How Much Does Pest Control Cost in Alabama?

Highlights

• The typical cost of pest control in Alabama ranges from $123 to $148, while the average cost is $135.

• The exact cost of pest control for Alabama residents will vary depending on the type of pest and treatment, the size of the home, the frequency of service, the size of the infestation, the accessibility of the pests, and the home’s geographic location.

• Some common signs of a pest infestation include droppings, nests, gnaw marks, excessive dirt and grime, hollow wood, unusual noises, unpleasant smells, and visible pest sightings.

• Eradicating a minor pest infestation may be a DIY project for an Alabama homeowner, but larger or more serious infestations are best left to a professional.

Alabama’s warm climate offers a haven for many insects and pests, some of which have no problem taking up residence in a home for food, shelter, and water. Common pests in Alabama include bees, wasps, ants, bed bugs, termites, and cockroaches, and getting rid of them once they’re in a house is usually top priority. But how much is pest control in the Yellowhammer State? The average cost for a one-time treatment is $135, but the cost can range from $123 to $148. The total cost of pest control for homes can be less than $100 for minor infestations, but it can be more than $2,000 for major infestations.

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Factors in Calculating Alabama Pest Control Costs

Alabama’s year-round warm weather means that pests can show up at any time and create issues in a home. Factors that impact pest control cost include the type of pest and the treatment needed, the accessibility of the affected area, the home’s location, repairs that resulted from the infestation, and pest prevention measures.

Primary Factors

There are several factors that can influence the cost of pest control in Alabama. One of the biggest factors is the type of pest and the type of treatment used, but other factors (such as the frequency of treatment and the size of the home) will also come into play.

• Pest type: Alabama’s warm climate allows many species of insects, rodents, and other types of pests to thrive year-round. The cost to exterminate them is often dependent on what type of pest has invaded the home.

• Treatment type: Pest control pricing will depend on the type of treatment needed to rid the home of pests. Treatments fall into one of three categories—physical, chemical, and biological. Physical treatments focus on blocking pests from entering the home, chemical treatments are applied to kill pests or further deter them, and biological methods use natural predators to control the unwanted pest population.

• Service frequency: In some cases, a single treatment may be enough to handle the pest problem, and single visits average $135, but they can also cost less. Repeat visits can cost as little as $30 but an initial service fee may be assessed.

• Home size: The home size can affect the average cost of pest control because the larger the home, the more materials or chemicals will be needed.

• Infestation size: A large pest infestation will likely cost more to treat than a small pest infestation. And the size of the infestation isn’t necessarily dependent on the size of the house, so the pest exterminator will assess the infestation and determine the course of action and the cost.

• Accessibility: If the pests are outdoors and the pest control company can easily access the area for treatment, pest control can cost less than if the pests are hiding and the treatment needs to be done in a hard-to-access place such as an attic or crawl space.

• Location: The Alabama city in which the pest control measures are taking place also affects the cost of pest control services. The following are a few Alabama cities and the estimated pest control cost in each.

Secondary Factors

In addition to the primary factors that determine pest control pricing, there are a few secondary factors. These factors aren’t related to the actual extermination or removal of the pests, but they still need to be taken into account as they can affect the overall cost.

• Pest damage repairs: The amount of damage that pests do to a home will affect the cost to repair it. For example, termite damage can be expensive to remedy, costing between $600 and $3,000, while damage to the soffit and fascia caused by the removal of a wasp nest removal may only cost between $7 and $40 per linear foot to repair, and repairs may only be needed on a small section.

• Cleaning and sanitization services: Again, depending on the pest, there may not be many cleaning or sanitizing costs required. This can change, however, if the infestation consists of rodents, termites, or other destructive pests. Cleaning costs can fall between $120 and $400.

• Pest prevention: The best way to avoid the costs of extermination services is to keep the pests out in the first place. Pest control companies can assess the property for vulnerabilities and put measures in place to prevent infestation.

Pest Control Cost in Alabama by Type of Pest

Alabama’s warm, moist climate is a haven for many types of pests. Knowing which pests may pose a threat can help homeowners be prepared to tackle pest control for residential homes and give them an idea of pest control prices.

• Ants: Ant infestations can merely be a nuisance, but some species of ants cause structural damage to the home or can be a danger to humans and animals if they sting or bite.

• Bed bugs: While bed bugs are relatively rare in Alabama (with no cities in the state ranking in the top 50 for bed bugs) that doesn’t mean they won’t hitch a ride back in a suitcase after a trip, which can lead to the need for pest control treatment.

• Bees and wasps: Bees and wasps are common in Alabama and can post a serious threat to humans if they are allowed to live in a hive or nest near the house.

• Cockroaches: Cockroaches are also common in Alabama, especially German cockroaches. Not only are they annoying, but they can also spread disease.

• Fleas: Fleas can take a ride on pets and end up in the house. When they bite people they leave behind small, itchy red bumps and can carry disease.

• Mosquitoes: Alabama’s warm and humid climate is a haven for mosquitoes—and this type of pest can carry diseases such as West Nile and Zika viruses.

• Rodents: Rodents like the house mouse, Norway rat, and roof rat are common in Alabama and can make their way into the house, especially in search of warmth during cooler weather.

• Scorpions: Alabama has two native species of scorpions—the Hentz striped scorpion and the southern unstriped scorpion. They’re both small and nonaggressive, but they will sting if they feel threatened.

• Silverfish: Because silverfish prefer high humidity and warm temperatures, they often find their way into homes in Alabama.

• Small animals: Several types of wild animals can invade an Alabama home, including squirrels, raccoons, skunks, and opossums.

• Spiders: Spiders may not seem like cause for too much concern, but Alabama is home to the brown recluse and the black widow, two very poisonous spiders.

• Termites: The two main types of termites found in Alabama are the drywood termite and subterranean termite, with the southeastern drywood termite most often found in southern Alabama. Formosan termites are of particular concern and have been reported in 12 counties in Alabama.

Do I need pest control in Alabama?

There are a number of signs that a homeowner needs pest control in Alabama. Homeowners will want to contact a professional as soon as they notice signs of a pest infestation. A professional will conduct a pest inspection and advise on the best course of action as well as discuss how much pest control is. In many cases, the cost of the pest inspection will be waived if the homeowner hires the company to take care of their pest problem.

• Droppings: Rodents and small animals leave behind droppings that can be as small as a grain of rice in the case of mice and up to 2 or 3 inches long in the case of raccoons. Droppings can carry disease, so they can pose a risk of illness if not cleaned up quickly. They can also be a sign that pests have moved in.

• Nests: Squirrels, mice, and rats often build nests, along with bees and wasps. If a homeowner comes across a pest’s nest, chances are they’ve made themselves at home and it’s time to call animal relocation specialists or bug exterminators.

• Gnaw marks: Rats and other rodents love to gnaw on almost anything. So if a homeowner sees gnaw marks on wood, drywall, newspapers, wires, or cardboard, they may have some unwanted guests.

• Excessive dirt and grime: Some pests, like rats and cockroaches, leave behind a greasy residue and brown marks on their typical path through the house.

• Hollow wood: While a homeowner doesn’t have to knock on all the wood in their house, if they suspect termites, tapping on areas and listening for a hollow sound could indicate that they have a termite infestation that requires the assistance of a pest control company.

• Unusual noises: If a homeowner hears any movement or scurrying in the walls or ceiling, they may have rodents or small mammals making themselves at home in their home.

• Unpleasant smells: Droppings and urine left behind by pests on the move or in their nests can lead to unpleasant smells throughout the house or in certain areas. This is a sign that a homeowner needs to call pest control.

• Visible sightings: Pests will likely remain unseen if possible, but if homeowners do spot them, it’s time to call in a professional.

DIY vs. Hiring a Professional for Pest Control in Alabama

There are definitely DIY measures that can be taken to control pests in Alabama. Maintaining exterior landscaping and keeping branches away from the roof can make it harder for rodents and small animals to enter the home. Cleaning up after meals and making sure there aren’t any leftovers or crumbs lying around can deter hungry pests from using a home as an all-night diner. And repairing or blocking any holes, even small ones, can deter pests from coming in. Homeowners can also look into the best DIY pest control services (such as Sunday) to get rid of pests from their home and yard.

If the infestation has gotten out of hand or the homeowner isn’t comfortable handling it on their own, they’ll want to call in the professionals. For the best pest control, homeowners can compare nationwide companies, such as Orkin vs. Terminix, as well as contact local companies. Pest control professionals will assess the home and the infestation and then offer a course of action. While this may cost more than DIY methods, pest pros offer experience and know what to look for and the best methods to deal with the problem, making pest control worth it in many cases.

The Best Pest Control Companies in Alabama

Researching some of the best pest control companies (such as Orkin or Terminix) can make the process of pest removal go smoothly. Homeowners will want to choose a company that has good reviews and that they feel comfortable working with. Homeowners can check out local companies or nationwide companies that operate locally.

Local companies have an intimate knowledge of the area and understand local needs and regulations.

• Alabama Termite & Pest Services covers the Birmingham/Metro and Baldwin/Gulf Coast areas and has been family owned and operated for over 20 years.

• Huntsville-based Scout Pest Control offers family-friendly services to protect customers and their families without disrupting their routine and a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee.

• Pest Pro Services, LLC is based in Millbrook and serves Montgomery and surrounding areas and strives to make value meet quality.

Another option for finding pest control in Alabama is to use a national company that has a wide reach. These companies have name recognition on their side and lots of experience dealing with pests throughout the county.

• Orkin is a nationwide pest control company that has over 120 years of experience in the industry. To find a local Orkin branch, customers can visit the company’s website and enter their ZIP code.

• Terminix has been in business for over 95 years and also operates nationwide. To find the local branch, customers can enter their ZIP code on Terminix’s website.

• Angi’s services include compiling quotes from local exterminators by asking homeowners a few questions about their issues and location. With this service, homeowners can compare quotes from local companies before contacting them.

• Sunday is a DIY pest control company that offers customized pest control solutions. To start, homeowners take a quiz about their needs and location, then Sunday sends the pest control products right to their house.

Photo: istockphoto.com

How to Save on and Pay for Pest Control in Alabama

Chances are, spending money on pest control isn’t at the top of the list of a homeowner’s expenses, but dealing with unwanted houseguests is an unfortunate reality of owning a home. With that in mind, there are a few things homeowners can do to save money on pest control and different strategies to pay for the services.

How to Save

When pests need to be removed or exterminated, the cost can come as a surprise. But saving money on pest control can make the experience a little less difficult.

• Compare quotes. Comparing quotes from multiple pest control professionals can help Alabama homeowners find the most cost-effective company.

• Pest-proof the house. Keeping pests away in the first place can save on pest control costs in Alabama. Ensuring that all crumbs and leftover food is cleaned up and put away, sealing any gaps, addressing any water issues, and maintaining landscaping can all make the home less inviting to would-be invaders.

• Sign up for a pest control plan. While this may seem as if it would cost more money initially, it can actually save money in the long run. Treatment plans can cost around $30 a month and may have an additional fee for an initial visit, but regular inspections and treatments can prevent small problems from becoming big ones.

• Go the DIY route. While Alabama homeowners can typically go to a local hardware store and buy pest control supplies—insecticides, traps, and deterrents—there are also companies that offer DIY pest control products based on a personalized plan.

How to Pay

Luckily, if a homeowner does have to pay for pest control or extermination measures, it typically falls on the lower end of home maintenance expenses, especially if the problem is caught early. Even so, paying for pest control may not fit into a homeowner’s budget, but there are a few ways to make it work.

• Tap into savings: If a homeowner doesn’t have the funds to work pest control into their monthly budget, then taking a bit out of savings can help them cover the cost and avoid the interest they would accrue if they put it on a credit card.

• Credit card: Homeowners who have a good credit score may qualify for a credit card with a zero-interest introductory rate. If the homeowner can pay off the card before that intro period ends, they can avoid interest altogether.

• HUD grant: The HUD Healthy Homes Protection Grant provides funds to remove environmental and safety hazards from underserved communities in Alabama and may be able to help a homeowner pay for exterminator fees.

• Financing or payment plan: Some pest control companies will offer financing or payment plans for pest control costs. This can allow homeowners to get the work done now and then pay it off over time.

• Borrow from friends or family: If a homeowner is able to borrow the money from a friend or family member, that can help alleviate the immediate financial burden of paying for pest control. They’ll just want to make sure they have a repayment plan in place.

Questions to Ask About Pest Control in Alabama

Pest control typically consists of taking measures to remove and then exclude the pests or treating the home with chemicals meant to kill existings pests and possibly deter more from entering the home or yard. Because of this, it’s important for a homeowner to know exactly what’s being used and why. The following are some questions a homeowner can ask about pest control in Alabama.

• How many treatments will be necessary?

• What is the extent of the infestation?

• What can I do after the infestation is taken care of to prevent future infestations?

• What, if any, chemicals will you be using in my home and yard?

• How long will treatment take?

• Is the treatment safe for pets and kids?

• Can I be home when you are treating the home?

• Do you provide a written quote?

• Is the inspection free or included in the total cost?

• Do you offer a guarantee?

FAQs

Asking questions ensures homeowners will have all the information they need to handle pest control in Alabama. Because the weather is mild year-round, Alabama offers the ideal climate for a number of pests that can make their way into a home and cause damage over time. Homeowners can review the answers to the following frequently asked questions about pest control in Alabama to give them a head start on the process.

Q. Are termites a big problem in Alabama?

Unfortunately, Alabama’s weather offers ideal conditions for termites. Alabama has year-round warm weather, which allows termites to be active all year. And the high moisture that results from frequent rainfall and high humidity creates damp wood that appeals to termites. In northern Alabama where temperatures get a little cooler, termites are inactive in the winter but swarm as the weather warms up.

Q. How long does it take to get rid of termites?

Termites can take a while to get rid of, and homeowners may be dealing with damage from them for even longer. Termite treatments can take between a few days to a few months to work, and treatments often last for about 5 years. The time it takes to get rid of termites also depends on the extent of the infestation and type of termite.

Q. How often should you treat your home for termites?

Liquid termite treatments can last for 5 years, so if a homeowner doesn’t have an active infestation of termites, every 5 years should do the trick. Bait stations need to be checked every few months. But if a homeowner has an active termite infestation, they will want to work with a pest control professional to set up a treatment plan that may require more frequent treatments.

Sources: ProMatcher, Pest Extinct, Advanced Pest Control of Alabama, LLC, HomeAdvisor, Fixr, MarketWatch