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. 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 spray treatment. However, prices can range from $130 up to $700 depending on the specifics of your home, the extent of the infestation and type of pests involved.
Average Pest Control Costs
| Property Type | Avg. Cost |
|---|---|
| 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 and perimeter of the house.
For severe pest infestations or difficult to access homes, you may need follow up treatments which will increase costs. Ongoing monthly or quarterly prevention treatments are also available.
Average Costs by Pest Type
| Types of Pest | Avg. Cost |
|---|---|
| Spiders | $280 – $550 |
| Ants | $200 – $250 |
| Possums | $200 – $250 |
| Cockroaches | $215 – $315 |
| Rodents | $250 – $350 |
| Termite inspection | $250 |
| Termite treatment | $180 – $250 (isolated) up to $3,000 (comprehensive termite control) |
| Bed Bugs | $120 – $700 |
| Fleas & Ticks removal | $170 – $330 |
| Bees/Wasps | $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 exterior spraying of pesticide treatments
- Application of granules, gels or dusts in some cases
- Sealing of potential entry points
- Advice on prevention such as decluttering and sanitation
Ongoing prevention treatments may also include:
- Installation and monitoring of baits & traps
- Professional termite barriers to prevent costly structural damages
- Follow up pest inspections
- 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:
- Kind of pests – Difficult pests 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 cost more
- 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 spend. 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 uses materials and methods focused on reducing environmental impact. This type of service appeals to homeowners or businesses concerned about exposing their family, pets, customers to harsh chemicals.
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 homes less inviting
- Customising integrated plans 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 with providers when obtaining quotes to find environmentally friendly solutions that also effectively solve your pest problem.
DIY Pest Control Pricing
DIY pest control products can provide an affordable option, with costs starting from:
- Baits – $10 – $20
- Traps – $15 – $40
- Sprays/dusts – $10 – $30
Pros: Low cost, readily available.
Cons: Limited effectiveness, some pesticides restricted to professionals. DIY is best for small problems.
For optimal results, combining DIY products with an initial professional treatment 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 management technician.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does monthly pest control cost?
It usually costs between $65 and $150 per month depending on the size of your home. This covers regular inspections and treatments to prevent pest problems.
What smells do mice hate?
Mice strongly dislike the smells of peppermint, ammonia and moth balls. Placing these smelly substances around your home can help deter mice.
Do ants get rid of termites?
Certain ants release pheromones that will repel termites. Tiny black ants and Argentine ants can provide natural protection against termite infestations. But relying solely on ants is not an effective termite prevention strategy.
When should you call a pest control company?
You should call professionals immediately if you spot termites or bed bugs. For ant or cockroach infestations, try DIY solutions first but call professionals if the problem persists or gets out of hand. Seeking help sooner rather than later is advisable.
How often should pest control be done?
For preventative treatments, every 3 months is ideal. High risk areas may need monthly visits. An annual treatment plan is generally sufficient if you don’t currently have an infestation and want to proactively prevent pests.
Conclusion
The average one-off pest treatment for a standard home starts from $130. Actual costs 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 with warranties.
Article written by Adam Carr From Eco Pest Control in Perth.
