Pest Control Companies Across the US
Compare 23,875 pest control providers across 51 states. Average rating: 4.63 stars from 5,348,224 total reviews.
Providers
23,875
Avg Rating
4.63 ★
Total Reviews
5.3M
Cities Covered
3,411
How Much Does Pest Control Cost?
Costs vary significantly by pest type, severity, and region. Here are typical price ranges:
Initial Inspection
$0–$150 (many companies offer free inspections)
One-Time Treatment
$150–$500 depending on pest type and home size
Monthly Service
$40–$70 per month
Quarterly Service
$100–$300 per quarter
Termite Treatment
$500–$2,500+ depending on treatment type and home size
Bed Bug Treatment
$300–$1,500 per room (heat treatment) or $200–$500 per room (chemical)
What Affects Price?
Find Pest Control by State
Select your state to find local exterminators, read reviews, and compare ratings.
Common Household Pests
Learn about the most common pests, signs of infestation, and when to call a professional.
Ants
Ants are the most common household pest in the United States, with over 700 species found across the country. Carpenter ants, fire ants, and odorous house ants are among the most problematic for homeowners. Colonies can number in the hundreds of thousands, making them persistent invaders once established.
Signs of Infestation
- •Visible ant trails along walls, counters, or foundations
- •Small piles of sawdust or frass near wood (carpenter ants)
- •Dirt mounds in the yard (fire ants)
- •Ants clustered around food sources or moisture
Health Risks
Most ants are nuisance pests, but fire ants deliver painful stings that can cause allergic reactions. Carpenter ants cause structural damage similar to termites. Ants can contaminate food and food preparation surfaces.
DIY vs Professional
DIY bait stations and perimeter sprays work well for minor ant problems. Call a professional if you see carpenter ants (they damage wood), fire ants in your yard, or if ant trails persist after two weeks of DIY treatment.
Cockroaches
Cockroaches are resilient pests that thrive in warm, moist environments and are most active at night. German cockroaches are the most common indoor species, while American cockroaches (palmetto bugs) are prevalent in the South. A single cockroach sighting often indicates a much larger hidden population.
Signs of Infestation
- •Live or dead cockroaches, especially at night near kitchens and bathrooms
- •Small dark droppings resembling coffee grounds or black pepper
- •Musty, oily odor in heavily infested areas
- •Egg cases (oothecae) found behind appliances or in cabinets
Health Risks
Cockroaches trigger asthma and allergies, especially in children. They carry bacteria including Salmonella and E. coli and can spread pathogens across food preparation surfaces. Their shed skins and droppings are significant indoor allergens.
DIY vs Professional
DIY gel baits and boric acid can manage small infestations. Call a professional for German cockroach infestations (they reproduce rapidly), recurring problems despite DIY efforts, or cockroaches in commercial food-service settings.
Termites
Termites cause more than $5 billion in property damage annually in the United States, making them the most economically destructive pest. Subterranean termites are the most common and build colonies underground, while drywood termites infest wood directly. Damage often goes undetected for years because termites feed from the inside out.
Signs of Infestation
- •Mud tubes running along foundation walls, pipes, or support beams
- •Hollow-sounding wood when tapped
- •Discarded wings near windows or doors after swarms
- •Bubbling or peeling paint that resembles water damage
Health Risks
Termites do not bite or transmit diseases to humans, but their damage to structural wood can compromise building safety. Mold growth in termite-damaged wood can cause respiratory issues. The financial impact of untreated termite damage can be devastating.
DIY vs Professional
Termite treatment is almost always a job for professionals. DIY bait stations can help with monitoring, but active infestations require professional-grade liquid treatments or fumigation. Annual professional inspections are essential in high-risk areas.
Bed Bugs
Bed bugs are small, flat, reddish-brown insects that feed exclusively on blood, typically at night. They are expert hitchhikers that spread via luggage, used furniture, and clothing. Infestations have surged nationwide since the early 2000s and are not related to cleanliness — they can be found in any environment from luxury hotels to apartments.
Signs of Infestation
- •Itchy red welts or bite marks in lines or clusters on exposed skin
- •Small rust-colored stains on sheets from crushed bugs or fecal spots
- •Tiny white eggs or shed skins in mattress seams and crevices
- •A sweet, musty odor in heavily infested rooms
Health Risks
Bed bugs are not known to transmit diseases, but their bites cause itching, allergic reactions, and secondary skin infections from scratching. The psychological impact — anxiety, insomnia, and stress — is often the most significant health effect.
DIY vs Professional
Bed bugs are extremely difficult to eliminate without professional help. DIY measures like encasements and laundering can help contain the problem, but call a professional at the first sign of bed bugs. Delay allows exponential population growth.
Rodents
Mice and rats are among the most destructive and unsanitary pests that invade homes. House mice, Norway rats, and roof rats are the most common species. Rodents gnaw constantly to wear down their teeth, damaging wiring, pipes, insulation, and structural materials. A single pair of mice can produce dozens of offspring in a year.
Signs of Infestation
- •Droppings along walls, in cabinets, or near food sources
- •Gnaw marks on food packaging, wiring, or wood
- •Scratching or scurrying noises in walls or attics, especially at night
- •Grease marks or rub marks along baseboards and walls
Health Risks
Rodents carry over 35 diseases transmissible to humans, including hantavirus, leptospirosis, and salmonella. Their droppings and urine contaminate surfaces and air quality. Gnawing on electrical wiring is a documented cause of house fires.
DIY vs Professional
Snap traps and exclusion work can manage a few mice. Call a professional for rat infestations, signs of gnawing on electrical wiring, recurring problems, or if you suspect rodents in walls or attics. Rats are cautious and much harder to trap than mice.
Spiders
Most spiders found in homes are harmless and actually beneficial as predators of other insects. However, brown recluse and black widow spiders pose genuine health risks. Spiders typically enter homes seeking prey, warmth, or shelter, and heavy spider populations usually indicate an underlying insect problem.
Signs of Infestation
- •Webs in corners, windowsills, basements, and garages
- •Egg sacs attached to webs or hidden in dark areas
- •Live spiders, especially in undisturbed areas like storage rooms and closets
- •An abundance of other insects (spiders follow their food source)
Health Risks
Black widow bites cause severe muscle pain and cramping, while brown recluse bites can cause tissue necrosis requiring medical attention. Most other spider bites are harmless and no worse than a bee sting. Seek medical attention for any bite that worsens over 24 hours.
DIY vs Professional
Regular cleaning, removing webs, and reducing other insects handles most spider issues. Call a professional if you identify brown recluse or black widow spiders in your home, or if spider populations persist despite eliminating other insects.
Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes are more than a nuisance — they are the deadliest animals on Earth due to the diseases they transmit. In the U.S., West Nile virus, Eastern equine encephalitis, and Zika are the primary concerns. Female mosquitoes need blood to produce eggs and can detect hosts from over 100 feet away using carbon dioxide and body heat.
Signs of Infestation
- •Frequent bites when spending time outdoors, especially at dawn and dusk
- •Buzzing sounds near ears and exposed skin
- •Standing water in the yard — even small amounts in containers, gutters, or plant saucers
- •Mosquitoes resting on shaded exterior walls during the day
Health Risks
Mosquitoes transmit West Nile virus, Eastern equine encephalitis, Zika, and other diseases in the U.S. Even without disease, bites cause itching and allergic reactions. Certain individuals attract mosquitoes more than others based on body chemistry.
DIY vs Professional
Eliminating standing water is the most effective DIY step. Citronella, fans, and personal repellents help reduce bites. Call a professional for yard-wide mosquito treatments, especially if you live near marshes, ponds, or wooded areas, or if you host outdoor events regularly.
Wasps
Wasps including yellow jackets, paper wasps, and hornets are beneficial predators of other insects but become dangerous when they nest near human activity. Unlike bees, wasps can sting multiple times. Yellow jackets are especially aggressive in late summer and fall when colonies are at peak size and food becomes scarce.
Signs of Infestation
- •Visible paper or mud nests under eaves, in trees, or in the ground
- •Wasps repeatedly entering and exiting a specific spot on the home exterior
- •Increased wasp activity around outdoor food, trash, or sugary drinks
- •Aggressive wasp behavior, especially in late summer and fall
Health Risks
Wasp stings are painful and can cause severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) in sensitive individuals. Yellow jacket stings account for the majority of insect-related emergency room visits. Multiple stings can be dangerous even for non-allergic people.
DIY vs Professional
Small, visible paper wasp nests can be carefully removed at night with aerosol wasp spray. Call a professional for ground nests (yellow jackets), large nests, nests inside walls or attics, or if anyone in the household is allergic to stings.
Fleas
Fleas are tiny, wingless parasites that feed on the blood of mammals and can jump up to 150 times their body length. Cat fleas are the most common species found on both cats and dogs. A single female flea can lay up to 50 eggs per day, making infestations grow rapidly once established in a home.
Ticks
Ticks are blood-feeding arachnids that transmit more pathogens to humans than any other arthropod in the United States. Blacklegged (deer) ticks, lone star ticks, and American dog ticks are the most common species. Ticks do not jump or fly — they wait on vegetation and attach to hosts that brush past.
Wildlife
Raccoons, squirrels, opossums, bats, skunks, and other wildlife frequently conflict with homeowners when they enter attics, crawl spaces, or chimneys. These animals can cause significant structural damage, create noise and odor problems, and carry diseases. Humane removal and exclusion are the standard professional approaches.
When to Call a Professional Exterminator
You see recurring pests despite DIY treatment
You find evidence of termites (mud tubes, wood damage, swarmers)
You have bed bugs — professional heat or chemical treatment is the only reliable solution
A large cockroach infestation (seeing roaches during the day means severe overpopulation)
Wasps, hornets, or bees nest near doors, windows, or play areas
Wildlife (raccoons, bats, snakes, squirrels) in your attic or crawlspace
You or family members have allergic reactions to insect bites
Your property has structural damage from wood-destroying insects
Pest Prevention Tips
Seal Entry Points
Caulk cracks around windows, doors, pipes, and foundations. Steel wool works for gaps mice might use.
Eliminate Moisture
Fix leaky faucets, ensure proper drainage, and use dehumidifiers in basements. Many pests need water to survive.
Store Food Properly
Keep dry goods in sealed containers. Clean crumbs immediately. Don't leave pet food out overnight.
Maintain Your Yard
Trim bushes away from your home. Remove standing water. Keep firewood at least 20 feet from the house.
Regular Inspections
Check dark, damp areas monthly: basements, crawlspaces, attics. Annual termite inspections are recommended.
Declutter
Reduce hiding spots by decluttering storage areas. Cardboard boxes attract cockroaches and silverfish — use plastic bins.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does pest control cost?
Pest control costs vary by pest type, treatment method, and location. A one-time general treatment typically costs $150–$500 depending on pest type and home size, while ongoing quarterly plans run $100–$300 per quarter per visit. Termite treatments cost $500–$2,500+ depending on treatment type and home size and bed bug treatments cost $300–$1,500 per room (heat treatment) or $200–$500 per room (chemical). Factors include: Size of the home and property, Type of pest and severity of infestation, Treatment method (chemical, heat, fumigation, exclusion), One-time service vs. ongoing plan. Get multiple quotes for accurate pricing.
How do I choose a pest control company?
Look for licensed, insured companies with strong Google reviews (4.5+ stars from 50+ reviews). Ask about treatment methods, guarantees, and whether products are safe for children and pets. Get at least 3 quotes and ask each company to identify the pest before recommending treatment.
When should I call an exterminator vs DIY?
DIY works for occasional ants, spiders, or a single mouse. Call a professional for: bed bugs, termites, cockroach infestations, recurring problems, wasps near living areas, or any wildlife. Professional treatment is more effective and comes with guarantees.
Is pest control safe for kids and pets?
Modern pest control treatments are generally safe when applied by licensed professionals. Most use EPA-registered products and advise on re-entry times (typically 2-4 hours). Ask about pet-safe and child-safe options, which are standard at most reputable companies.
How often should I get pest control service?
For general maintenance, quarterly treatments work well in most regions. Monthly service is recommended in subtropical and tropical climates (Florida, Texas, Louisiana). One-time treatments work for isolated issues like a single wasp nest or mouse entry point. Annual termite inspections are recommended in all regions.
What should I do before a pest control visit?
Clear clutter along walls and baseboards, clean kitchen surfaces, move furniture 1-2 feet from walls, store food in sealed containers, and note where you've seen pest activity. For bed bug treatments, follow your provider's specific prep instructions. Keep pets away during and after treatment as directed.