Pest Control Cost

How Much Is Pest Control?

In 2026, the average pest control costs are between £50 to £250. The price depends on the type of pest and the severity of the problem.

When the specialists identify the pests and their location, they will then decide what method will be used.

The average cost of treating a single wasp nest or cockroaches is typically £50, whilst the added treatment of carpets and furniture for various fleas can increase the price up to £150.

The highest pest control cost is usually bed bugs due to their stubbornness to leave your soft furnishings, with the process taking longer to complete and often requiring multiple treatments. The price for bed bug treatment can reach £250 in some cases, but this can be higher if bed bugs have infiltrated their way into several rooms.

Pest Control Price List

Below is a general outline of various pest control jobs, including the amount of time it would take to complete and their average cost when hiring a pest control specialist.

Pest Control Cost Calculator

How to Use the Pest Control Cost Calculator

In order to successfully treat your pest problem and to calculate how much it will cost, first of all you need to know exactly what type of pest infestation you are dealing with. If you're not entirely sure where the issue is coming from, then hiring a pest control officer will help identify exactly what's needed, and in some cases they may even offer a free survey.

Alternatively, if you already have an idea, then by using our pest control cost calculator you can start to work out how much the initial treatment visits will cost. However, this is just a rough estimate based on some of the most common pests and can vary depending on the individual scenario, so it's always best to get a quote prior to hiring someone to carry out the treatment.

Additional Pest Control Costs

In order to prevent a further pest problem in the future, once the initial pest infestation has been resolved, there are additional jobs you may wish to have carried out as a result. These are all with pest-prevention in mind, such as replacing and repairing anything that has been part of the root cause.

Below we have outlined some of these additional costs so they are easy to review to help provide you with a general idea, although there are also many others to consider.

Pest Control Labour Costs and Timescales

The average cost of labour when hiring a pest control specialist is around £150 to £200, unless further visits and multiple treatments are required. However, initial visits may be charged at an hourly rate (approximately £20–£35 per hour) plus a minimum call-out charge.

In the event a pest control service uncover a more severe pest infestation, this can become more expensive and with treatment visits potentially taking longer. In extreme cases, a pest control team may need to use strong chemicals or large-scale fumigation to successfully treat the issue. In this scenario, temporary relocation is often advised until it is safe to return.

Pest Control Timescale by Job

The method of pest control will be decided by both the pest control officer and homeowner, making sure they both agree on the appropriate treatment that is required. How long the process takes can vary depending on the pest control solutions that have been put in place, however, the below provides a timescale for the most common scenarios:

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Factors That Impact Pest Control Costs

The right pest control solutions are based on each individual scenario, with some cases being easier to resolve than others. Below are some examples of the various cost affecting factors when undertaking pest control in your home.

• Location - The cost of pest control solutions vary across the UK, with London and the South East typically charging higher rates than the national average.
• Location - Difficult to reach spaces can increase costs as they're often more complex, and pest infestations in areas such as lofts and basements may have gone unnoticed, requiring more attention.
• Type of pest - Whether it's a single wasp nest or part of a much wider pest infestation, each scenario can be different, for example exterminating bed bugs can be more expensive than an ant infestation.
• Scale of infestation - A small pest infestation can potentially be treated in one day, whilst large infestations can potentially require additional visits and cost more.
• Appropriate treatment - The best pest control solutions aren't always the same in every situation, with some pest activity harder and more expensive than others.
• Property size - Larger homes and commercial properties often require more extensive treatment due to their size, which impacts the overall cost.
• Number of treatments - Some pests like bed bugs and cockroaches often require multiple visits to completely get rid of, with each visit adding to the total cost.

What's Involved in Professional Pest Control?

Although DIY pest control solutions may be tempting, it's often much safer and easier for a qualified pest control service instead. A professional pest control team can identify what pest is causing harm and the best course of action to take to get rid of any unwanted house guests.

It is recommended to request at least three quotes from several companies or tradesmen to deal with your pest infestation. As such, by using MyJobQuote we can help put you in touch with local pest control experts in your area for fast and free quotes.

Below is a breakdown of what to expect when a pest control specialist visits your home.

Before Treatment Begins

• Inspection — Your pest control specialist will determine the root cause of the pest problem, including a thorough inspection inside your property, along with any surrounding areas. Any data and findings will then be compiled into an official report.
• Choosing the Method of Extermination — The proposed method, number of treatment visits required, and any additional costs or special requirements are discussed before an agreement is in place to go ahead.

During Treatment

• Evacuation (if necessary) — Although not always required, in some instances it is recommended to evacuate the premises while any treatment work is being carried out.
• Treatment Process — If you decide on a treatment method and choose a pest control expert who specialises in the specific process, then they may be able to start work and treatment on your home straight away.

After Treatment

• Additional Visits — The specialist will come back on a separate day to check the treatment has worked and retreat the area if needed, and if necessary will discuss the cost of additional visits where required.
• Prevention Advice — You'll also receive guidance on how to stop pests returning, which typically includes sealing entry points and keeping good hygiene standards.

Can I Remove Pests Myself?

In some cases, yes, you can conduct pest control as a DIY job by yourself. When it comes to low-danger pests such as ants, roaches, mosquitoes, and flies, you may be able to undertake this job with online tutorials and buying your own pest control products if you're on a budget.

Applying DIY treatments yourself can potentially resolve your pest problem temporarily, however this option may require multiple treatments in order to remove unwanted house guests altogether. As for a professional pest control treatment, this too may need to be re-applied, although depending on the level of pest activity, this will depend on the individual scenario.

As for DIY pest control, this should only be completed if you're fully confident in your decision, and have received professional advice.

It's worth considering that pests can seriously damage and be a danger to your home. To ensure the most complete service, it can be a good idea to hire a professional pest control specialist so that everything is completed and cleared thoroughly and smoothly.

By hiring a dedicated pest control service, you can be confident that the treatment visits are carried out with the following benefits in mind:

• Health — Pest activity such as cockroaches, mosquitoes, houseflies and rodent problems can carry diseases ranging from mild illness to life-threatening. Professional pest control ensures safe removal and reduces health risks.
• Safety — Some pests such as an active wasp nest can be aggressive or cause bites that may trigger allergic reactions. Expert pest control removes dangerous pests safely, protecting you and your home.
• Peace of Mind — Removing pests effectively prevents worry about health risks and rapid pest multiplication, ensuring a safer, more comfortable living environment.

Pest Control Supply Costs

There are various products available that can exterminate pests without hiring a professional pest control service, saving both time and money (given supply only costs amount to around 20-35% of the total professional price). However, always double-check you are using the appropriate treatment, as some methods are legally restricted and must be used according to product instructions and UK regulations.

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Types of Pests

There are a whole range of pests which can find their way into your home. It's crucial you know what type of pest you're dealing with and when to call in for professional help.

Let's take a look at the most common pests and what you need to know about removing them.

Rodents

• Average removal cost: £75 to £150
• Common treatments: Traps, poisoned bait, and habitat removal.

Rodents include mice and rats, and they typically cause damage by biting and gnawing on furnishings and electric cables, which can cause fire safety issues. They are also very dangerous to have in your home, with the ability to carry over 12 kinds of parasites and diseases such as salmonella, making pest control for rats and mice essential.

Squirrels

• Average treatment cost: £75 to £125
• Common treatments: Traps, habitat removal, and proofing.

Squirrels can also bite through furnishings, with their teeth able to make their way through woodwork, piping, and insulation. They also carry diseases and can become hostile when confronted, meaning you should hire a professional to tackle this.

Bees, Hornets, and Wasps

• Average nest removal cost: £50 to £80
• Common treatments: Nest removal and insecticide spray.

Bees, hornets, and wasps can be difficult to find and require specific instructions when handling these due to pollination with bees. Wasps and hornets are more hostile, and all will need professional treatment to remove to ensure your safety and wellbeing.

Ants

• Average treatment cost: £50 to £100
• Common treatments: Pesticide spray, insecticidal powder, and chemical repellents.

Ants are relatively easy to remove and can be done as a DIY job in most cases. Ants are most common in outdoor spaces, cold areas, and gardens. Most ants can be eliminated with specific powder products.

Fleas

• Average treatment cost: £90 to £160
• Common treatments: Carpet and furniture treatment, pesticide spray, and insecticidal powder.

Flea exterminator costs can be up to £150 for the treatment of carpets and furniture infested by fleas.

Cockroaches

• Average treatment cost: £50 to £100
• Common treatments: Insecticide spray, insecticidal powder, and fumigation for severe cases.

A cockroach infestation is common in busy households and has the ability to nest in walls, ceilings, furnishings, and bins. They carry many diseases, and it's important to keep your home tidy and clean to avoid attracting them.

Moles

• Average treatment cost: £75 to £125
• Common treatments: Traps, poisons, and habitat removal.

Moles are pesky creatures who can destroy your garden by producing their own system of tunnels among a large space, eating insects along the way. Moles can be very hard to catch, and specialists will use poisons and traps to catch them.

Bedbugs

• Average treatment cost: £150 to £200
• Common treatments: Heat treatment, insecticide spray, and fumigation.

Bed bugs are impossible to see as they are as flat as a piece of paper and can hide through any small cracks. These are very hard to eliminate as they are so hard to see and find - but you'll know you have them due to red bits on your skin after feeding on your blood.

Pest Control Methods

Depending on what type of pest you have in your home, different methods will be used by pest control experts. Here are a few of the most popular pest control methods.

Traps

Traps and poisons are a traditional pest control method that may not sit well with everyone due to the inhumane procedure.

However, professional techniques have proven to be quick, effective and safe, with new devices offering the chance to trap the animal and release it back into the world safely, or fast-working chemical sprays for smaller pests.

Pros of Pest Control Traps

• ✔ Effective
• ✔ Quick
• ✔ Cheaper than other extermination methods

Cons of Pest Control Traps

• ✖ Sometimes inhumane
• ✖ Poisons can be dangerous to humans and other animals

Home Fumigation

Home fumigation is typically used for large infestations that take over the majority of a surface or household and will be needed in severe cases.

House fumigation costs in the UK are one of the most expensive when it comes to pest control, averaging between £130 to £160, and can take up to several days as the entire property needs to be sealed off whilst gas is pumped inside, allowing for an effective and long-lasting solution.

Pros of Home Fumigation

• ✔ Very effective
• ✔ Safest method
• ✔ Long-lasting solution

Cons of Home Fumigation

• ✖ House is unusable during
• ✖ Expensive
• ✖ Can be invasive

Habitat Removal

This method of pest control is often one of the fastest and gentle methods of pest control. By removing what's attracted the pests to your home in the first place, habitat removal means the pests will then be relocated back to their natural habitat.

For example, rats and flies will want to stick around any rubbish and waste, whilst damp areas attract smaller insects and termites, especially inside cracks and leaks. It's especially important to search through your attic and basement if necessary as they are usually secluded, dark, warm and accessible for pests to make a base.

Pros of Habitat Removal

• ✔ Fast
• ✔ Humane
• ✔ Cheaper than other extermination methods

Cons of Habitat Removal

• ✖ Potentially dangerous
• ✖ Needs re-visits
• ✖ Hard to find all infested areas

Biological Control

If you're looking for the most natural route for pest control, biological control is a solid choice. In basic terms within a residential setting, this could be owning a cat to help combat a rodent problem, although generally speaking biological control is a potential solution for a much wider pest infestation.

On a larger scale it's a professional pest control service best suited to commercial properties, outdoor areas and grounds where nature can take its course. The elimination process consists of bringing predators into the natural environment to pursue the pests through natural selection to balance out nature.

Pros of Biological Control

• ✔ Restores natural balance
• ✔ No use of harmful chemicals

Cons of Biological Control

• ✖ Doesn't guarantee secure pest removal
• ✖ Hard to track

Checklist: Finding a Pest Control Service Near You

Below is a checklist of what to ask or think about when hiring pest control in the UK.

• Do they offer a free review of your pest problem? Some pest control specialists will perform a review and offer guidance for free before any further treatment visits are arranged.
• Are they part of the BPCA or NPTA? Ask if they are a part of a trade association and are qualified to complete the job, including being a member of either the British Pest Control Association (BPCA), or the National Pest Technicians Association (NPTA).
• Are they chemical compliant? Make sure that their chemicals comply with the Control of Pesticides Act 1986 and the Control of Substance Hazardous to Health Regulation 1994, when using pesticides.
• Do they have appropriate insurance? If you are using a reputable pest control service, they are likely to at least have public liability insurance in the event of accidental damage or personal injury.
• Do they have positive reviews? As well as asking friends and family for advice, check their MyJobQuote profile for customer reviews and feedback to ascertain how qualified they are for the job.
• Have you requested multiple quotes? With the help of MyJobQuote you can ask for several quotes from more than one pest control service in your area, without any further obligations, providing you with an insight of the best value for money.
• What happens if you require multiple treatments? Check there are no hidden costs within the quote and ask for an itemised contract, that highlights if supplies are covered and if additional visits are already included.