How Much Does It Cost To Get Rid Of Roaches?
Last Updated: January 21, 2022
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Few pests produce the feelings of disgust that cockroaches do. You shouldn't, however, let these primordial pests work you into a state of all-out chemical warfare. The same substances that are used to kill roaches can be hazardous to the health of humans and pets. Judicious chemical applications, along with a handful of common sense approaches, should be sufficient to deal with even a serious infestation. A quality exterminator will ensure that a roach population not only leaves, but stays gone.
Roach Control Considerations #
The presence of cockroaches in your home isn't a sign of uncleanliness. Roaches are extremely opportunistic pests that can squeeze through the tiniest of cracks and exploit the most meager food and water supplies. They're also the ultimate survivors: cockroaches have been around since the time of dinosaurs, can go nearly a month without food, and can even live for up to a week without a head. But as you'll read below, there are ways to effectively deal with roaches.
Roach Identification #
More than 50 different cockroach species live in the United States, although the usual suspects in home and commercial building infestations are the German cockroach, the American cockroach, the Oriental cockroach, and the brownbanded cockroach (click here for an identification guide from the University of Colorado). Each species requires slightly different management approaches. All species, however, can cause problems for human populations. Cockroaches are known to spread disease, transmit harmful bacteria, and cause allergic reaction.
Chemical Control #
Exterminators may use a number of different chemicals to eliminate a roach population, including pesticides, bait, insect growth regulator (IGR), and desiccants (drying agents). It's in your best interest to find out which chemicals an exterminator plans on using and research their safety. The same goes for any chemicals you use for do-it-yourself roach extermination. The National Pesticide Information Center (NPIC) is an excellent pesticide resource. It also has specific information on controlling roaches.
Integrated Pest Management
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a comprehensive pest control strategy that employs both chemical and non-chemical roach control tactics. Cockroach IPM calls for eliminating food and water sources, removing places where roaches hide, sealing cracks to prevent access, and rigorous sanitation. Studies have shown that IPM is more effective than chemical applications alone.
Roach Extermination Average Costs #
Check with individual pest control companies for the most accurate fee schedules. The following prices are only meant to provide a general cost estimate of roach control services.
An exterminator might charge $75 to $250 or more for an initial service. This price may include a follow-up service (make sure to get the details before you sign off), which often comes with a 2 or 3 month warranty (i.e. the company will provide additional roach control services within that timeframe if the pests reappear).
Some companies steer homeowners towards monthly ($30 to $60 per month) or quarterly ($75 to $125 per quarter) service contracts. This type of agreement may or may not be necessary depending on the severity of the infestation, although some customers enjoy the added peace of mind that comes with keeping an exterminator on retainer. Keep in mind, however, that contracts often self-renew unless they're cancelled. Again, be sure to read the fine print.
Roach extermination services for commercial buildings are much more expensive. They can easily run $500 to $1,000 per visit.
DIY roach killers cost as little as $5 to $15 (for a can of kill-on-contact insecticide, roach foggers, or bait traps) and as much as $50 to $60 per gallon for spray products that claim to provide 12-month roach control. Ortho Home Defense, a popular home roach remedy, costs about $20 per gallon.