How Much Does Pest Control Cost in Australia?
Understanding the Price Of Pest Control
The average cost for professional pest control treatment in a standard 3-bedroom residential home to control common household pests like cockroaches, ants, spiders, and rodents is around $150-$350 depending on factors like the level of infestation, type of pest, and size and layout of the property. Prices start from $100 for a small unit or apartment. Commercial properties are higher.
Second treatments may be required for more severe infestations at additional cost. Most pest controllers provide a warranty or guarantee against returning pests.
Average Pest Control Cost by Property Type
| Home Type | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| 1 Bed Unit/Apartment | $100 – $250 |
| 2 Bedroom House | $150 – $300 |
| 3 Bedroom House | $250 – $350 |
| 4+ Bedroom House | $300 – $450 |
| Restaurant | $300 – $800 |
| Small Office | $250 – $500 |
| Warehouse | $400 – $1000 |
*Prices above are a general guide only and exclude specialised treatments like termite control. These are in Australian dollars and include GST.
When providing a pest control treatment, a professional pest controller will do a thorough inspection of the property internally and externally. They will identify entry points, breeding spots, establish pest type and levels of infestation. Basic treatment will involve spraying pesticides in key areas like cracks and crevices, under and behind appliances, wall voids and drains pipes to exterminate cockroaches and crawling insects. Bait stations may be laid for ants and rodents. Webbing and egg sacks will be removed. Follow up visits are scheduled as required. Most provide a satisfaction guarantee.
Pest Control Service Inclusions
Pest control services aim to both get rid of the current problem while also putting preventative measures in place. This is why pest control professionals don’t do just a one off treatment. Follow up appointments make sure the treatment has worked and no new pest activity has started.
- Extermination is focused on killing off the current pests infesting the home. Pesticides and insecticides are used to kill off cockroaches, ants, spiders, and more through chemical sprays, fogs, dusts and traps. Physical removal of webs and egg sacks also done.
- Prevention involves sealing up potential entry points so new pests can’t get back in. Cracks, holes, and gaps around pipe penetrations are sealed. Pest repellents like amdro granules are applied. Electronic deterrent devices also used.
- Ongoing Maintenance is scheduled reapply pesticides, reset bait stations, reapply dusts and sprays. This keeps working to prevent any new pest infestations. Frequency varies based on property size and severity of original problem. Quarterly to yearly.
The more comprehensive the approach to include extermination, prevention and maintenance, the higher the cost but the longer lasting the results.
Common House Pests in Australia & Treatment Pricing
- Cockroaches – live and breed in cracks, crevices and drains. Hide in dark moist areas. $150-$300
- Ants – Argentine and Odorous house ants common. Nest outdoors, come inside for food and water. $100-$250
- Spiders – Common type of house spiders and webs treated. Funnel web risk areas. $100-$250
- Mice and Rats – Chew wires, leave droppings. $200-$400
- Silverfish – live in damp dark places like wall cracks and cupboards. $100-$250
- Bees & Wasps – nest around windows, eaves, meter boxes. $150-$350
- Termites – cause serious structure damage if left unchecked. Specialist treatment required. $750+
Cost Of Pest Control by Australian City
| City | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Sydney | $250 – $400 |
| Melbourne | $200 – $350 |
| Brisbane | $150 – $300 |
| Perth | $180 – $320 |
| Adelaide | $170 – $290 |
Prices based on typical capital city treatment costs for common pests outlined above in a standard 3 bedroom suburban home. Regional areas may be less.
Factors That Impact Pest Control Pricing
There are a number of variables that affect what a pest control expert will charge. These include:
- Type Of Treatment – lower toxicity options like baits and traps cost more than general residual surface spray treatments. Heat and freeze treatments are at the top end.
- Type of Pests – certain pests like termites and mice have additional treatment requirements so are more expensive. Fleas also require intensive treatment.
- Infestation Level – the extent or severity of the current problem. More pests means more pesticide and work required.
- Property Size – larger homes with extensive yards take more time, equipment and pesticide to treat thoroughly.
- Regularity – initial full treatments cost more than follow-up maintenance visits which just reapply chemicals at key areas.
Frequency and number of follow-up visits needed comes down to the original infestation severity and preventative measures put in place. Monthly, quarterly, and annual maintenance plans available.
Options for DIY Pest Control
For minor pest problems, DIY options provide an affordable way to get control without paying for an exterminator. However they do require more effort with mixed results:
Insecticide like Mortein, Raid, Baygon kill cockroaches, ants, spiders contact on surfaces. Need repeated applications. $10 to $25 per can or bottle
Ant Sand lures ants in for food poisoning kill nest impact. $10 to $15 kits
Rodent Bait Stations have food mixed with fast acting rodenticide for mice and rats. Some uncertainty around correct placement for good results. $15 to $30
Expanding Foam can be used to block entry holes ants, rodents accessing the home. Quick fix but doesn’t always last long term. $20-$25 per can
Bug Zappers attract and kill flies and mosquitoes. Limited impact for crawling insects. $30 upwards
With DIY solutions, persistence is required and they may provide control rather than full eradication of the pest issue compared to professionals.
- Pros – very affordable, easy access from supermarket shelves
- Cons – uncertainty around proper use, extent of control, possible safety issues, effort required for repeating applications until control gained.
DIY vs Hiring a Professional Exterminator
Homeowners wishing to save money may choose to purchase do-it-yourself products from local hardware stores or supermarkets. The main advantage here lies around affordability.
However attempting to take on a pest issue risks uncertainty around selecting suitable pest control products, correct and effective application, and determining if control is adequate or when additional treatments are needed. Safety around handling pesticides is also a consideration.
Utilising professional pest control services brings reliability, expertise and certainty of results. A full inspection is completed with customised pest treatment plans using commercial grade, advanced pesticides and application methods residents don’t have access too. Complete eradication is the goal, not just control level achieved by DIY options. Cost is the main downside.
Ideally a balanced approach using some DIY preventative measures, supplemented by periodic professional treatment is an effective pest management strategy for most family homes.
How to Find a Good Pest Control Company
When searching for a qualified, reputable pest management firm, look for the following:
- Active state licensing for operating a pest control business. This is mandatory in Australia. Ensures proper insurance and operator training requirements met.
- Strong client reviews and testimonials. Experienced firms have regularly serviced customers and performance benchmarking by independent bodies like pestcontrolaustralia.com.au
- Offer all types of treatments from general spray to targeted baits and non-chemical options. Able to tailor plans to types of pests for greater success.
- Provide thorough site inspection detailing pest activity locations, access points and conditions supporting infestation like moisture or food residue etc. Customised solutions addressing root causes.
- Scheduled follow up reinspections and monitoring as part of service plans. Continued monitoring critical to long term management and satisfaction guarantee.
Taking these steps avoids poor service operators offering limited, ineffective treatments. Paying a fair rate for a quality firm leads to superior pest eradication results over the long term.
