How Much Does Pest Control Cost in Australia? [2024 Update]
If you have unwanted guests in your home or business, you probably want to get rid of them as soon as possible. Hiring a professional pest control service is the best way to effectively and safely eliminate them, giving you peace of mind. But how much does it cost?
The average price of pest control for a standard 3-bedroom house is $170 for a one-off internal and external treatment. However, prices can range from $130 up to $700 depending on the specifics of your home, your needs, the extent of the infestation, and type of pests involved.
Average Pest Control Costs
| Property Type | Rates |
|---|---|
| 2 bedroom unit | $100 – $250 |
| 3 bedroom house | $130 – $300 |
| 4 bedroom house | $170 – $450 |
| Commercial building | $250 – $700 |
Pest control treatment for a standard 3-4 bedroom home includes treating common problem areas like the kitchen, bathrooms, laundry, roof void, walls, and perimeter of the house.
For severe pest infestation or difficult-to-access homes, you may need follow-up treatments, which will increase charges. Ongoing monthly or quarterly prevention treatment plan is also available.
Average Cost by Pest Type
| Types of Pest | Cost Estimate |
|---|---|
| Spiders | $280 – $550 |
| Ants | $200 – $250 |
| Possums | $200 – $250 |
| Cockroaches | $215 – $315 for German Cockroach Control |
| Rodents (Rats & Mice) | $250 – $350 |
| Termite inspection | $250 |
| Termite treatment Cost | $180 – $250 (isolated) up to $3,000 (comprehensive termite control) |
| Bed Bugs Removal Cost | $120 – $700 |
| Fleas & Ticks removal | $170 – $330 |
| Bees/Wasp nest removal | $100 – $550 |
| Birds | $300 – $1000 |
| Silverfish | $160 – $220 |
| Mosquitoes | $100 – $180 |
What’s Included in Pest Control Services
A standard treatment will include:
- Inspection and identification of any pests or nests
- Targeted interior and external spray of pesticide applications
- Application of granules, gels, or dusts in some cases
- Sealing of potential entry points with physical barriers
- Advice on prevention measures such as decluttering and sanitation
Ongoing prevention treatments may also include:
- Installation and monitoring of baits & traps
- Professional termite barriers to prevent costly structural damage
- Follow-up pest inspection visits
- Further pesticide applications if required
Average Pest Control Price By City
| City | Avg. Cost |
|---|---|
| Sydney | $250 – $450 |
| Melbourne | $230 – $400 |
| Brisbane | $170 – $350 |
| Perth | $180 – $380 |
| Adelaide | $150 – $300 |
| Gold Coast | $190 – $370 |
| Canberra | $220 – $430 |
| Newcastle | $210 – $390 |
| Central Coast | $190 – $350 |
| Sunshine Coast | $180 – $340 |
| Wollongong | $210 – $400 |
| Geelong | $200 – $350 |
| Hobart | $140 – $320 |
| Townsville | $160 – $310 |
| Cairns | $150 – $290 |
What Impacts the Cost of Pest Control?
Several variables affect the cost of professional pest control solutions:
- Kind of pests – Difficult insects like termites are more expensive to treat
- Level of infestation – Severe infestations take longer to treat
- Size of property – Larger homes cost more due to materials required
- Location and accessibility – Difficult-to-access areas may incur additional fees
- Type of treatment – Heat, freeze, or fumigation is more costly than spraying
- Eco-friendly options – Natural pest control is often more expensive
Ongoing prevention plans spread costs over time but increase overall budget. One-off treatments offer an immediate solution at a lower cost but no ongoing protection.
What is Green Pest Control?
Eco-friendly or “green” pest control company uses materials and methods focused on reducing environmental impact.
This type of service appeals to homeowners or businesses concerned about exposing their family, pets, and customers to harsh chemicals and potential health risks.
It takes steps like:
- Using natural, non-toxic products derived from plants, minerals, etc. However, these may be less potent.
- Applying pesticides more selectively or only when necessary
- Opting for trapping devices to capture bugs alive rather than killing them
- Sealing entry points and removing food sources to make a place less inviting
- Customizing integrated strategies with a combination of chemical and non-chemical treatments
The right balance of green vs. traditional approaches depends on factors like the severity of an infestation and type of invaders. Discuss your concerns and budget with providers when obtaining quotes to find environmentally friendly solutions that also effectively solve your pest problem, ensuring adequate coverage.
DIY Pest Control Pricing
DIY pest control products can provide an affordable option, with a cost starting from:
- Baits – $10 – $20
- Traps – $15 – $40
- Sprays/dusts – $10 – $30
Pros:
Low cost, readily available.
Cons:
Limited effectiveness, requires knowledge and experience; some pesticides are restricted to professionals. DIY is best for small pest issues.
For optimal results, combining DIY products with an initial professional treatment by an exterminator is a good approach.
Pest Control Licences By City
Pest controllers in Australia are regulated on a local state basis. Here is an overview of licensing in major cities:
- Sydney: New South Wales – licences issued by WorkCover NSW
- Melbourne: Victoria – licences issued by the Victorian Department of Health
- Brisbane: Queensland – licences issued by the Queensland Department of Health
- Perth: Western Australia – licences issued by the WA Department of Health
- Adelaide: South Australia – licences issued by the SA Department of Health
- Canberra: Australian Capital Territory – licences issued by Territory and Municipal Services
- Hobart: Tasmania – licences issued by the Dept. of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment
If trainees conduct work, they must be supervised by a licensed pest control technician as part of a professional team.
Conclusion
The average one-off pest treatment for a standard home starts from $130. Actual cost may vary from $100 right up to $700 or more, depending on your circumstances. We recommend getting quotes from local pest control experts to understand prices in your area. Controlling common pests is important but make sure you choose an affordable, reliable service provider who will do a thorough job with a warranty and positive reviews. This ensures you receive quality service and the best value for your money.
Article written by Adam Carr From Eco Pest Control in Perth.
