Moths may seem harmless, but when they invade your home, they can damage clothing, contaminate food, and become a real nuisance. The national average cost to eliminate a moth infestation is about $225, with most homeowners paying between $150 and $300. In severe cases, costs can reach $500.
If DIY solutions like moth traps and cedar storage don’t work, hiring a professional exterminator is often the best option. Companies like Orkin, Terminix, and Aptive use targeted treatments, including pheromone traps and insecticide applications, to remove moths effectively.
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How Are Moth Control Costs Determined?
Moth extermination costs vary based on the type of moth, infestation size, treatment method, and service frequency. Here’s what influences the final price:
Type of Moth
The cost of removal depends on the specific species:
- Lawn Moths – Attack grass and leaves. Expect to pay $175 for treatment.
- House Moths – Also called brown moths, they damage fabrics and contaminate food. Average removal cost: $200.
- Winter Moths – Infest trees like maple, elm, and cherry. Treatment typically costs $250.
- Gypsy Moths – Harm outdoor trees. $200–$300 per chemical spray treatment.
- Codling Moths – Destroy fruits like apples and cherries. Fogging costs about $225 per visit.
- Indian Meal Moths – Pantry pests found in cereals, pasta, and rice. Treatment runs $250.
- Clothes Moths – Feed on wool and silk, damaging clothing and furniture. Expect to pay $275 on average.
Infestation Size & Location
A larger infestation may increase costs by $50 or more. Accessibility also matters—if the exterminator has to move furniture to reach problem areas, prices could go up.
Service Frequency & Cost
If you only want to pay for a one-time service that includes an initial visit fee it will cost between $100–$200. A monthly plan covers moths and other pests for $40–$70 per month. Bi-monthly service, where the pest control company comes out every other month is typically $60–$90 per visit. Seasonal plans Target flying pests like moths and mosquitoes for $100–$200 per visit. A quarterly service with four visits per year, typically costs $190–$280 per visit.
Signs and Causes of Moth Infestation
Moth infestations thrive in humid environments with abundant food sources. Here’s what to look for:
- Clothing Moths – Damage wool, silk, and cashmere; can lay 40–50 eggs on clothing, furniture, and blankets.
- Pantry Moths (Indian Meal Moths) – Found in grains, nuts, and dried foods, leaving behind droppings and webbing.
- Flour Moths – Larger than pantry moths, their larvae have a pinkish-yellow tint and spin silk cocoons in dry goods.
Health Risks of Moths
While moths don’t spread diseases, their larvae can trigger allergic reactions. Symptoms may include headaches, body aches, cough, skin reactions like hives, blisters, or rashes, and in severe cases can lead to anaphylaxis.
Moth droppings also contaminate food, increasing the risk of mold and spoilage.
DIY vs. Hiring a Professional
Moth control can be done on your own, but severe infestations often require professional help. Here’s how the two options compare:
DIY Moth Control
If you want to tackle moths yourself, you’ll need:
✅ Pheromone moth traps ($10–$20 per pack)
✅ Insect growth regulators (IGRs) to disrupt the moth life cycle ($20–$40)
✅ Contact insecticide sprays for clothing or pantry moths ($15–$30)
✅ Storage bins & cleaning supplies ($50–$100)
Total DIY cost: $100–$150, but effectiveness depends on thorough cleaning and continued monitoring.
Professional Moth Extermination
Hiring a pro ensures thorough removal and long-term prevention. We recommend:
- Terminix – Uses a mix of chemical treatments and exclusion methods.
- Aptive – Applies eco-friendly residual treatments to cracks and crevices.
- Orkin – Starts with an inspection and custom treatment plan
Expect to pay $150–$300 for a standard visit or up to $500 for severe infestations.
If moths keep returning despite DIY efforts, calling a professional is the best move.
Standard Moth Extermination Process
Professional moth control combines sanitation, trapping, and chemical treatments for long-term success.
Sanitation: The First Step
Expect to devote a full day to cleaning up around the house. Clean out and remove any infested food. Toss out contaminated grains, nuts, and flour. Launder or dry-clean clothing and linens. Vacuum inside storage areas like closets, cabinets, and dresser drawers. Wipe down surfaces with a bleach solution or hot, soapy water.
Trapping: Stopping the Spread
There are several kinds of traps you can buy at most grocery and hardware stores. Pantry moth traps use pheromone traps in kitchens and pantries. Clothing moth traps are sticky traps you place in closets and storage spaces. Be sure to monitor infestations and replace traps as needed, especially during heavy activity.
Heat & Freezing Treatments
With a heat treatment the professionals expose infested clothing to high heat using a dryer or a bed bug heater. If they use the freezing method, they’ll place clothing or furniture in a sealed plastic bag with dry ice for 3–4 days to kill larvae.
Chemical Control (If Needed)
Chemical control can be a last resort. Aerosol foggers will kill adult moths but don’t eliminate hidden eggs or larvae. Professionals apply residual insecticides to cracks and crevices for long-term prevention. While costly and less common. a professional fumigation might be needed for severe infestations.
Prevention & Follow-Up
After going to the work to get rid of moths, you don’t want them coming back!
Use moth repellents around the home. Natural options include cedar, peppermint oil, or lavender sachets. Use airtight containers to store grains and dry goods. Keep closets clean and use sealed garment bags for delicate fabrics. Replace traps, reapply treatments, and inspect for signs of re-infestation.
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
When hiring a moth exterminator, get at least three quotes to compare pricing and services. The cheapest option isn’t always the best—look for licensed, insured professionals with solid reviews.
If you’re on a budget, DIY methods like moth traps and deep cleaning can help, but severe infestations often require professional treatment. While mothballs offer temporary relief, a comprehensive approach—including sanitation, traps, and insecticides—is the best way to keep moths out for good.
