A cockroach infestation can sneak up on homeowners at the worst times. After all, it’s no fun trying to explain to dinner gusts why bugs are crawling around on the kitchen counter.
So, that’s why it’s well worth the investment to get rid of them. But what’s that going to cost?
Below is a cockroach exterminator cost table. It shows the price range that you might pay to a professional roach exterminator.
It also gives you the lowest and highest prices according to the latest cost guides. And these cost estimates will cover the entire US.
In this guide, we’ll show you how pest control companies compile their estimates. Next, you’ll receive tips on how to control cockroaches in your own. And last, we’ll tell you what to expect when hiring a professional exterminator to eliminate the problem for you.
Ed has been working in the pest control industry for years helping 1,000's of homeowners navigate the world of insect and rodent management. He manages Pest Strategies now helping homeowners around the world!
Table Of Contents
Cockroach Exterminator Cost
| National Average Cost | Cost Range | Minimum Cost | Maximum Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| $250 | $100 – $400 | $50 | $500 |
What affects roach extermination cost?
There are many factors that pest control companies use to set their prices. While each exterminator is unique in what they offer, there are established standards for pricing. Here are some of those features.
Type of cockroach
It may sound strange that a pest control professional would care what type of roach you have. After all, aren’t they all the same? Can’t you spray them, and they’ll go away?
Not really. While some species of insects will leave if you spray an area, roaches won’t. That’s because they adapt easily to adverse conditions. Here are some examples.
American cockroach
Despite its name, the American cockroach is a non-native species. Its original home was in Africa and the middle east. This common pest was brought to America by merchants in the early 1700s.
The American roach prefers warm, humid areas. So, it will often venture inside during the winter. Control is fairly simple since it usually responds to either spray or bait granules.
However, since this roach seems to be everywhere, It may be hard to decide where to spray. That’s why broadcast granular baits are the way to go. This type of insecticide targets only the insect, so it’s safer to use than broadcast spraying.
Oriental cockroach
Sometimes called “waterbugs,” oriental roaches prefer drains, sewers, and other dark, moist areas. You can also find them hiding under leaves, bushes, and mulch outside.
The oriental cockroach is most active after dark. So, they will often scatter when the lights are turned on in a bathroom at night.
Residual sprays are the most reliable for this pest. However, since oriental roaches prefer moist areas, the insecticide may be washed off easily. For that reason, granular baits tend to work better long term.
German cockroach
By far, the hardest type of roach to control is the german cockroach. That’s because of its ability to reproduce so quickly. One mating pair can produce over 20,000 offspring.
The best way to identify this stout little insect is by the two black racing stripes behind its head. It also shows itself by the way it nests in tight spaces. Its feces often mark these areas.
The one weakness the german roach has is that it relies entirely on humans for its survival. It invades indoor buildings such as restaurants, kitchens, and anywhere there’s the slightest morsel of food.
Fumigation, foggers, and chemical sprays rarely work for the German cockroach. This is because pesticides tend to make roaches scatter. What’s more, they can cause these insects to panic and speed up their reproduction.
So, the best way to manage German roaches is with gel baits and bait stations. For this reason, they may be priced more than other pests. The company has greater costs due to the time and material required to conquer this insect.
Frequency of service
Most of the time, the pest control contract will state how many treatments are covered and for how long. And they can vary greatly, depending on the pest control company. These are the typical service agreements you’ll run into.
Annual contract
These are general service agreements for one year. This means that you agree to have a technician service your home every month for 12 months. These contracts typically cost $40 to $70 per month and cover most common pests like spiders, ants, and roaches.
Quarterly contract
A quarterly contract covers the same type of pests as an annual agreement. The difference here is the interval. You agree to have a technician service your home every three months.
The average cost of each visit is between $100 and $300. And although it costs more per visit, there are some extra benefits of having this type of contract. Here are the advantages:
- May cost less long term
- Less interaction with the company
- More convenient
- Only four visits to schedule per year
Some states allow bi-monthly contracts. This means that your home is sprayed every other month. And the same pests are covered as the other contracts.
One-time pest control service
This is just how it sounds. You schedule each visit one at a time. The typical cost is $100 to $200 and covers most pest types, including cockroaches.
While this type of plan offers the most convenience, it indeed isn’t the cheapest. And there usually is no warranty provided. Still, a one-time spray can be the quickest, easiest option for getting rid of your roach problem.
Infestation level
Sometimes, a pest control company will charge extra if they find a large infestation. This can either include the number of adult roaches they find or the size of the area.
For example, suppose you had a home with a large kitchen that was infested with German cockroaches. If the infestation was huge, and there were roaches everywhere, expect to pay more. And if these bugs move into other areas of the house, the price could climb even higher.
Signs & Causes of Infestation
If you see one or two roaches crawling around on the floor, you can hardly call that an infestation. But when a whole bunch of them scatter upon turning the lights on, that’s a problem.
Here are some other signs of infestation:
- Live roaches. This may seem obvious. But you know the issue is pretty awful when you see roaches during the day. This means there’s no more room at mom and dad’s house. The kids have moved out to start their own families.
- Feces (droppings). Waste products from German roaches typically resemble ground black pepper. Larger species such as the American cockroach will have droppings that are barrel-shaped.
- Egg capsules. The scientific name for a cockroach egg capsule is ootheca. It contains up to 100 nymphs, depending on the species. And it protects them from the weather and intruders.
- Unusual odor. If you detect a strange smell in your kitchen that gets worse over time, you may have a roach infestation. It can best be explained as a musty odor caused by the droppings left on kitchen surfaces.
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Health risks of cockroaches
There is some evidence to show that cockroaches are carriers of Ecoli and salmonella pathogens. Unfortunately, more studies need to be conducted regarding this health risk.
However, there’s much more proof about the allergic effects that roaches have on humans. Studies are finding that 60% of patients who are allergic to wheat are also allergic to cockroaches. This critical research indicates the need to control this widespread pest.
DIY vs. Hiring a Professional
Getting rid of roaches yourself can be a nasty job. You have to get close to the nest to see what’s going on. Then, there’s the matter of dealing with dead roaches, not to mention the smell.
Still, you could save a lot of money in the process. But cockroach control isn’t easy. So, here, we’ll tell you the secrets of the largest pest control companies and how they control roach infestations.
Orkin starts its eco-friendly roach control program by inspecting every area of the home. The technician looks for possible entry points within cracks and crevices. They also make sure that any activity is not confused with signs of bed bugs.
When doing an inspection, it’s easiest to start from the top down. Using a bright flashlight, look into cracks and holes where insects might be hiding.
Also, check cabinet hinges for feces. And be sure to watch out for egg sacks. All of these signs will give you clues about the roach activity going on in your kitchen.
You can also lay down some glue traps overnight. This method will help you identify the insects that get caught.
Once the nest site is found, Terminix goes to work on getting rid of it for good. However, this doesn’t require aerosol spray. The knowledge of the technician will do.
One little-known trick used by pros is to vacuum up the live roaches. This method uses a portable shop-vac with a long hose. The insects are sucked up along with any excess dried feces.
You certainly aren’t bound to these methods. However, you may also have to use some creative solutions to get the job done.
After German cockroach infestations are discovered, Aptive Environmental takes swift action. Their techs use bait gels and granules to get rid of adult roaches. They’re placed in vital areas where these insects breed.
Next, an insect growth regulator is used for long-term control. These targeted insecticides disrupt the lifecycle of roaches and other insects. It’s an essential product for ensuring these common household pests don’t return.
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What is the standard cockroach extermination process?
Several important events take place during the pest management process. Here, we outline what you can expect when hiring a cockroach exterminator.
Sales visit
Some pest control companies will send a salesperson to you after you call. You can usually tell they aren’t a technician because they’re driving a car instead of a truck.
That’s okay since they will probably do an initial inspection and estimate. And you will typically get all your questions answered. But they should never try to hard-sell you.
Contract and terms
In most cases, the estimate will be free of charge. This is always nice since you don’t have to worry about it later. However, it’s good to make sure all promises are in writing before agreeing to the service.
Initial visit
Once you sign the agreement, the first visit is scheduled. Be sure to ask about the extermination methods in advance. Are there any pesticides used indoors? Is it safe for children? Is there anything to move before the technician shows up?
In most cases, the initial treatment will cost more than the other scheduled service visits. But don’t be alarmed by this, as long as it’s reasonable. The extra time and materials to control an infestation have to be accounted for by the company you hire.
When the technician arrives, they should knock on the door to let you know that the treatment is about to start. This is important since you want to make sure children and pets are well away from any areas to be serviced.
If the technician starts right away before greeting you, this is a red flag. Promptly stop them and ask about what they intend to do. You have that right since you are the homeowner or resident.
Methods used for roaches
The type of treatment used is mostly up to the pest control technician. It varies greatly. But these are the main ones.
Perimeter spray
A broadcast spray around the outside of the home will typically be first. This will ensure that a barrier is set up between the outside and inside of the house. Also, bait granules are placed in various locations throughout the yard after everything dries.
Kitchen and dining room
Once the outside is finished, it’s time for the technician to head indoors. The first thing they usually start with is the kitchen. The dining room is typically serviced at the same time.
Depending on the type of roach, bait stations, granules, or gels will be placed in cracks and crevices where insects live. Boric acid dust may also be applied with a special tool that directs it to the affected areas.
Spraying indoors
Some companies still spray for insects indoors. However, today’s advanced methods render this practice nearly obsolete. Instead, look for the technician to apply baits and gels for roaches inside the home.
If the technician decides to spray indoors, it should be a sequence of spot treatments. This means that a small amount of liquid is applied to a series of one-square-foot areas. And the intervals should be no less than three to four feet apart.
Mechanical exclusion
Some pest control companies employ caulking, foam, and steel wool to plug cockroach entry points. This method reduces insect breeding areas. So, the result is better cockroach control while limiting the need for widespread pesticide use.
Final thoughts
Whether you decide to tackle the job yourself or hire a pest control company, getting rid of roaches is the main focus. And most people decide they need help. So, they call a professional.
However, keep in mind that no two exterminators are alike. For that reason, pest control prices can vary widely. And you could end up paying more than you should.
For those reasons, it’s best to do your homework. Review sites are a great place to start. You can get a feel for a company’s overall satisfaction rating, and you’ll discover which ones to avoid.
