How Much Is Pest Control?
Pest infestations in your home can cause sleepless nights and may even lead to your home being uninhabitable. Before the problem worsens, explore the different pest control options available and pest control prices in the UK.
So, how much does pest control cost in 2025?
Pest removal costs, on average, around £100. However, the prices you're quoted will depend on the type of infestation that you have.
Our pest control costs are based on a typical case. However, the severity of the infestation will significantly impact the pest control prices you're quoted by a professional.
For instance, rat exterminator costs are about £125, while wasp nest removal is more affordable at between £50 to £75. On the higher end, bed bug extermination costs can be as much as £215.
As you can see, pest control costs can vary significantly. This guide includes pest control prices for a range of infestations, additional costs that you might need to budget for, and much more!
Hiring a professional ensures that infestations are dealt with quickly and helps to identify the root causes to reduce the likelihood of it happening again.
Pest Control Prices
The table below covers what the cost of pest control will be for the most common types of infestations in the UK. Prices include labour and materials costs.
| Job Description | Duration | Average Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Wasp nest treatment | 1 - 2 hours | £50 - £75 |
| Flea treatment on carpets and furniture | 3 - 4 hours | £80 - £150 |
| Bed bugs treatment | 4 - 8 hours | £135 - £215 |
| Ant control treatment | 1 - 2 hours | £50 - £100 |
| Cockroach treatment | 1 - 2 hours | £50 - £100 |
| Rodent control | 2 - 3 hours | £75 - £125 |
| Mole or squirrel control | 2 - 3 hours | £75 - £125 |
What are the Supply Costs of Pest Control?
When it comes to pest control, there are often very specific tools or substances that must be used to remove the pests completely. The costs for these supplies are usually included in the overall cost for the job supplied by your chosen contractor.
However, there are some pest control products that you can buy from your local DIY store that can help you control your pests as a DIY job if you are on a tight budget.
The table below highlights some of the supply costs that may be involved with controlling pests at your home:
| Supplies | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Mouse/rat trap | £10 - £40 |
| Ant Trap | £3 - £5 |
| Wasp trap | £15 - £40 |
| Slug Pellets | £3 - £10 |
| Fly/Mosquito net | £15 - £30 |
| Electric fly killer | £30 - £100 |
| Insecticide | £10 - £30 |
What Additional Pest Control Costs Are There?
Depending on the extent of the infestation, there are a number of additional costs that you may need to consider with this type of work. Below is a list of the additional costs that you may need to think about after you have eliminated all of the pests in your home:
Replacement Furniture
Some pests will ruin or chew through your furniture. In these cases, you may need to buy some new furniture to replace the damaged items.
The prices for new furniture can vary depending on the type of furniture that you need to replace and how much furniture needs to be replaced.
For example, a new sofa will cost around £500 to £2,000, a new table and chairs set will cost around £300 to £1,000, and a new cabinet will cost around £100 to £500.
Redecorating
Depending on the type of pest, you may need to redecorate some rooms in your home once the pests have been eliminated. On average in the UK, a decorator charges between £150 and £200 per day (labour only).
An average-size room will cost around £250 to £300 for re-decorating costs. In addition, if new flooring is needed, this will cost around £20 to £50 per square metre.
Gardening
If your garden has been affected by pests, you may want to hire a professional gardener to come and renew the look of your garden. A professional gardener will usually charge around £25 to £30 per hour.
How Much Does an Exterminator Cost?
Although there are some things that you can do to control pests yourself, the best option is to hire a professional to come in and completely eliminate the pests.
The average cost that a pest control specialist will charge is around £150 to £200 per day. The overall price that you pay for labour will depend on the type of pests that you have, the size of your home, your location in the UK, and the extent of the infestation.
Some jobs will take longer than others and you can expect longer jobs to cost more. A tradesman will usually inspect your home to determine the extent of the infestation beforehand and they will be able to give you a good idea of the timescales and costs that you can expect for the work.
Pest control prices are higher in certain areas. For example, pest control in London has higher labour costs compared to the North or other parts of the UK.
How Long Does Pest Control Take?
The length of time that it takes to complete a pest control job is hard to determine as it will depend on the type of pests that you have and the level of infestation.
A pest controller will usually be able to give you a good idea of how long you can expect the job to take when during the initial inspection. However, most pest control jobs can usually be completed within a day.
The pest controller will come and inspect the infestation and their location, and then a method of control will be decided between the homeowner and the pest controller.
Some pest control jobs may need to be continued over a course as some infestations could be prone to return. The infested area may need to be retreated to completely control the pests.
Types of Pest
Unfortunately, there are many different types of pests that are found in homes in the UK. Some types of pests are easier to remove than others, while some require more comprehensive extermination treatments. These are the most common types of pest infestations:
Rodents
Rodents such as rats and mice are often found in homes. These types of pests can cause a lot of damage to your property, ranging from scratching your furniture to gnawing through electrical wires.
In extreme cases, damage to electrical wires can cause a fire, so rodents are a dangerous type of pest. Rodents also carry diseases, so it is best to take prompt action if they are in your home.
Bedbugs
Bedbugs can be hard to exterminate because they are so small they can hide inside cracks. They don't just live in beds, they often spread around soft furnishings and clothing. They can be hard to spot and reproduce at a rapid rate, feeding off human and animal blood.
Bees, Wasps, and Hornets
If you have found bees, wasps, or hornet nests in your home, you'll need to get advice from a professional exterminator.
Bee removal must be done responsibly and must adhere to strict guidelines. This is because honeybees are protected in the UK, as they're essential for pollination. It can be hard to identify the type of bee infestation — but a pest control expert will follow the correct procedure on your behalf.
Wasps and hornets can be quite aggressive — so you need to be careful that you don't get stung! A professional will have the tools and equipment to eliminate wasps and hornets safely.
Ants
Ants often invade homes looking for food or shelter. They can easily gain access through small cracks in walls and gaps around doors and windows. A few ants can quickly turn into a large infestation, so finding and sealing entry points will help prevent more ants from entering your home. Hiring an ant exterminator should help quickly resolve the issue.
Moles
Moles can cause costly damage to your garden, creating tunnels and ruining your lawn area. The cost of hiring gardeners to repair your outdoor space can, over time, accumulate to quite a sum!
In the UK, moles are protected by the Animal Welfare Act 2006, so they can only be removed in a way that does not cause unnecessary suffering. A professional mole exterminator will usually use traps to capture the moles without harming them.
Squirrels
Squirrels are often found in attics. If not removed, they can chew through wiring, insulation, pipes and woodwork. Repairing the damage can be expensive and you may even need to budget for the cost of roof repairs
.Squirrels also carry diseases, so they are a health risk too. It's better to leave squirrel removal to the experts, as they can be aggressive.
Types of Pest Control
There are a variety of different pest control methods for different pests. Below is a list of the most common types of pest control techniques in the UK:
Traps and Poisons
Many people are put off from the thought of using traps or poisons to control pests. However, if they are used correctly, they are an effective pest control method that can help to completely eliminate the pests.
Many pest controllers now use special traps that capture the animal so that they can be released later into nature rather than the traditional traps that tend to kill or seriously injure the animal.
Many bugs can be eliminated using electric traps or chemical sprays. However, these are not always effective at removing large infestations.
A professional pest controller will usually use chemicals that comply with the Control of Pesticides Act. This will ensure the chemicals comply with relevant government legislation and are safe to use.
Fumigation
This type of pest control is only used for the most extreme cases of infestation. In these events, the property is sealed off and gas is pumped in to kill all of the pests. During a fumigation, you will most likely need to leave the property for a few days.
Habitat Removal
An easy and effective way of removing pests is to remove their habitat or whatever is attracting them to your home.
For example, piles of rubbish may attract rats. Removing these piles of rubbish will mean that the rats will have to go somewhere else to find food.
Similarly, damp areas can attract certain insects. Damp-proofing your home and repairing any leaks can help to eliminate these types of pests.
FAQs
Q: Is the landlord responsible for pest control when renting?
A: It’s not always clear who is responsible for pest control when renting. However, an environmental health officer may be able to identify the cause, which can determine who is responsible.
A landlord will usually be responsible if the tenancy agreement states that they are responsible or if the infestation was caused by the landlord not making efficient repairs in your home.
Q: What is pest control?
A: Pest control involves killing or removing pests in your home so that they are no longer a problem.
Q: Do I need to leave the house for pest control?
A: Most of the time, you won’t need to leave the house during a pest control visit. However, the pest controller may ask you to step outside for a short period of time if they're using chemical controls.
The only time you would need to leave your house for a longer period of time is if the infestation is extreme and a complete fumigation needs to be done.
Q: Do ultrasonic pest repellents work?
A: Ultrasonic pest repellents are designed to emit sounds at a frequency that will keep pests away from the home. Some ultrasonic pest repellents may work as a short term solution.
However, they aren’t usually an effective long term solution for your pest control problems.
Q: How do I find out where mice are coming from?
A: You should inspect areas such as your loft, garage, crawl spaces, and basement to see if there are any holes or nests.
Also check your kitchen cupboards, pipes, and skirting boards for any visible holes. If you find any holes, fill them in with something inedible and cover it with plaster to stop the mice from being able to return.
Q: What should I do to prepare my home for pest control treatment?
To prepare your home for pest control treatment, you should thoroughly clean by mopping, vacuuming and wiping down surfaces. Move furniture away from walls to allow access to corners and baseboards. You should also ensure that all food is sealed in airtight containers.
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