Cost of Flea Extermination: What to Know

If you’re like most pet owners, you dread the thought of fleas taking over your home. Not only are they a nuisance, but they can also be a health hazard for both you and your pet. Flea extermination can be costly, but there are ways to reduce the cost without compromising on effectiveness. 

Here’s what you need to know about getting rid of fleas.

Key Takeaways

• If you have a dog that has brought fleas into your home—or you’ve noticed flea bites on yourself— you may be wondering about the average flea exterminator cost.
• As soon as you notice the first sign of fleas, your first step should be to contact a pest control professional for an inspection and quote.
• In most cases, getting rid of fleas shouldn’t cost you more than a few hundred dollars.

How Do I Identify a Flea Infestation?

If you have noticed that your home is becoming less comfortable to live in, or that you and your family are constantly scratching, it may be time to investigate the possibility of a flea infestation. 

Fleas are small, wingless insects that feed on the blood of mammals and birds. While they are most commonly associated with pets, fleas can also infect human homes. 

Flea infestations are often difficult to spot, as the insects themselves are very small and good at hiding. However, there are a few telltale signs that can indicate an infestation. 

First, look for tiny black specks on your floors or furniture; these are flea droppings. Second, check for small white eggs near pet beds or in areas where your family spends a lot of time. 

Finally, if you or your family members have been bitten by something small and invisible, it is likely that fleas are the culprits. If you suspect that you have a flea infestation, contact a pest control professional for assistance.

What Factors Will Impact the Cost of Flea Extermination?

Several factors will impact the cost of flea extermination. The most significant factor is the size of the infestation, but the location, frequency of service, and other factors will also come into play. 

By taking all of these factors into consideration, you can get a better sense of what to expect when it comes to the cost of flea extermination.

Frequency of Service 

The cost of flea extermination depends on the frequency of service. If you have a pet that goes outside, you will need to have your house treated more often. If you have a pet that stays inside, you will need to have your house treated less often. 

Avg. full-service visit cost	$270
Avg. bimonthly service cost	$150
Avg. monthly service cost	$75
Avg. annual monthly service cost	$400

Treatment Type 

The type of treatment required will play a major role in the overall cost. For instance, vacuuming and using a flea bomb are relatively inexpensive methods, while fumigation and heat treatment can be quite costly. 

Vacuuming	Vacuuming is a relatively easy process. You can do it yourself without having to hire a professional, and it doesn’t take a lot of time. However, one of the biggest cons is that it can be difficult to reach all the fleas in your home. If you have a large home or if fleas are hiding in hard-to-reach places, it can be difficult to remove them all with a vacuum.The average cost for this method of flea extermination is $80 to $150.
Flea Bomb	Flea bombs are a popular method for getting rid of fleas, but they also have some drawbacks. One advantage of using a flea bomb is that it can reach fleas that are hiding in cracks and crevices. In addition, flea bombs can be used in conjunction with other treatment methods, such as vacuuming and dusting. However, there are some disadvantages to using flea bombs as well. For example, they can be dangerous to use around children and pets. In addition, flea bombs can be expensive, and they may not be effective in eliminating all of the fleas in your home. You’ll pay around $100 to $200 for this type of flea treatment.
Spray	This can be an effective way to kill fleas, but it can also be harmful to animals and humans if it is not used properly. In addition, chemical sprays can be costly and may need to be reapplied on a regular basis.For an initial treatment with spray, you’ll pay a flea exterminator around $150 to $300.
Fumigation	Fumigation is a pest control method that involves sealing off an area and filling it with poisonous gas. This gas kills fleas, as well as their eggs and larvae. Fumigation is usually reserved for severe infestations, as it is very disruptive and can be dangerous if not done correctly. Fumigation costs up to $350 per treatment on average.
Heat Treatment	This can be done either by hiring a professional service or by using a portable device. Heat treatment is generally considered to be safe and effective, but there are some potential drawbacks to consider. First, heat treatment can be expensive, and it may not be covered by pet insurance. Second, it can be difficult to target all of the fleas in a home, especially if they are hiding in hard-to-reach places. Finally, heat treatment can be dangerous for pets, and it is important to make sure that the temperature is not too high.Although heat treatment is the best way to get rid of fleas, these flea extermination costs are high—up to $500 per treatment.

Infestation Severity

The factors that will most impact the cost of flea extermination are the severity of the infestation and the size of the area to be treated. A small infestation in a single room can be treated relatively inexpensively, while a severe infestation in a large home will be much more costly. 

For a small infestation, a single treatment with an insecticide may be sufficient, while multiple treatments may be required for a severe infestation. The frequency of visits from the exterminator will also play a role in the cost. A monthly visit may be sufficient for a small infestation, while more frequent visits may be necessary for a severe infestation. 

A small infestation may cost as little as $100 to treat while a larger one might cost $600 or more.

Where the Infestation Is Located 

If the fleas are located in the yard or outdoors, the average cost is relatively low. However, if they are in the bedroom or kitchen, the average cost is significantly higher. 

DIY Flea Extermination – Should I Do It?

Are you dealing with a flea infestation? You may be considering taking matters into your own hands and attempting to exterminate the fleas yourself. But is this really the best course of action? 

One of the biggest advantages of DIY flea extermination is that it can save you money. Hiring a professional exterminator can be quite expensive, especially if you have a severe infestation. If you’re able to successfully get rid of the fleas yourself, you can avoid this cost. Additionally, many over-the-counter flea products are quite effective and relatively inexpensive.

However, there are also some significant disadvantages to consider. 

First, it can be very difficult to completely eliminate all fleas from your home, particularly if they’ve been present for a long time. Second, if you don’t use the products properly or follow the directions carefully, you could potentially make the problem worse. Finally, some flea products contain harmful chemicals that can be dangerous if not used correctly. 

Below, we’ll take a look at some of the pros and cons of DIY flea extermination so that you can make an informed decision.

Flea Foggers 

Flea foggers are a popular choice for dealing with fleas, as they are relatively easy to use and provide quick results. However, there are some drawbacks to using foggers. 

First, they only kill adult fleas, so if there are eggs or larvae present, they will not be affected. Second, foggers can be harmful to pets and humans if used incorrectly, so it is important to follow the directions carefully. Finally, flea foggers typically need to be used multiple times in order to achieve the desired results. On average, flea foggers cost between $10 and $30. 

Over-the-Counter Sprays 

For many pet owners, the convenience and affordability of an over-the-counter spray is hard to resist. But before reaching for the nearest flea spray, it’s important to be aware of the pros and cons. 

On the plus side, over-the-counter flea sprays are widely available and generally easy to use. They can also be relatively affordable, with some brands costing as little as $10-$15 per bottle. However, there are also some downsides to consider. 

Over-the-counter flea sprays may not be as effective as prescription treatments, and they can also be harmful if used incorrectly. In addition, some pet owners find that over-the-counter sprays have an unpleasant odor.

Are Natural Remedies Effective?

When it comes to natural remedies for fleas, there are a lot of old wives’ tales out there. Thankfully, modern science has put many of these to the test, and we now have a better understanding of what works and what doesn’t. 

Dish Soap 

If you have a flea problem, you may be wondering if using dish soap is an effective way to get rid of them. The good news is that dish soap can be very effective at killing fleas. The key is to make sure that you use a dish soap that contains borax or Borax powder. This substance is toxic to fleas and will kill them on contact. 

To use this method on a small-scale infestation, simply mix a cup of Borax powder with a gallon of water and add a few drops of dish soap. Then, wet your floors and carpets with the solution and let it sit for several hours. Afterward, vacuum thoroughly to remove the dead fleas and their eggs. 

Baking Soda

Baking soda is a well-known home remedy for many issues, including flea control. The theory is that the baking soda will absorb oils and dry out the fleas, ultimately killing them. To use this method, simply sprinkle baking soda on your carpet or furniture and let it sit for at least 30 minutes. Then vacuum it up. 

Some people also recommend adding a few drops of essential oil to the baking soda for added flea-killing power. While this method is unlikely to completely get rid of a flea infestation, it can help to reduce the number of fleas in your home.

Salt 

Salt can be effective at killing fleas in small numbers. The reason why salt works is because it dehydrates fleas, causing them to die. However, there are a few things to keep in mind if you’re going to use salt to kill fleas. 

First, you need to make sure that you’re using pure, fine-grained salt – not rock salt or coarse salt. Second, you need to be patient – it can take a few days for the salt to work its magic. Finally, you need to vacuum regularly while using this method, as vacuuming will remove the dead fleas from your carpets and furniture.

Lemon Spray

This natural remedy is made by combining the juice of one lemon with two cups of water. Simply spray the mixture onto your pet’s fur, and let it dry. The acid in the lemon juice will kill the fleas, and the citrus scent will help to repel them. 

Rosemary 

To use rosemary as a flea repellent, simply place a handful of fresh leaves in a bowl of water and allow them to steep for several hours. Then, strain the water and use it to mist your home, focusing on areas where your pet spends the most time. You can also add a few drops of rosemary essential oil to your pet’s shampoo for additional protection. 

As is the case with the other natural remedies described above, it probably won’t totally eliminate your flea problem, but it may help keep numbers at lower levels. 

Prevention 

Any pet owner knows that fleas can be a problem. Not only are they itchy and uncomfortable for your furry friend, but they can also quickly become an infestation in your home. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to help prevent fleas from taking up residence in your home. 

Put Your Pet on Flea Medication

Make sure to keep your pet on flea medication year-round. This will help to reduce the number of fleas on your pet and make it less likely that they will end up in your home. 

Be Sure to Wash Your Pet’s Blankets (And Your Own)

Wash all of your pet’s bedding in hot water at least once a week. This will kill any fleas or eggs that might be lurking there. If you have a pillow-style pet bed, you can put it in the dryer on high heat for 30 minutes to kill fleas. Just be sure to check the care label first to make sure the fabric can withstand that kind of heat. 

You should also wash your own bedding, if your pet sleeps with you, to prevent an infestation in your own bed.

Regularly Vacuum 

Regularly vacuum and clean your floors and furniture. This will help to remove any fleas or eggs that may have made their way into your home.

Check Your Pet for Fleas Regularly

To prevent fleas from taking up residence in your home, it’s important to check your pet for them on a regular basis. Start by running a comb through your pet’s fur, paying particular attention to the base of the tail and the backs of the legs. If you see any small, dark spots, these may be fleas. You can also look for telltale signs of fleabites on your pet’s skin. 

If you think your pet has fleas, there are a number of treatments available, including spot-on treatments, oral medications, and shampoos.

Limit Contact Pets Have With Stray or Wild Animals

Keeping your house free of fleas starts with preventing them from entering in the first place. One way to do this is by keeping your pets away from strays or wild animals. If your pet comes in contact with a flea-infested animal, they’re likely to bring the pests into your home. 

Conclusion

Flea extermination can be expensive, but there are ways to make it more affordable. By following our tips, you can take the necessary steps to get rid of these pests and keep them from coming back.

Questions Others Are Asking 

How long does it take for an exterminator to get rid of fleas? 

The answer depends on a number of factors, including the severity of the infestation and the type of treatment used. However, most exterminators will be able to eliminate fleas within a few weeks. For severe infestations, multiple treatments may be necessary.

Is it worth getting an exterminator for fleas?

Fleas can transmit a number of diseases, including plague and typhus, and they can also act as vectors for other parasites, such as tapeworms. In addition, fleas are known to cause anemia in animals due to their blood-sucking habits. As a result, it is always best to seek professional help when dealing with a flea infestation. An exterminator will be able to quickly and effectively eradicate the fleas from your home, preventing them from causing any further harm.

When should you call an exterminator for fleas?  

It is important to call an exterminator as soon as you notice signs of fleas in your home or yard. Exterminators will assess the situation and determine the best course of action to get rid of the fleas. With their help, you can get rid of these pests for good.