How much does Cockroach extermination cost?

Did you notice a cockroach running across the kitchen floor during dinner, or along the bathroom vanity at night? Chances are, there are more where those came from. And getting rid of them requires more than just treating baseboards with home bug spray, or placing bait traps around the room.

DIY methods don’t work for more than a day or two, if at all. And persistent cockroach problems require the expertise of a professional extermination company with equipment to apply the proper treatment. 

Pest control professionals can identify the type of roach that has settled in your home. (There are thousands of species, with the American cockroach, German cockroach, and Oriental cockroach among the most common in the US.) Then, they’ll determine the correct insecticide treatment to solve the problem. In most cases, the company will provide a free inspection and free quote. 

In this guide, you’ll learn about the average cost of cockroach extermination by a qualified pest control company. 

The cost of cockroach extermination ranges from $100–400, with an average of about $160. You may pay more if basic methods aren’t sufficient (see “Cost by extermination product,” below).

Most infestations can be resolved in one or two visits from a pest-management company, but more serious pest problems will require follow-up visits and additional cockroach treatments.

Exterminators may need to use different pesticides and other products, or a combination of techniques, for effective cockroach control. Here’s what you’ll typically pay for each type.

Spray insecticides. This is the most common type of extermination treatment, and may be all you need to rid your home of roaches. Cost: $40–160 per visit.

Gel bait stations. These contain toxic substances that are consumed by roaches and brought back to their nests, ending the infestation over time. Cost: $100–600 per visit.

Glue traps. When set around your home, these can capture roaches without the application of harmful chemicals. Cost: $100–600 per visit.

Dust. In a serious infestation, the pest control company might apply boric acid dust, which is toxic to roaches when they crawl through it or consume it. Cost: $100–600 per visit. 

Fumigation. For more severe infestations, exterminators might apply toxic gases throughout the home. During this process, you may not be able to enter your home for up to 48 hours. Cost: $1,200–2,500. 

Tenting. The pest control company encases the house in a tent to apply a whole-building treatment. This may involve fumigation or heat treatment, in which the home’s temperature is raised high enough to kill cockroaches and their eggs (long with bacteria associated with cockroach feces and urine). Tenting also kills termites and fleas. Cost: $1,200–7,500. 

The following issues can affect the price of cockroach extermination.

Can an exterminator get rid of roaches?

A pest-control professional can rid your home or apartment of roaches, but it may take more than one treatment. The average cost of cockroach control is $100–400, but you’ll pay more for large areas or severe roach infestations.

How long does it take an exterminator to get rid of roaches?

For an average infestation, spray treatment can take less than an hour, but it may be a few days before you start seeing results. You may also need multiple treatments, at a cost of about $40–160 per visit. 

Is it worth it to call an exterminator for roaches?

DIY roach-control methods are usually temporary, so hiring a professional roach-extermination service may be your best choice. If you have a serious infestation or need multiple visits, it may be worthwhile to purchase a service contract for about $400–1,600 per year. 

Find a pest control company in your area.