How much do Pest Control Experts cost?

The cost of pest control services can vary from city to city based on the cost of raw materials, taxation, cost of living and other such factors. The national average cost of pest control in Australia starts at around $70 per hour. However, you can expect to pay much more or much less in different regions of the country.

Here’s a basic guide regarding the average costs in different cities:

If you live in a region with higher chances of termite infestation, you should consider investing in some form of pest control. The last thing you want is for the termites to eat into your building material and cause extensive structural damage. The cost of repairing the structural damage will always exceed the cost of installing a good termite barrier or hiring a pest control service professionals for thorough termite elimination.

Termite inspection – The pest control service provider will not apply any form of termite control treatment without a thorough inspection. Termites can spread quickly from one area of your property to another, which is why an initial inspection is essential. You might need to pay around $250 for a pest inspection before you purchase a property. You will need to pay anywhere between $300 and $600 for a combined pre-purchase pest inspection and building.

Termite Control – Termite control for a relatively isolated and concentrated area of an infestation can range from $180 to $225. The cost of installing a complete termite barrier during the construction process can cost up to $3000 or more depending on the size of the property.

Pest infestation costs depend on a number of factors, which is why it’s a good idea to contact three or four pest control companies in your local area and ask them for quotes for the job. You can then compare these quotes and determine which service fits into your requirements and budget.

Pest controller spraying concrete. | Source: Central Coast Timber Pest Reports

Pest control prices vary based on the different types of pests and the different types of solutions they require. Here is a list of 10 most common types of pests and what you need to know about them:

1. Ants – Ants are some of the most common pests in Australia and they’re often considered harmless but they can be a pain to handle if they’re present on your property in large numbers. These pests are attracted to food, especially the lingering crumbs that aren’t cleaned up and are present everywhere.
2. Bed Bugs – Bed bugs feed on blood and are often found in beds, mattresses, couches, and chairs. They’ll only be present where they can have easy access to humans during their feeding time, which is why they’re most commonly found in mattresses and the bed areas. While they aren’t really dangerous, they can cause allergic reactions and a significant amount of trauma.
3. Bees – Bees are quite dangerous because their stings are painful and allergic reactions to the stings can be quite painful too. These creatures can build nests in your property and swarm the area, which can be dangerous. 
4. Birds – Some birds are considered pests as well; not only are they a nuisance and noisy but can also cause a significant amount of damage to your property. Bird droppings can be corrosive and erode building material and deface the property. The bacteria and germs from their presence can cause health problems and allergies and defile the immediate environment around your home or commercial establishment.
5. Cockroaches – Cockroaches are very resilient and stubborn so it isn’t easy to get rid of them. If you don’t take the right steps to eliminate them from your property, you can face a significant increase in their population in a few short weeks.
6. Rodents – Rodents are dangerous as they can bite people, destroy building material, and even spread illnesses. Rats and mice also carry fleas and germs, which can cause a great deal of harm to the people present in your property.
7. Possums – Possums are noisy and difficult to remove once they’ve settled into your property. They’re also protected so they can’t be exterminated and must be relocated to another area close to your property. An experienced professional can help you remove them and ensure they don’t return to their nesting site.
8. Snakes – Snakes are a serious concern because some of them are venomous and can cause a considerable amount of harm to you, your family, and even your pets. They’re usually attracted by the promise of a meal like rodents and pests.
9. Spiders – Most spiders are harmless but some species like the redback and funnel-web spiders can cause a considerable amount of harm with their bites. It’s best to remove these spiders from your property the moment they’re spotted. Don’t try to handle spiders on your own because without the proper tools and extraction techniques, you can place yourself at risk.
10. Termites – Termites can cause significant amounts of structural damage and even weaken your property. They feed on organic building material like wood, drywall, and other such materials, which is why you need to remove them as soon can you can. Regular termite inspection and control will help you keep your property safe.

Outdoor pest control service. | Source: Matthew Lynch Pest Control

Pest control costs also depend on the type of infestation you have on your property, the property size, and other such factors. Here are some things you need to know about pest control and related costs:

General pest control costs

As mentioned before, the cost of pest control will vary from state to state and the prices can differ from one pest control service to another too. Here’s a general estimate of treatment costs:

Fumigation cost

General spray pest control options are quite affordable but if you want penetrative pest control treatment, you should consider fumigation. The cost of fumigation depends largely on the size of your property and the type of products used. Check with your local pest control service provider to get the accurate details regarding pricing and rates.

Possum removal cost

Possums are a protected species so the pest control service providers will only trap the animal and then transport it away from your property to release it again. This usually costs around $225 for a single level house with a tiled roof. Most companies will provide a 12-month guarantee with this service to assure you that the possums that were relocated won’t enter your property once again.

Property size and Building type

You’ll need to pay around $120 for pest control of a 3-bedroom house. This includes the cost of a one-off treatment spray treatment in the interior and exterior of your home. The same pest control treatment will cost you around $150 for both the interior and exterior spray in a 4-bedroom house. As you can see, the property size plays an important role in the overall price of pest control. Control in smaller properties is more affordable because there are less material and labour involved. Larger properties require more time, effort, and pest control materials and solutions.

The type of building can also influence the amount of money you’ll have to spend on pest control. A large multi-storey building usually requires more time and effort, along with more pest control raw materials and planning. Pest control in older properties is also likely to be more expensive because they’re more difficult to work with. Pest control treatment for commercial properties and office buildings will cost more than pest control for smaller residential properties.

Tip #1: Different pest control treatments have different price tags attached to them because of the effort involved. For example, termite extermination is more expensive than bee or wasp removal because there’s more work involved in the former. 

Tip #2: Thorough pest inspections are essential if you want to ensure all insects and rodents are removed from your property. Most pest control services will charge extra for pest inspections and some might not even include the cost in the quote they offer. Make sure the cost of pest inspection is included in the quote they offer to avoid unpleasant surprises at the end of the job.

How much is an exterminator?

Exterminator rates can vary depending on the type of pest and the location of the extermination. The average cost of an exterminator in Australia can range from $40 to $100 per hour.

 *The cost data is based on Oneflare and third-party sources