How Much Does Pest Control Cost in Australia?
Your Ultimate Guide to Pest Control: DIY or Professional Services
Dealing with pests in your home can be a real nuisance. From tiny ants invading your kitchen to terrifying spiders lurking in your bedroom, pests of all kinds can seriously disrupt your life.
But you don’t have to put up with them. A professional pest control expert can help get rid of pests and keep them from coming back. But how much does it actually cost to hire an exterminator?
Let’s take a look at average pest control prices in Australia so you know what to expect.
The average cost of pest treatment for a standard 3-bedroom house is $120 to $350 for the initial service. This would cover the treatment of typical pests like spiders, ants, silverfish, and rodents. For severe infestations or difficult-to-reach areas, a follow-up appointments may be needed at an additional price.
Average Pest Control Costs by Property Type
| Property Type | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| 2 bedroom apartment | $80 – $250 |
| 3 bedroom house | $120 – $350 |
| 4 bedroom house | $150 – $450 |
| Restaurant | $300 – $800 |
| Office building | $400 – $1,200 |
When you hire a professional pest controller, here’s what you can expect them to do:
- Inspect your premises to identify problem areas and the kinds of pests present.
- Treat interior and exterior areas of the home, including cracks, crevices, under appliances, and other pest hiding spots.
- Use pesticides and traps to kill off existing pests.
- Apply preventative treatments around the perimeter.
- Offer tips to pest-proof your home.
- Provide follow up appointments if needed.
Many pest control provider offer recurring maintenance plans to prevent infestations which provides additional savings compared to one-off treatments.
Cost of Pest Control Based on Pest Type
It depends on the kind of pest you’re dealing with. Different pests require different methods and levels of treatment. Here are the average prices for common pests:
Cockroaches – $150 to $300
These nocturnal insects can be difficult to fully eliminate. Treatment involves targeted spraying of pesticides in problem areas like the kitchen and bathrooms. Gel baits may also be used. Severe roach infestations could require fumigation.
Ants – $80 to $250
Ants are extremely typical pests in Australia. Exterminators will spray pesticides along ant trails and at entry points like windows and doors. Granular baits may also be used to kill off colonies.
Spiders – $100 to $250
Spider treatment focuses on interior and exterior web spraying. Non-toxic dusts are applied into cracks and crevices where spiders nest. Outdoor barrier sprays help keep them from entering.
Rodents – $180 to $350
Mice and rats can be challenging to get rid of. Ultrasonic repellents and traps help eliminate them. Sealing up entry points is also important. Attics and basements may cost extra.
Silverfish – $150 to $250
These creepy crawlies like bathrooms and kitchens. Treatment involves targeted spraying of baseboards, cabinets, and plumbing fixtures where they reside. Sticky traps may also be used.
Bees and Wasps – $180 to $350
Pest control for bees and wasps focuses on nest removal, often using vacuum extraction for safety. Nesting areas are treated with insecticides to prevent new nests.
Termites – $300 to $1,500
This can be expensive to treat. It involves trenching and rodding around the foundation, as well as targeted spraying. Fumigation and wood repairs may be needed in severe cases. Annual termite inspection are recommended.
Here are the average pest control cost for major cities:
| City | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Sydney | $250 – $600 |
| Melbourne | $200 – $550 |
| Brisbane | $180 – $450 |
| Perth | $150 – $350 |
| Adelaide | $120 – $300 |
What Factors Affect Pest Control Prices?
Pest control treatment price can vary based on several key factors:
- Type of service – Different methods such as spraying, traps, fumigation carry different labor and material costs.
- Type of property – Larger homes or commercial cost more to treat than smaller spaces.
- Type of treatment – Eco-friendly options tend to cost more than standard treatments.
- Types of pest – Difficult pests like termites are more expensive to eliminate than ants.
- Level of infestation – Severe pest problems require more extensive treatment and extra appointments, increasing costs.
- Property dimensions – Larger spaces take more time, labor and products to treat, which adds cost.
- Size of yard – Larger outdoor areas mean higher costs for things like termite control treatments.
- Frequency of visits – Ongoing monthly, quarterly, or annual pest control appointments cost less than one-time appointments.
DIY Pest Control
Want to save money by tackling pests yourself? Here are some common DIY options and costs:
- Traps and baits – ant stations and rodent snap traps cost $10 to $40.
- Pesticides and sprays – General pest control sprays like Raid cost $10 to $30 per can or bottle.
- Dusts – Non-toxic diatomaceous earth for spiders costs $10 to $15 per bottle.
- Repellents – Ultrasonic and electromagnetic pest repellers range from $30 to $100.
The advantage of DIY pest control is that it’s quick and inexpensive for minor pest problems. But for major infestations, calling a professional exterminator is usually a better solution.
Professionals have the proper chemicals, tools and knowledge to fully eliminate pests and prevent recurrence.
How to Find a Pest Control Company:
- Search online reviews to find top rated local pest control provider.
- Ask friends and neighbors for referrals.
- Search industry associations like the Australian Environmental Pest Managers Association for certified technicians.
- Get several quotes to compare prices and services.
- Check that the company is licensed, insured, and has a warranty.
- Ask about their methods, chemicals used, and satisfaction guarantee.
- Request a full inspection and customized treatment plan.
FAQ’s
How much does a basic professional pest control services cost?
For a small 2-3 bedroom home, expect to pay $120 to $250 for basic treatment of typical pests like spiders, ants, roaches, and rodents.
Will I pay more for a bad infestation?
Yes, severe pest infestations often require extensive treatments and additional follow-up appointments, increasing the overall costs.
How much extra does termite treatment cost?
Because termite treatment requires trenching and special equipment like termite barrier, expect to pay $300 to $1,500 depending on the size of your home.
How often should pest control be done?
For preventative maintenance, most pests can be treated quarterly. Termites require annual inspections and treatment. Rodents and roaches may need monthly appointments if there’s an ongoing problem.
Conclusion
Dealing with pests can be super frustrating, but hopefully now you’ve got a better idea of what to budget for a professional pest control expert.
The investment is well worth it for the peace of mind of kicking pests to the curb and being able to enjoy your home pest-free.
Why live with pests if you don’t have to? Calling an exterminator provides effective solutions to eliminate those unwanted critters.
