Quick Answers
The cost to spray a house for roaches can vary greatly depending on size of home, type of treatment needed, and your location. However, on average you can expect to pay:
– $150-$300 for a one-time spray treatment
– $400-$600 annually for quarterly preventative spray treatments
Key factors that influence cost are:
– Size of home – larger homes require more product and labor time
– Type of treatment – general spraying vs targeted bait treatments
– Frequency – one-time vs quarterly preventative treatments
– Local market rates – costs are higher in major metro areas
Using a professional exterminator is recommended to get rid of an existing roach infestation and for preventative maintenance spraying. Doing it yourself can save money upfront but won’t provide the same level of treatment or ongoing prevention.
Average Cost Range for Professional Treatments
The average cost to have a house sprayed for roaches by a professional pest control company typically ranges from $150-$600. Here are some more specific estimates:
– One-time roach treatment spraying for a small 1-2 bedroom home: $150-$300
– One-time roach treatment spraying for a medium 3-4 bedroom home: $250-$400
– One-time roach treatment spraying for a large 5+ bedroom home: $350-$500
– Quarterly preventative roach spray treatments for a year: $400-$600
In high cost of living urban areas like New York City or San Francisco, the costs for roach spraying may be higher. Get estimates from 3-4 local exterminators to understand pricing for your specific situation.
What Impacts the Cost?
There are several key factors that influence the total cost to spray a house for roaches:
Size of the Home
Larger homes require more pesticide product and longer labor time to thoroughly spray all areas. A 5 bedroom house could cost $350-$500 for one treatment, compared to $150-$300 for a small 1-2 bedroom unit.
Type of Treatment
A general spray treatment for existing roaches costs less than targeted bait treatments. Baits ($500-$1,000) are applied to cracks and crevices in problem areas versus spraying the entire home.
Frequency of Service
A one-time roach spray costs less than quarterly or monthly preventative treatments to keep roaches away all year. This can add $400-$600 per year for regular spraying.
Location
Pest control pricing is higher in major metro areas like NYC, Los Angeles and Chicago. Prices will be lower in suburbs and rural areas with less demand.
Time of Year
Warmer months when roaches are most active have higher demand, which may increase costs slightly during spring through fall.
Extent of Infestation
Severe roach infestations require greater effort which may increase prices from standard ranges. Getting roaches under control again requires intensive initial spray treatments.
Cost Comparison of DIY vs Professional Spraying
Here is a cost comparison of doing it yourself vs hiring a professional:
| Roach Spraying Method | Average Cost Range | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| DIY with store bought products | $30-$80 for supplies |
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| Professional Exterminator | $150-$600 per treatment |
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As you can see, DIY roach spraying has a lower upfront cost but requires a lot more effort on your part to research and apply chemicals correctly. Hiring a professional exterminator costs more but provides stronger treatments that quickly eliminate roach problems.
What Does Roach Spraying Include?
A typical professional roach spray treatment includes:
– Thorough inspection to find nests and infested areas.
– Targeted application of liquid sprays, dusts or gels into cracks, crevices, under appliances, in cabinets, etc.
– Treatment inside wall voids and sub areas where roaches hide.
– Perimeter pesticide spraying around the exterior foundation.
– Follow up visits or warranties if initial treatment did not fully resolve the infestation.
– Sealing access points to prevent re-entry.
Professional grade chemicals and commercial spray equipment allows pest control techs to reach areas you can’t on your own. This provides more comprehensive and effective treatments.
How Long Does Spraying Last?
For one-time roach spray treatments, the effects will last 2-3 months on average. Some pesticides break down faster, while others provide 4-6 months of protection.
For preventative quarterly spray treatments, the pesticides applied will kill roaches continuously for those 3 month periods. Quarterly or bimonthly applications all year long provide ongoing control.
Environmental factors like heat and dampness may decrease the effectiveness more quickly. Direct sunlight can also degrade certain pesticide chemical compounds faster than spraying indoors.
Tips for Lowering Your Costs
Here are some tips to help lower the costs for roach spray treatments:
Clean Beforehand
Thoroughly clean infested areas and declutter before the technician arrives. This reduces areas they need to spray and saves you money.
Seal Access Points
Seal up cracks and openings where roaches enter. This reduces the extent of spraying needed. Use steel wool, caulk and weather stripping to close access holes.
Negotiate on Off-Peak Times
Schedule treatments for off-peak slower months when companies may offer discounts. September-November are slower seasons for pest control companies.
Take Advantage of Deals
Look for periodic discounts or coupon codes from Groupon or directly from exterminators to save on roach treatments.
Compare Exterminator Rates
Get free estimates from 3-4 exterminators and negotiate for the best rate. Competition for your business can result in lower pricing.
Sign Up for Quarterly Service
Regular preventative spray treatments may offer bundled pricing at a discount compared to one-time costs.
DIY Roach Spraying vs Professionals
You can buy roach sprays at hardware stores and big box retailers to apply on your own. Here is an overview of DIY vs hiring professional pest control:
Effectiveness
Professional grade chemicals are much stronger. Technicians also know the best application methods to eliminate roaches. DIY treatments rarely eradicate serious infestations.
Application Process
Applying store bought sprays or dust takes considerably more effort. Exterminators have specialized spray equipment to reach difficult areas.
Safety & Precautions
Improper use of chemicals in your home can be hazardous. Professionals are extensively trained on safety practices.
Cost
DIY is cheaper upfront, but takes more time and effort on your part. Professionals have higher upfront cost but resolve problems for good.
Follow Up & Guarantees
Exterminators will follow up and retreat if roaches persist. DIY does not provide any guarantees of effectiveness.
For severe infestations, the stronger treatments and expertise of pest control technicians makes professional spraying the best option. Minor issues can be addressed with DIY but may require multiple applications.
How to Select a Good Exterminator
Here are tips for picking a qualified, reputable pest control company for roach spraying:
– Read reviews on Google, Yelp, Angie’s List to check their reputation and service quality.
– Confirm they are licensed in your state as commercial pesticide applicators.
– Ask about their specific roach treatment plans and chemicals used.
– Request a no obligation inspection and estimate for your situation.
– Ask what guarantees they provide if the spraying is ineffective.
– Choose a local company over a large national chain for more personalized service.
– Go with a company that has extensive experience specifically treating roaches.
– Avoid companies that pressure you to sign a contract right away or oversell unnecessary services.
Taking the time to vet a few exterminators will help you select the best one to eradicate roaches from your home at a fair price.
Roach Prevention After Treatment
To prevent future roach problems after professional spraying, make sure to:
– Keep all areas free of clutter, especially kitchens and pantries where food debris collects.
– Clean surfaces and mop floors regularly to remove organic matter roaches feed on.
– Vacuum carpets and upholstered furniture frequently.
– Fix any leaks right away and eliminate excess moisture sources.
– Seal up entry points like cracks and crevices with caulk.
– Store food properly in sealed containers to deny roach access.
– Take out the trash regularly and avoid letting dishes pile up.
– Routinely use boric acid powder in out of sight areas as an ongoing preventative treatment.
Continued diligence to limit food, water and shelter for roaches will help keep them away after spraying and protect your investment in professional treatments. Consider quarterly or bimonthly spray services for the best roach prevention all year long.
Conclusion
The cost to spray a house for roaches can range from $150-$600 on average, with the specific price influenced by the size of home, extent of infestation and your location. While DIY roach spray may have lower upfront cost, hiring a professional exterminator is the best option for getting rid of roaches quickly and effectively. Quarterly preventative treatments will keep roaches away in the future. Be sure to get price estimates from 3-4 exterminators and check reviews to find a company with extensive roach control experience at competitive rates. Proper sanitation and home maintenance must be continued after spraying to prevent recurring infestations. With the right pest control treatment and prevention measures, you can keep roaches out of your house for good.