includes multiple treatments and follow-up visits in order to ensure that the cockroaches are completely eliminated.
Wasp Removal
Wasps can be dangerous when they’re nesting near your home. It will cost you anywhere from $240 to $855 for professional wasp removal. The cost will depend on how many nests need to be removed, as well as the type of wasps that are present.
Termite Treatment
When it comes to termites, the damage they can cause is significant. That’s why you should have a professional handle any termite infestation. The cost of a termite treatment typically ranges from $275 to $863, depending on the size of the colony and the extent of the infestation.
In some cases, you may need to pay for additional treatments due to the nature of these pests.
Pro Cost vs. DIY Cost
| Type of Treatment | DIY Cost | Pro Cost |
| Foggers and Sprays | $5 – $40 | $150 – $300 |
| Flea Bombs | $5 – $15 | $100 – $200 |
Hiring a professional flea exterminator is the best way to ensure a successful and cost-effective extermination. An exterminator will have access to powerful, professional-grade products that are not available to the public. They can identify areas where fleas may be hiding and use specialized products and methods to ensure successful extermination.
DIY flea control methods are typically less effective, but you can give them a go if you’re on a tight budget. You will need to purchase all the necessary pesticides, which can range from $5 to $40, depending on what is needed.
Cost to Hire a Flea Exterminator by Location
The cost of hiring a professional flea exterminator may vary depending on your location. In the United States, hiring a flea exterminator costs an average of $280. The highest prices are in New York City and Los Angeles, whereas smaller cities like Kansas City tend to have lower costs.
Larger cities typically have higher demand and, therefore, can charge more for exterminator services. Additionally, the cost of living in larger cities is higher, meaning that exterminators may need to charge more to cover their costs.
For a price estimate accurate to your area, contact a flea exterminator near you.
FAQ About Flea Extermination
Yes, it is worth hiring an exterminator for fleas. A professional exterminator will be able to identify areas where fleas may be hiding and use specialized products and methods to ensure successful extermination. Additionally, they can provide advice on how to prevent future infestations.
Yes, it is possible for fleas to survive an exterminator, but it is unlikely. Professional exterminators use powerful, professional-grade products and methods to ensure successful extermination.
Additionally, they can identify areas where fleas may be hiding and take steps to eliminate them completely. That’s why following up with regular inspections and treatments is important.
It is recommended to vacuum every day when you have a flea infestation. Vacuuming can help remove any fleas, eggs, and debris on the surface of carpets and furniture.
Vacuuming is not guaranteed to get rid of fleas, but it can help reduce the population and provide other benefits. That’s why it’s also important to use other extermination methods in addition to vacuuming.
The flea life cycle typically lasts from two days up to two weeks. The issue is that they lay eggs that can hatch and create a new generation of fleas and make the infestation worse. The eggs can survive for several months in the right environment.
This means that if you do not take steps to exterminate fleas in your home, they can survive for a long time. That’s why it’s important to take action quickly and hire a professional flea extermination service at the first signs of a flea infestation.
DIY or Hire a Pro to Solve Your Flea Problem?
Fleas can be a difficult problem to deal with and can quickly become an expensive one if not dealt with the right way. Taking proactive steps to prevent fleas and treating your entire home and pets quickly can help keep the problem in check. Regular pet grooming, keeping a clean home, and using flea control products can make all the difference.
If you’re dealing with a flea infestation, hiring a professional exterminator is best. They can provide the most comprehensive and cost-effective solution to rid your home of fleas for good. With their expertise, you can rest assured that your home is free from fleas and other pests.
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Main Photo by: Erturac / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
