How Much Does an Ant Exterminator Cost in 2024?
Typical Range:
$80 - $500
Cost data is based on research by HomeAdvisor.
Updated August 30, 2024
Written by HomeAdvisor.Highlights
On average, one ant extermination treatment costs $150.
Key cost factors include infestation level, ant type, pest control brand, and extermination method.
Carpenter ants and fire ants cause damage and should be addressed quickly.
Repairing cracks in your home can prevent future ant infestations.
On average, hiring an exterminator to remove ants costs $150, with most homeowners spending between $80 and $500 for a single treatment. If the ant in your home is significant, you might need more than one treatment. Four treatments a year cost between $400 and $480 but can go as high as $1,400. Ant exterminators might also charge based on the type of ants in your home, the size of the space needing treatment, accessibility to the infestation area, and the extermination method.
Average Ant Exterminator Cost
| Average Cost | High Cost | Low Cost |
|---|---|---|
| $150 | $500 | $80 |
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Ant Exterminator Cost Factors
Several factors affect the total cost of ant extermination, including the brand, the extent of the infestation, and the extermination method.
Brand
Orkin and Terminix are two of the most well-known pest control brands, and both use similar ant control methods. Treatment from either company may consist of insecticides, baits, and other products for use in the ants’ nest or other places where they’re active.
However, plan options and pricing differ between Orkin and Terminix. Orkin offers a personalized ant control treatment program that considers the home, the ant problem, and the surrounding environment. Terminix offers a standard pest control plan that covers up to 13 different pests, including ants. This plan includes a one-time or quarterly service.
At Orkin, prices for ant extermination range between $200 and $1,400. Meanwhile, the average Terminix cost for ant extermination ranges from $150 to $1,200, making it slightly less expensive. Ultimately, the cost depends on the size of the area affected and the severity of the ant problem. Expect to pay at least $480 a year for four treatments.
Infestation Level
The infestation level can affect the amount of labor, expertise, method, and length of treatment required, and thus the final cost. A widespread ant infestation costs more than a localized infestation.
| Infestation Level | Average Exterminator Cost |
|---|---|
| Small | $150–$300 |
| Medium | $300–$500 |
| Large | $400–$700 |
| Severe | $800–$1,400 |
Size and Number of Treatments
A one-time ant examination costs $150 on average. However, if you need more than one treatment, most exterminators often lower the price for subsequent treatments. You might pay $100 to $120 per treatment, which translates to around $400 to $480 annually for four treatments. Costs can reach $1,400 for more severe cases requiring more frequent treatments.
Some exterminators charge based on square footage. For a 2,000-square-foot area, single treatments cost around $160, while a 3,500-square-foot home typically costs about $200 for one treatment.
Extermination Method
The cost also depends on the method the exterminator uses. The exterminator assesses the species of ant and the location of the infestation before deciding on the best approach. Depending on the chosen technique, you’ll spend between $150 and $400.
Here are the average costs of some of the most common ant extermination methods.
| Extermination Method | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Barrier spray | $80–$150 |
| Mound treatment | $100–$150 |
| Poison treatment | $100–$220 |
| Two-step method | $500–$1,000 |
| Ant fumigation | $1,300–$4,000 |
Location
Costs for ant extermination may vary depending on labor costs in your area. For example, if you live in a rural area, you may have to pay travel costs for your exterminator.
Some regions are more prone to certain types of ants. For example, fire ants are most common in the Southern U.S. Carpenter ants and fire ants are some of the most difficult to exterminate, so costs may be higher in areas with large populations of these ants.
Preventive Maintenance
The average hourly cost of hiring a local handyperson for preventive maintenance is $60 to $125 per hour, plus materials. A handyperson can prevent future ant infestations by sealing cracks or making other repairs around the house. While an exterminator treats the ant infestation, a handyperson can help prevent future infestations.
Identifying Ant Types
There are several hundred species of ants found in North America. About 25 of these are home invaders. Here are a few of the most common home-invading ants and how to identify them.
Carpenter ant: Up to 1/2 inch long; black or black and red; has an evenly rounded thorax; emits a rotten coconut-like smell when disturbed or crushed
Fire ant: 1/16–1/4 inch long; yellowish to reddish to black; has an antenna with a 2-segment club; readily stings
Pharaoh ant: Tiny in size, about 1/16 inches long; can range from yellowish to light brown to reddish
Sugar ant: Almost 1/2 inch long; yellow and black
Argentine ant: 1/8 inch long; light to dark brown; has a rounded abdomen base and a single erect node
Ant Exterminator Costs by Type
Exterminators charge different rates depending on the type of ant. Certain species of ants are more difficult to get rid of and thus cost more. Here’s what you can expect to pay for some of the most common ant types found in homes.
Carpenter Ants
Treating carpenter ants costs anywhere between $250 and $500. Carpenter ants are one of the most difficult ants to deal with, which is why extermination costs run on the higher side. Their central nests are usually outside, in dead wood or decaying tree stumps. The nest inside the house is likely a satellite nest built to access more space, food, or a hospitable breeding ground. To completely eliminate carpenter ants, you must find and destroy their central nest.
You can do the extermination work yourself, but given the difficulty of eliminating this type of ant, you may be better off hiring a local ant extermination pro to do the job for you.
Fire Ants
Exterminating fire ants typically costs between $100 and $300. You can find these ants in the southern U.S., between North Carolina and Texas, but infestations can also occur in the Southwest.
Fire ants are highly aggressive and rush from their nest to bite and sting at the slightest provocation. Some people experience allergic reactions to their bites. For safety’s sake, contact an exterminator to deal with this ant infestation.
Pharaoh Ants
The cost to eliminate pharaoh ants is between $200 and $250. These ants typically enter buildings through cracks and other openings but can also get inside on packages, supplies, and furnishings. They can be a nuisance to eliminate because they have a habit of nesting in difficult-to-reach areas, such as inside walls.
Pharaoh ants don’t typically bite but harbor pathogenic bacteria that can spread throughout your home, particularly on food.
Sugar Ants
Exterminators typically charge between $200 and $250 to eliminate sugar ants. These ants mostly seek out sugar and sweets of all kinds, such as honey, jam, cake, and spilled juice in homes, thus the name.
Other Types of Ants
Most other ants that are home invaders—like Argentine ants, odorous house ants, thief ants, and rover ants—will cost $150 on average to eliminate. Try to identify the type of ant you’re dealing with before you contact a pro. This can help them know the tools they need to bring to do the job or the types of treatments to carry. If you can’t identify the type of ant or aren’t sure, the exterminator can do it when they report for the job.
Budgeting for Ant Extermination
Eliminating ants in your home typically requires professional tools and expertise. However, there are steps you can take before hiring an exterminator to help make the process more budget-friendly:
If you’ve only noticed one or two ants, place ant traps or spray the area with vinegar to deter more ants. However, if they return or you notice more ants, you may want to call in a pro.
If you notice fire or carpenter ants, call an exterminator quickly to prevent the problem from spreading. Fire ants and carpenter ants can cause extensive damage to your home and are difficult to eliminate with home solutions.
Contact several companies to compare quotes for exterminator costs.
Labor costs increase the longer the treatment takes, so remove any obstructions around the area to speed up the process.
How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data
No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. After a project is complete, we survey real customers about the costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Still Have Questions About Ant Extermination?
FAQs
What does an exterminator do for ants?
A local pest control pro will visit your home and determine the type of ants you’re dealing with, as well as the level of infestation. They’ll try to look for the source of the problem and then determine the best treatment approach. They may return for a follow-up visit after applying the treatment to ensure they’ve eradicated the infestation. If not, they may administer a second dose of treatment.
Should my exterminator use eco-friendly products?
Many exterminators are turning to eco-friendly or green products to lessen negative impacts on the environment. Some exterminators may still use old chemical-based products, so when getting quotes, ask if your pro uses eco-friendly practices if this is important for you.
Can an ant exterminator also get rid of termites or other insects in the home?
Most exterminators specialize in multiple types of pest control, so they can likely tackle ants and other pests. Just know that pest control costs for multiple infestations and treatments will raise your final price. For example, termite extraction costs range from $230 to $960, spider extermination costs between $150 and $500, roach extermination costs from $100 to $600, and bed bug extermination costs between $300 and $5,000.
How long does it take for treatment to work?
You can expect to start seeing results in as little as 48 hours for most ant treatments. However, it can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks for ant problems to go away completely. The time taken depends on the level of infestation and the treatment method used.
How can I prevent or repel ants?
There are many natural solutions to prevent or repel ants. One popular method is to use a 50-50 solution of white vinegar and water to clean surfaces around your home. The vinegar leaves a strong odor that ants dislike. Another option is to put drops of peppermint oil on cotton balls and place them in areas where you find ants. You can also sprinkle black pepper or cayenne pepper on places where ants often appear in your home. Keep these repellants out of the reach of pets and small children.
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