The average cost for professional ant extermination ranges from $100 to $500, with most homeowners paying around $300 for a standard treatment. The price you’ll pay depends on factors like the type of ants, the severity of the infestation, and whether you need a one-time treatment or ongoing pest control.
Fire ants and carpenter ants tend to be more expensive to eliminate than common house ants, and larger infestations require multiple treatments, increasing costs. A single visit for minor ant problems might cost as little as $70, while extensive infestations requiring specialized treatment can reach $650 or more.
If you’re dealing with recurring ant issues, a quarterly pest control plan might be the best option, costing $50 to $70 per month and covering multiple pests, not just ants.
In this guide, we’ll break down ant extermination costs, what influences pricing, and whether a one-time service or an ongoing pest control plan makes the most sense for your home.
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Ant Extermination Costs and Influencing Factors
The table below breaks down extermination costs by frequency of visits and services included:
| Service Type | Average Cost | What’s Included |
|---|---|---|
| One-Time Visit | $150–$350 | Inspection, diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up. |
| Monthly Service | $125–$300 (initial), then $50–$75 per visit | Ongoing inspections and treatments for ants and other common pests. |
| Annual Service | $125–$500 per year | Year-round pest control with scheduled visits and additional treatments if needed. |
What Affects Ant Extermination Costs?
Several factors determine how much you’ll pay for professional ant removal:
- Type of Ants – Some species, like carpenter or fire ants, require specialized treatment, increasing costs.
- Infestation Severity – A minor problem may need just one treatment, while severe infestations require multiple visits.
- Home Size – Larger homes take more time and materials to treat, raising the price.
- Indoor vs. Outdoor Infestation – Outdoor treatments tend to be easier and less expensive than complex indoor treatments.
- Treatment Method – Baits, chemical sprays, and eco-friendly options all come with different pricing.
- One-Time vs. Recurring Service – A single visit is more expensive upfront, while ongoing plans reduce per-visit costs.
Is an Ongoing Pest Control Plan Worth It?
If ants keep coming back, a quarterly pest control plan may be the best solution. These plans cover multiple pests — not just ants — and typically include a guarantee that if ants return between scheduled visits, the company will provide additional treatments at no extra cost.
Signs and Causes of Ant Infestations
If you notice any of these signs, you may have an ant infestation:
- Ant trails – A steady stream of ants moving to and from a food source.
- Small piles of dirt or sawdust – This could indicate carpenter ants burrowing into wood.
- Ant nests or mounds – Fire ants create noticeable mounds in yards, while some species nest in hidden areas indoors.
- Food contamination – If ants consistently appear in your kitchen, they’ve likely found a reliable food source.
What Attracts Ants to Your Home?
Ants are always searching for food, water, and shelter. Here’s what draws them inside:
- Food crumbs and spills – Even tiny amounts of sugar, grease, or pet food can attract ants.
- Standing water – Leaky pipes, pet bowls, and damp areas provide hydration for ants.
- Poorly sealed entry points – Gaps in windows, doors, and walls give ants easy access.
- Decaying wood – Carpenter ants nest in damp, rotting wood, often found in decks, basements, or attics.
How to Prevent an Ant Infestation
To prevent an ant problem before it starts:
- Keep food sealed and stored properly.
- Clean up spills and crumbs immediately.
- Fix leaks and eliminate standing water.
- Seal entry points around doors, windows, and pipes.
- Trim vegetation away from your home’s foundation.
If ants have already invaded your home, professional treatment may be the quickest way to eliminate them and prevent future infestations.
Are Ants Dangerous? Health Risks to Know
While ants don’t typically carry diseases like mosquitoes or rodents do, they can still pose health risks:
Bites and Stings
Fire ant stings are painful and can cause allergic reactions, swelling, and itching that lasts for days. In rare cases, severe allergic reactions may require medical attention. Carpenter ants don’t sting but can bite if threatened. The bites can cause mild irritation and discomfort.
Food Contamination
Ants travel through unsanitary areas before reaching your kitchen. They can carry bacteria from trash, drains, or pet areas onto food surfaces. Pharaoh ants, in particular, are known to spread harmful bacteria, including Salmonella and Streptococcus.
Pet Safety Concerns
Fire ants can swarm and sting pets, especially if they disturb a nest. Some ant bait products can be toxic to pets if ingested, so professional placement is important.
How to Reduce Health Risks
To help minimize health risks from an ant infestation:
- Store food in sealed containers.
- Clean surfaces and eliminate crumbs or spills immediately.
- Keep pet food bowls clean and store pet food securely.
- Address infestations quickly with professional treatment if needed.
For persistent or aggressive ant species, professional extermination ensures complete removal and prevents future infestations.
DIY Vs. Professional Ant Extermination: What’s Best for You?
While DIY methods can handle minor ant problems, professional extermination is often the best solution for persistent or severe infestations. Here’s how the two compare:
DIY Ant Control
DIY measures are best for small, localized infestations of common house ants. Baits and traps are effective for most indoor ants if placed correctly. Home remedies like vinegar, borax, and diatomaceous earth can help deter ants but won’t eliminate colonies. Sealing entry points by caulking cracks and fixing leaks prevent future infestations.
There are some downsides to DIY control measures. They may take weeks to fully work and are ineffective against hidden nests or larger colonies. Spraying ants directly can make infestations worse by causing the colony to split (budding).
Professional Extermination
Professional treatment works best for large infestations, carpenter or fire ants, or repeated ant problems.
Professionals Offer:
- Expert identification of species and nesting sites
- Targeted treatment plans using commercial-grade baits and sprays
- Safer application of chemicals, reducing risk to kids and pets
- Long-term prevention plans with guarantees
While professionals are the best option in many cases, they carry higher upfront costs ($100–$500), and some treatments may require multiple visits.
When to Call a Professional
Consider hiring a pest control expert if:
- DIY methods haven’t worked after a few weeks.
- You see carpenter ants, fire ants, or large numbers of ants in multiple rooms.
- Ants keep coming back despite cleaning and sealing entry points.
A professional exterminator ensures fast, effective removal while preventing future infestations — often saving homeowners money in the long run.se for their pest control provider. But most importantly, make sure the company you hire is licensed, bonded, and insured in your state.
What to Expect During Professional Ant Extermination
Hiring a pest control expert ensures a thorough approach to ant removal. Here’s what typically happens during a service visit:
1. Inspection and Identification
A licensed technician will inspect your home for entry points, food sources, and moisture issues, identify the ant species to determine the best treatment plan, and assess the severity of the infestation.
2. Treatment Application
Depending on the ant species and infestation level, the exterminator may use:
- Bait stations – Ants carry poison back to the colony for long-term elimination.
- Residual insecticides – Applied to key areas indoors and outdoors for ongoing protection.
- Barrier treatments – Sprayed around the foundation to prevent new ants from entering.
Eco-friendly options may be available upon request.
3. Follow-Up and Prevention
Most pest control companies offer follow-up visits to ensure the ants are gone. They’ll also recommend ways to keep ants out, such as sealing cracks and entry points, improving food storage and home sanitation, and reducing moisture and standing water.
How Long Does It Take to Get Rid of Ants?
Light infestations are often resolved in 1–2 weeks. Moderate to severe infestations may take several weeks with follow-up treatments. Carpenter ants or fire ants require ongoing monitoring to prevent reinfestation.
Does Professional Ant Control Come with a Guarantee?
Most reputable companies offer warranties or free re-treatments if ants return within a set period. Ask about guarantees before booking a service.
This site receives compensation from the companies featured in this listing, which may impact where and how products appear. This listing doesn’t feature all companies, products, or offers that may be available.
Final Thoughts: Should You Hire an Ant Exterminator?
If you’re dealing with a minor ant problem, DIY methods like baits and sealing entry points may work. However, for persistent infestations, carpenter ants, or fire ants, hiring a professional is the fastest and most effective solution.
Hire a pro if:
- Ants keep returning despite your efforts.
- You see large numbers of ants in multiple areas.
- You have carpenter ants, which can damage wood, or fire ants, which can sting.
- You want long-term prevention with a warranty-backed treatment plan.
By acting quickly, you can stop an ant infestation before it gets worse — saving you time, money, and frustration.
