You definitely don’t want any type of pest infestation in your home, but certain kinds can be more expensive to exterminate, control and clean up after than others.

The cost of a pest infestation depends on many factors, including the size of the infestation, its location and how much damage was caused. There are, however, certain kinds of pests that tend to be more costly than others. Here is a list of the five most expensive types of pest infestations in New York:

1. Bed Bugs

• Typical cost: $850 to $3,500
• Time to control an infestation: Roughly four weeks

One of the most expensive pest infestations to treat is bed bugs. These small, brown, oval-shaped insects feed on the blood of people and animals. They typically bite while their host is sleeping and like to live near a food source, so they’re often found on beds and couches. They may also live in carpets, curtains and furnishings or behind wallpaper or in cracks in the wall, among other places.

Because bed bugs are so small, they’re hard to spot. Some of the most common signs of bed bugs include:

• Itchy bites and rashes that typically appear overnight
• Small blood stains on sheets
• Brown or rust-colored excrement spots
• Shed carcasses and eggshells
• A sweet, musty odor with larger infestations

Why Is It so Costly to Control Bed Bug Infestations?

There are several reasons why controlling a bed bug infestation can be difficult and relatively costly, including:

• They may go unnoticed: It may take weeks or even months for someone to notice a bed bug infestation. Bed bugs are small and difficult to see, and they don’t create nests. Instead, they hide in mattresses, bed frames and couches and behind wallpaper. When people do spot them, they may mistake them for another type of insect. Bites are often the first sign, but some people may never show signs of bites.
• Bed bug populations can grow rapidly: Bed bugs can reproduce rapidly, and female bed bugs can lay as many as 500 eggs during their lifetime. This ability to reproduce rapidly, combined with the fact that people often don’t notice bed bugs right away, means that infestations can grow to a considerable size before they’re dealt with.
• They can spread throughout the building: Bed bug infestations can also spread throughout the house, especially if you move sheets, mattresses or other objects that are infested with bed bugs. As the infestation spreads, it becomes more expensive and time-consuming to treat.

Extermination Methods, Price Ranges and Time Frames

The cost of controlling a bed bug infestation varies widely depending on factors, such as how many rooms are infected and the treatment methods.

On average, the process of getting a bed bug infestation under control, including an inspection, whole-house treatment and prevention measures, costs between $850 and $3,500. A typical inspection takes one to four hours, as the pest control professional will need to check beds, other furniture, cracks and crevices to find where the bed bugs are hiding.

Some common pest control methods used for bed bugs include:

• Chemical Intervention: Pestech uses chemical intervention for typical bed bug infestations. This is a process in which a residual product is applied in areas where bed bugs are found or may harborage in the future. This treatment effectively creates a minefield which prevents bed bugs from moving about and seeking out a meal. This method typically costs $850 and $3,500 for a typical home.
• Structural fumigation: If bed bugs have gotten into the structure of a building, some pest control companies may use structural fumigation to get rid of the infestation. This treatment can cost as much as $30,000 for a large home.

Some pest control professionals may use several of these methods together. It’s also a good idea to schedule a follow-up inspection to ensure the treatment completely eradicated the infestation, in addition to preventative treatments.

2. Termites

• Typical cost: $1,000 to $2,500
• Time to control an infestation: Up to One Year for a complete colony kill

Termites are insects that look similar to ants, live in large colonies and eat wood. The types of termites that live in New York live underground and begin foraging for food as temperatures warm up in the spring. During this time, they can infest the wooden parts of homes and other structures, potentially causing severe damage.

Signs of a termite infestation include:

• Mud tubes along the foundation of a building
• Piles of wings
• Wood-colored droppings
• Small holes and maze patterns in wood
• Flying termites, or swarmers, which investigate structures before an infestation begins

Why Is It so Costly to Control Termite Infestations?

Termite infestations can be exceptionally costly, especially if left untreated for some time. Some of the reasons these infestations can be so expensive include:

• They spread quickly: Termites live in large colonies, and once an infestation starts, they can spread rapidly throughout a building, looking for anything made of wood. Their rapid spread means the whole building will likely need to be treated.
• You may not notice them right away: Termites that live underground can burrow up into your home’s foundation, causing damage that can be hidden from view for years.
• They can cause extensive structural damage: Beyond the costs of controlling an infestation, termites can cause extensive damage to the parts of a building made of wood, which can be extremely expensive to repair.

Extermination Methods, Price Ranges and Time Frames

The national average for controlling a termite infestation in a full 2,520 square foot house, including inspection and liquid treatment, is $1,300 to $1,500.

The costs varies based on the size of the structure, how far the infestation has spread and the type of foundation. On the low end, treatment could cost several hundred dollars. On the high end, costs could be as high as $3,500. Plus, repairing the damage caused by a termite infestation can increase costs substantially beyond these numbers.

A common pest control methods used for termite infestations include:

• Termite bait: Termite bait, which contains a slow-acting lethal substance, is buried underground away from the building. Termites are attracted to it and bring it to their nest. It costs about $4 and $10 per linear foot.

It’s also advisable to get a follow-up inspection and spot checks and treatments as needed. Wood protectant services can also prevent termites from causing further damage to the wooden parts of your home.

3. Birds

• Typical cost: Up to $10,000
• Time to control an infestation: Up to two weeks

Birds often nest inside structures, which is why you may find them in your eaves, rafters, rooftops, gutters, vents, chimneys, fire escapes, light fixtures or anywhere else in your home that looks like a suitable place to build a nest. You’re most likely to see them at dawn or dusk when most birds are most active, unless the bird is nocturnal.

If birds have taken up residence in your home, it’s important to take care of the issue quickly, as birds can cause damage to your building and property and can also carry several diseases. It’s essential that you work with a professional to ensure the bird is removed safely and in accordance with the law.

Why Is It so Costly to Control Bird Infestations?

Several factors make bird control especially expensive:

• They can nest in hard-to-reach locations: Birds may nest in places that are hard to reach, such as rafters and light fixtures, which can complicate the process of controlling an infestation.
• You may need to install deterrents: Because birds like to come back to the same spot, bird control often involves installing permanent deterrents, such as netting and spikes. For a large structure, these costs can add up.
• You need to ensure compliance with laws: Various species of birds are protected by a number of laws. The Migratory Bird Treaty Act protects hundreds of species of birds, as well as their nests, eggs and feathers. Before you can remove a bird, a professional will need to identify the species and potentially obtain a permit to destroy or relocate its nest.
• Bird control often involves cleanup: Birds leave behind droppings, feathers and nesting materials, which require cleanup and sanitation.

Extermination Methods, Price Ranges and Time Frames

The national average for bird control, including bird capture and relocation, nest removal and cleanup, is around $3,000. The actual cost varies depending on the size of the structure and the services needed. Several feet of bird spikes installed along a ledge could cost as little as $90, while 50×100-foot netting on a roof could cost as much as $,000.

Some of the services involved in bird control include:

• Initial assessment: Bird control often requires a wildlife professional who is knowledgeable about birds and the relevant laws. They may charge an initial assessment fee of around $40 to $50.
• Wire netting: Wire netting may be used to prevent birds from re-entering a certain area. For a small area, netting may cost around $175, and, for a larger area, it could cost up to $2,000.
• Bird spikes:Bird spikes prevent birds from landing on ledges and other surfaces. They typically cost about $40 for two feet, in addition to around $100 for an hour of labor.
• Live bird capture: In some cases, live bird capture, which is accomplished using bait and traps, may be needed. The average cost to capture, relocate, and sanitize is approx. $3,000.

4. Bees and Wasps

• Typical costs: $325 to $450 for Wasps, $1,500 to $2,500 for Honey Bees
• Time to control an infestation:Three to six hours

Bees and wasps are beneficial to people and the environment in a number of ways, but when they take up residence in your home, they can cause serious problems. Some species sting, which can be painful and cause potentially life-threatening allergic reactions in certain people. They may also be a nuisance to customers, guests or residents and create a mess in your home.

While they have some similarities, bees and wasps are different insects. There are also many different types of bees and wasps. The process used for dealing with a bee or wasp infestation depends on the specific species, as well as the nest or hive location, the size of the infestation and other factors.

Why Is It so Costly to Control Bee and Wasp Infestations?

Controlling a bee or wasp infestation is usually more expensive than other types of infestations because:

• They may be in hard-to-reach locations: If the infestation occurs in a hard-to-reach area, your costs may be higher. They may build a nest or hive in high-up eaves or rafters or inside the walls of your home, for example.
• They may cause structural damage: If bees or wasps move into the walls of your home, you may need to remove part of the wall to get rid of them. Carpenters bees may burrow into the wooden parts of your home, potentially causing significant structural damage.

Extermination Methods, Price Ranges and Timeframes

The national average for the cost of dealing with a bee infestation, including inspection and the removal of a nest from an easy-to-access area, is $450. You may pay $150 for just an inspection, or as much as $2,500 if you need inspection, removal and extermination services.

For wasps, the national average is $325 to $450 for an inspection and removing a nest from an easily accessible area. On the low end, just nest removal may cost between $100 and $225. Removing a nest from an area that’s difficult to access, post-treatment and repair work could cost up to $1,000.

The methods used to control a bee or wasp infestation depend on the species, the nature of the infestation and local laws. Some common strategies include:

• Inspection: An initial inspection, which involves identifying the type of bee or wasp and the ideal control strategy, typically costs between $150 and $250.
• Nest removal: For just the removal of a bee’s nest, the typical cost is approximately $195.
• Extermination: If extermination is required to get rid of the infestation, the average costs for bees is $1,500 and $235 for wasps, depending on the location and size of the nest.
• Carpentry: If controlling the infestation requires opening up a wall, you may need to hire a carpenter to repair the area. The typical rate for this work is around $70 an hour, and the job usually takes four to six hours, so it will add $2,200-$3,000 to your costs. If you had a carpenter bee infestation that went untreated for a while, your repair costs may be higher.
• Follow-up visits: You may need follow-up visits from a pest control professional to control the infestation effectively. These visits typically cost between $85 and $250.

5. Mice and Rats

• Typical costs: $450 to $600
• Time to control an infestation: One to three weeks

Mice and rats round out our list of the top five most expensive pest infestations. While these infestations are relatively common, it’s important to take care of them quickly, as mice and rats can spread more than 35 different diseases. They can also get into food and cause damage to furniture, walls and wires.

Mice and rats often make their nests in walls, closets, attics, crawlspaces and basements. Besides seeing a rat or mouse, there are several other signs of an infestation to look out for:

• Droppings
• Chewed-on walls, wires and furniture
• Musky odors

Why Is It so Costly to Control Mice and Rat Infestations?

Several factors make controlling a mouse or rat infestation more expensive than managing many other types of infestations:

• They can cause extensive damage: Mice and rats may cause damage to your home that requires repairs. They may chew wires, walls and furniture and damage plumbing. The pest control company may also need to open up a wall to get to the nest.
• You need to find the root of the problem: While there are some cheaper solutions available, such as DIY traps, these solutions don’t reach the nest, which means the infestation may not be completely eradicated. Completely controlling a rat or mice infestation requires reaching the nest. You also have to seal up entry points and possibly invest in pest repellent to stop the rodents from returning.
• You may require a cleaning service: Mice and rats can create quite a mess, as well as unsanitary conditions. Thorough cleaning is required to prevent the spread of disease and discourage mice from returning by cleaning up crumbs and other things that may attract them. You’ll need to either invest a significant amount of time in cleaning or hire a cleaning professional.

Extermination Methods, Price Ranges and Timeframes

The national average for the cost of eradicating a mice or rat infestation is $450 to $600 for an inspection and traps. Without follow-ups, you may pay $300 to $400, and with professional cleaning, your costs may be as high as $1,000.

• Inspection: You’ll need an initial inspection to determine the size and nature of the infestation. This inspection may be included in the total price or cost between $50 and $300 on its own.
• Extermination: The extermination process involves putting out traps or bait stations and sealing any potential entry points. Some companies will also return to get rid of the traps and dead mice or rats. The extermination phase costs, on average, about $400.
• Follow-up visits: Scheduling one or several follow-up visits can help ensure the infestation is completely under control. Some agreements include a follow-up visit, and separate contracts for return visits typically start at around $300.
• Home repairs: Any damage caused by mice or rats will increase your costs. If the pest control professional has to open up a wall, you may require drywall repair. Plus, any damage to electrical wires may require you to hire an electrician, which will add to the cost.
• Pest repellents: Pest repellers, which help prevent future infestations, cost around $25 to $35 each.
• Cleaning services: If you hire a cleaning company, you’ll need to add the cost of hiring a crew to the overall price, as well.

Prevent Costly Pest Infestations With Pestech Pest Solutions 

The most effective way to reduce your pest infestation costs is to prevent infestations from happening in the first place. Our pest exclusion services help prevent pests from entering your building and reduce your structure’s attractiveness to pests to stop them before they cause costly damage to your home.

As the largest family-owned pest management center in New York, we provide high-quality service and a personal touch to ensure you get the right pest management solution for your needs. Contact us today to get started with a custom pest exclusion or pest management program.