How Much Does It Cost to Exterminate Roaches?

In this guide

Roach Extermination Cost by Size of Home

The size of your home has a major impact on the extermination process. On average, you will spend between $100 and $650 when basing the cost on the square footage of your home. The larger the building, the more places where the roaches can hide. Pests are more common in large apartment buildings. Treating one apartment does not kill all the bugs. The larger your property, the more time-consuming and costly the treatment may be. The table below shows the cost of pest control for roaches, broken down by the size of your home.

Cockroach Extermination Cost by Method

Different types of roaches require different treatments. Expect to pay between $40 and $7,500, depending on the type of roach and the extent of the infestation. In addition, the size of your home affects the final cost of the treatment. Many exterminators use a combination of treatments on your home. Some others also work with you to ensure that the pests do not return. The cost of the treatment typically includes the cost of the labor or application service. The following treatment methods are the most commonly used to treat these bugs.

Cost to Spray for Roaches

Spray is often used to treat outdoor areas or hard to reach areas and costs between $40 and $100 per treatment, depending on the size of the area being treated. The spray is a very quick death and is safer than some other options. If you have pets and children in the area, be sure the method used is safe for them. Spraying can be done monthly or quarterly and is most often done to prevent an infestation. It is best used when cockroaches are present at a moderate level and hiding in dark corners and behind appliances.

Roach Glue Trap

Glue trap treatment by an exterminator runs between $100 and $600 per treatment. The cost depends on the number of strips required to complete the job. Glue traps are used as a pretreatment before gel bait to determine how many roaches are in the home and where they are living. Using glue traps is the best option when you are unsure of the level of infestation and want to avoid major chemical treatments if possible.

Roach Gel Bait

Baits are very effective against nearly all types of cockroaches. They provide a moderately-priced treatment at $100 to $600. The downside of it is that they take some time to work. Also, pets and kids should not be around where bait is used since it is toxic. Professionals often use these to draw roaches out, so they then return to their nest to die. The other roaches eat them, consume the bait while doing so, and die as well. Many exterminators will use this treatment combined with glue traps, though it can be used on its own. It is the ideal treatment option when there is a moderate level of infestation, and they are unsure where the roaches are hiding and the estimated number of them in the home.

Cockroach Dust Treatment

Exterminators may opt to use roach dust, which costs $100 to $600 for one treatment. This method consists of sprinkling the dust around the house. The roaches walk through it and ingest it when preening themselves. It is not the recommended method as it contains boric acid and should not be ingested by people or pets. This method is most often used in more extreme infestations when tenting is not desired. Since it can be toxic to humans and animals, it will require homeowners and their pets to leave during the treatment process.

Roach Fumigation Cost

The cost to tent a house and fumigate for roaches runs between $2,500 and $7,500 for a 2,500 sq.ft. home. This is the average cost for one treatment. In the tenting process, the entire house is covered with a tent-like material, and the house is filled with gas to kill the bugs. The roach tenting cost and the fact that homeowners have to leave their homes make this a last resort when it comes to extermination. This process is typically only used with severe situations and infestations where it is hard to locate the roaches. It is extremely effective, but the process is considered more dangerous due to the use of chemicals.

Heat Treatment for Roaches Cost

Heat treatment for roaches costs from $2,500 to $7,500 for a 2,500 sq.ft. home. Heat treatment is the perfect treatment for those looking for a chemical-free, environmentally-friendly option. It can be used to exterminate cockroaches at any time during their lifecycle and for even more severe levels 4 of infestation. The process includes tenting the home in the same manner that would be done for fumigation. However, instead of using chemicals, the home will be heated, using dry heat up to a temperature of between 122 degrees and 140 degrees Fahrenheit for a period of a half-hour to an hour. Homeowners can return to the house after the temperature has gone back to normal.

Roach Control Cost by Frequency

You can expect to pay $100 to $1,600 per year, depending on treatment frequency. With extermination, you can choose a one-time treatment or have treatments in regular intervals, such as monthly, quarterly, or annually. When you subscribe to a regular plan, you keep major infestations from occurring and keep roaches from taking up permanent residence. Regular extermination treatment is advisable for homeowners who live in areas that commonly see roaches, such as humid regions. It is advisable for homeowners with a lot of undisturbed space in their homes. Below you will see the different treatment options and how much you can expect to pay for each. It is important to note that these costs will not include the initial visit when your pest control experts diagnose the problem. This typically costs between $40 and $75.

Roach Extermination Prices by Severity of Infestation

Depending on the severity of your roach infestation, expect to pay $100 to $1,600 to resolve the problem. A minor roach infestation will be the least expensive. You can usually tell if the issue is a minor one if you only occasionally spot a roach in your home. However, there is very little chance that you only have one roach in your home. They release a chemical that draws other roaches to where they are for breeding purposes.

If you have a medium level of infestation, you notice more signs of roach living habits in your home, such as shed skin and excrement. Look for what looks like coffee grounds or black pepper. If the roaches are leaving droppings that can be seen, it is more than likely a larger infestation. Once an infestation reaches this level, more extreme and costly extermination methods may be required. You will begin seeing the presence of cockroach reproduction, including shed skin, egg casing, intact eggs, and even nests. If you see cockroaches during the day, it may mean they can’t find anywhere to go because there are so many others hiding in the dark. At this level of infestation, you may see damage to furniture, books, and bedding. Not only will you see cockroaches during the day, but you will see them in the more open areas of the home. You may notice brown smears and an overall musty odor.

When the cockroaches have become such a presence that they now appear to be part of the household, you have an extreme infestation. This most often occurs in homes that have had severe water damage, are filled with a lot of clutter, or a house that has been neglected or abandoned. In some cases, this level of infestation occurs when lesser infestations have been left untreated.

Cockroach Exterminator Prices by Company

Cockroach exterminator prices vary depending on the company, but you can expect to pay between $100 and $450. The exterminator cost for roaches from each company varies depending on any contract or service requirements. While some require at least an annual commitment, others allow you to pay one-time treatment fees. Below you will see the average cost of extermination for roaches based on the company used.

Rentokil Cockroach Treatment

Cockroach treatment from Rentokil runs between $100 and $220 per treatment. The actual cost depends on the type of pest and level of infestation. Like Terminix, roach control treatment is offered under an annual contract only with regular monthly treatments. The annual service plan includes a thorough indoor and outdoor cockroach inspection, along with a guarantee of services. If you find roaches after any treatment, they will come out and treat the space again for free.

Terminix Prices for Roaches

Terminix roach treatment costs between $150 and $350 per visit. The Terminix cockroach treatment requires a contract with an initial sign-up and then quarterly payments. The sign-up fee is between $100 and $150. Contracts need to be reviewed annually. The yearly contract includes an initial thorough interior and exterior inspection and quarterly treatments by a licensed and bonded professional exterminator. Terminix provides an ultimate protection guarantee, which promises to eliminate the pest.

Orkin Prices for Roaches

Orkin pest control prices for roaches run between $150 and $450 per visit. The Orkin roach treatment cost includes a roach inspection and the necessary treatment to eradicate the problem. There is no contract required when scheduling a cockroach treatment. Orkin offers a satisfaction guarantee. If the pests return between regular treatment intervals, they return and retreat for free.

Cockroach Inspection Cost

Depending on the company you hire, your initial inspection may be free or part of the treatment plan. However, for very large homes and some companies, there may be an inspection fee of $40 to $75. If you follow up with extermination, this fee may be waived or rolled into the total cost of the treatment.

The inspection will usually be done with your first treatment unless the infestation occurs in a large area or the level of infestation is extreme. Having infestations done is important as it provides the exterminator with the information they need about the level of infestation, the type of roach they are exterminating, and where the infestations are occurring. This helps them determine the best treatment plan. A follow-up inspection is important to make sure that the roaches have been properly exterminated. Since they tend to hide and can be hard to kill, it is possible to miss some. The follow-up inspection allows the exterminator to address the issue before the infestation gets out of control again.

Where Do Roaches Nest?

Cockroaches can infest any area of the home as long as they can find a dark corner to hide. If you see a roach in one area of your home, there is a good chance there are more in other spots. One of the most common areas to find cockroaches is in the kitchen. This is because it is home to one of their most common food sources - crumbs. Cockroaches are attracted to food first and then find perfect nesting spots under appliances and in the cabinets.

Another common location to find cockroaches is the bathroom. Bathrooms are filled with dark corners and have higher levels of moisture, which are environments in which roaches thrive. This makes basements and attics an ideal environment for cockroaches, too. Roaches are also attracted to starch, which is abundant in fibrous material like carpets. Carpets also make a great hiding place for roaches, who like to go undetected if possible. If you have cockroaches in the carpet, you will likely find them in more plush varieties and hiding in the corners of the carpet under furniture. Roaches' desire to feed on starch also attracts them to walls and wallpaper.

It is possible to have roaches in the garage but not the house, especially if you have a detached garage. Cockroaches in the garage are attracted to the garbage, moisture, or a combination of both. Garage infestations can be more common in areas with higher levels of roaches as most garages are poorly sealed and have numerous points of entry for them to enter.

It is rare to find cockroaches on the ceiling, but it is definitely unsettling. You will also not commonly find cockroaches in a bedroom unless it is a room that is not used frequently or one connected to a bathroom. Roaches can also make their way to yards with plenty of hiding spaces from predators and abundant food to eat. They often take refuge in wood piles or outside debris and can be found around outside trash cans if the trash inside is not properly sealed.

Types of House Cockroaches

Numerous types of cockroaches are found in the world, but the pests that you may have inside your home are likely one of five different types.

American Cockroach Control

American cockroach pest control involves eradicating the largest and most common roach. It has a yellow band across its back and measures about 1 to 1-½-inches long. The rest of its body is reddish-brown. A female may lay up to 40 eggs a week once she becomes established in your home. Both males and females have wings that allow them to fly a short distance. They have a lifespan of two years and are most often found in areas where food is stored. American cockroach treatment is one of the most common forms of roach treatment.

Smoky Brown Roach Control

The smoky brown cockroach is related to the American cockroach but is a little smaller and a uniform dark brown color. Their wings are longer than their bodies. Unlike American roaches that can only fly a short distance, smoky brown roaches are strong fliers and can travel longer distances. While they can be found around areas where food is stored, they more often frequent areas where there is standing water, garbage, or wood piles.

Oriental Cockroach Control

The Oriental cockroach is about the same size as the smokey brown but is a very deep black and has a glossy appearance. They prefer damp areas such as basements and bathrooms. Oriental cockroach treatment is the same as other roach species, but unlike other species, their primary food source is decaying organic matter. They have one of the lower life spans, often living only six months or less. Neither males nor females are capable of flight, even though they have small wings. They are not the true water bug that inhabits lakes and rivers and walks on the surface of the water. However, they may be referred to as water bugs due to their preference for areas with standing water

German Cockroach Control

The German cockroach is one of the most difficult to eradicate. So, the treatment often involves fumigation. They produce at a rate of 40 babies a week per single female, which is a much higher rate than other species. Their fast replication is what makes it hard to get an infestation under control.

They are easy to identify by their looks. They have a pale brown body with dark stripes on the back of their head. German cockroaches have an average lifespan of 12 months and often enter your home on clothing or luggage. German cockroaches can be found almost anywhere in the home and tend to feed on anything.

Asian Cockroach Control

Asian cockroaches are nearly identical to German cockroaches but enter your home by flying in through open doors and windows, particularly during the evening hours. They are attracted to light and will often be guided to homes by porch lights and flood lights. Asian roaches carry disease-causing microorganisms and spread pathogens leading to illness when they travel across food and counters. They can cause an allergic reaction and leave behind an oil that can be detectable by taste on food. This species also multiplies quickly, so it is important to get rid of them at the first sign of infestation.

When to Call an Exterminator for Roaches

Suppose you suspect that you have more than one or two cockroaches in your home, and your clean-up efforts have not caused them to leave. In that case, it is time to call in the pros. If you see a roach more than once, there are likely several lurking. If you notice some of the signs that roaches are nesting in your home, it is time to schedule extermination. Remember that it is always best to err on the side of caution and call the exterminator sooner rather than later. The sooner you call, the better chance that the infestation is minor and will require less effort to eradicate.

Signs of Cockroach Infestation

Often, the first sign that you have an infestation is the sighting of a single cockroach. Because these bugs are both evasive--they only come out at night--and because they multiply so quickly, seeing one likely means that you have dozens to hundreds more inside your walls.

Other signs of infestation include small black or brown flakes that look like pepper but are feces, scattered on counters and floors, a musty smell, and an oily odor. You may also see these as brown smears on bedding and carpets.

Other indications are finding the cockroaches shed skin, clear in appearance with a thin, flaky texture. Once cockroaches have reached the stage where there are multiplying, you may come across egg capsules in corners and dark areas of the home. Cockroach eggs can vary in color from white to brown to reddish. They are about half the diameter of a penny and tend to be shaped like a pill or a purse.

Are Roaches Dangerous?

The World Health Organization warns that there are numerous health risks associated with cockroaches. Roaches live near food and sewage that spreads serious bacterial diseases such as salmonella, staph, and strep. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, roaches don’t bite. They carry parasites such as tapeworms, which can be spread through their feces. They have also been proven to be a contributing cause of asthma in the elderly and children, as inhalation of the dust and feces may aggravate airways.

Roaches can also be a serious problem for people with allergies. The dust they produce, shell casings, and feces aggravate allergies and cause them to worsen. Many chemical treatments may aggravate allergies, making dust treatments in the walls the most effective course of action.

What Attracts Roaches?

Cockroaches are attracted to food, garbage, and anything with starch in it. You will most likely attract cockroaches into your home if there tends to be food left out. This can include crumbs on the floor or counter or even bowls of pet food left on the floor. Cockroaches will also be attracted to pet food left in bowls outside. It may attract them to come into the home for more food.

Since cockroaches are attracted to food, they come when there is accessible garbage that is likely to have some food waste. Cockroaches also like water and prefer a moist environment. If you have areas in your home with excess moisture, they will often be attracted to these places to hide.

Pet Safe Roach Control

Pet-friendly roach control is not very common with professional exterminators, though they will likely have some spray options that will be safe around household pets once dry. But fumigation and dusting are not safe for pets or humans and require an empty house. Gel bait can be considered relatively safe for pets as they are placed in areas that the pet cannot access, but if they do come in contact with them, it is poisonous.

How to Prevent Cockroaches From Entering Your Home

Preventing an infestation may not always be possible, but there are some tried and true ways to keep these creepy crawlers out of your home. Clean is the operative word–wipe up crumbs from counters and tabletops, and sweep your floors daily. Roaches are seeking food, so keep food in sealed containers. Many people don’t think about their pet food dishes, but roaches like all foods. Make sure you throw away boxes and papers that you don’t need. Roaches love to hide in these places. Keep all areas dry, including your damp basements. Seal up cracks and crevices around your home to discourage entry. When you bring home food, clothing, or luggage wipe things down and inspect for roaches.

While following the above advice may not always prevent an infestation, you can slow one down. The less hospitable the environment, the less likely the cockroaches will multiply.

Cricket vs Cockroach Extermination

There are some instances where homeowners may mistake crickets for cockroaches due to their similar appearance. They both are brown or black and have long antennae. The quick movements of both species can also make it difficult to identify them immediately.

If you can take a closer look, you will see that the main difference is their body types. Cockroaches are flatter, and crickets have a more cylindrical body. The movements made by the cockroaches are different from crickets. They tend to skitter across the floor, while crickets may jump or take longer strides.

Both insects feed on starches, so you will likely find damage around your home to furniture, drapes, wallpaper, and books if you have an infestation of either. Even though both can cause damage to your home, crickets do not pose a health risk, while cockroaches do.

The average cost to exterminate crickets is slightly less than exterminating cockroaches, running $175 to $325. The average cost to exterminate roaches is $150 to $450.

Enhancement and Improvement Costs

Integrated Pest Management

If you are dealing with ongoing issues, or you have other pests in the home, you may want to get some kind of integrated pest management. This can cost between $200 to $400 for most pests, but can go as high as $2,000 for very large infestations.