Price Guide

How Much Does a Pest Control Really Cost?

Compare prices for 13 services across 342 UK locations. Data-driven pricing updated for .

13 services priced 342 cities covered Updated

National pricing

Pest Control Prices

National average prices. Select a city below for local pricing.

All prices include materials and labour unless stated otherwise. Prices verified 2026

Rat Treatment

Low

£120

Average

£200

High

£350

2-3 visits over 2-4 weeks

More details

Professional rat control programme including initial survey, baiting and two to three follow-up visits. Includes rodenticide bait stations placed in key locations and advice on proofing entry points.

~80% labour, ~20% materials

What affects the price

  • Severity of the infestation
  • Size of the property and number of entry points
  • Whether proofing work is needed to seal access points
  • Number of follow-up visits required

Mouse Treatment

Low

£100

Average

£175

High

£300

2-3 visits over 2-3 weeks

More details

Professional mouse control programme including survey, setting bait stations and traps, and follow-up visits. Includes advice on proofing gaps and removing food sources.

~81% labour, ~19% materials

What affects the price

  • Severity of the infestation
  • Property size and number of affected areas
  • Whether snap traps, bait or both are used
  • Proofing requirements (sealing gaps and holes)

Wasp Nest Removal

Low

£50

Average

£80

High

£130

30-60 minutes

More details

Treating and removing a single wasp nest. The technician applies insecticidal powder or spray directly into the nest entrance. The nest dies within 24-48 hours and can then be removed if accessible.

~88% labour, ~12% materials

What affects the price

  • Location of the nest (ground level, loft, eaves, underground)
  • Accessibility and height of the nest
  • Whether specialist access equipment is needed
  • Number of nests on the property

Bed Bug Treatment

Low

£200

Average

£400

High

£850

2-3 visits over 3-4 weeks

More details

Professional bed bug treatment programme. Typically requires two to three visits with residual insecticide spray treatment. Severe infestations may require heat treatment at higher cost.

~84% labour, ~16% materials

What affects the price

  • Number of rooms affected
  • Severity of the infestation
  • Treatment method (spray vs heat treatment)
  • Amount of preparation and furniture to treat

Cockroach Treatment

Low

£150

Average

£300

High

£500

2-3 visits over 4-6 weeks

More details

Professional cockroach eradication using gel bait, insecticidal spray and monitoring traps. Includes initial survey, treatment and follow-up visits to ensure the colony is eliminated.

~83% labour, ~17% materials

What affects the price

  • Species of cockroach (German cockroaches are harder to treat)
  • Severity and spread of the infestation
  • Property type (house, flat, restaurant)
  • Number of treatment visits required

Ant Treatment

Low

£80

Average

£130

High

£250

1-2 visits

More details

Professional ant treatment using residual insecticide spray and gel bait to eliminate the colony. Includes identifying the ant species, locating nests and treating entry points.

~81% labour, ~19% materials

What affects the price

  • Ant species (garden ants, pharaoh ants, carpenter ants)
  • Number of nests and entry points
  • Property size and affected areas
  • Whether the nest location can be identified

Flea Treatment

Low

£100

Average

£180

High

£300

1-2 visits over 2 weeks

More details

Professional flea treatment using residual insecticide spray to carpets, soft furnishings and skirting boards. May require a second visit as flea eggs hatch over the following two weeks.

~82% labour, ~18% materials

What affects the price

  • Number of rooms to be treated
  • Severity of the infestation
  • Whether pets have been treated by a vet first
  • Type of flooring (carpet vs hard floors)

Pigeon Proofing

Low

£200

Average

£400

High

£750

Half day to 1 day

More details

Installing pigeon deterrent systems to prevent roosting and nesting. Includes fitting bird spikes, netting or wire systems to ledges, sills and roof areas. Guano clean-up available at extra cost.

~53% labour, ~47% materials

What affects the price

  • Area to be proofed and number of ledges or sills
  • Type of deterrent system (spikes, netting, wire, electric)
  • Height and access requirements (scaffolding or cherry picker)
  • Whether guano removal and disinfection is needed

Squirrel Removal

Low

£150

Average

£250

High

£400

2-3 visits over 1-2 weeks

More details

Trapping and removing grey squirrels from a loft or roof space. Includes setting live-catch traps, multiple visits to check and reset traps, and advice on proofing entry points.

~84% labour, ~16% materials

What affects the price

  • Number of squirrels present
  • Accessibility of the loft or roof space
  • Whether proofing of entry points is included
  • Extent of damage to insulation or wiring

Moth Treatment

Low

£150

Average

£250

High

£450

1-2 visits

More details

Professional treatment for clothes moths or carpet moths. Includes identifying the species and source, applying residual insecticide to affected areas and placing pheromone traps for monitoring.

~82% labour, ~18% materials

What affects the price

  • Type of moth (clothes moth, carpet moth, pantry moth)
  • Number of rooms and wardrobes affected
  • Whether valuable textiles or carpets are at risk
  • Severity of the infestation

Fox Deterrent

Low

£100

Average

£200

High

£400

1-2 hours

More details

Professional fox deterrent installation and advice. Includes assessing entry points, installing ultrasonic deterrent devices, applying scent-based repellents and advising on habitat modifications.

~53% labour, ~47% materials

What affects the price

  • Size of the garden or affected area
  • Number and type of deterrent devices needed
  • Whether fence or gate proofing is required
  • Persistence of the fox problem

Mole Treatment

Low

£80

Average

£150

High

£280

2-3 visits over 1-2 weeks

More details

Professional mole trapping to remove moles from gardens and lawns. Includes setting specialist traps in active tunnels and return visits to check and reset traps. Price per mole problem.

~87% labour, ~13% materials

What affects the price

  • Number of active moles in the area
  • Size of the garden or lawn
  • Soil type and tunnel depth
  • Number of visits required to clear the problem

Drain Fly Treatment

Low

£80

Average

£150

High

£250

1-2 visits

More details

Professional drain fly treatment including identifying the breeding source, applying biological drain treatments and residual insecticide spray. Often linked to drain or plumbing issues.

~83% labour, ~17% materials

What affects the price

  • Number of drains or areas affected
  • Whether the underlying drain issue is identified
  • Size of the property
  • Whether drain cleaning is also required

Popular locations

Pest Control Costs by City

Local pricing

Find Pest Control Costs in Your City

Browse all 342 cities for local pest control pricing.

Regional comparison

Rat Treatment by City

Average cost of rat treatment across key UK cities.

London
+24% £250
Manchester
-2% £195
Birmingham
-7% £185
Glasgow
+5% £210
Bristol
+7% £215
Leeds
-3% £195
Cardiff
-2% £195
Belfast
-13% £175

Overview

What Does a Pest Control Do?

A pest control provides professional services covering professional pest removal, treatment and prevention services. They handle everything from routine maintenance and inspections to full installations and emergency repairs. Whether you need a small repair or a major project, hiring a qualified pest control ensures the work is done safely, to code, and to a professional standard.

You should hire a pest control whenever you need work that requires specialist skills, tools, or qualifications. Many types of pest control work are regulated and must be carried out by a certified professional. Attempting DIY on regulated work can be dangerous, void your insurance, and create costly problems down the line.

Pricing for pest control services depends on the complexity of what you need, the options chosen, and where you live in the UK. Simpler services sit at the lower end of the scale, while more involved or premium options will be significantly more expensive. The prices on this page give you a realistic range for each type of service so you know what to expect before getting quotes.

When hiring a pest control, always get at least three quotes from different tradespeople. Read recent reviews and ask for references. Always check qualifications, insurance and recent reviews. A reputable pest control will be happy to provide a detailed breakdown of costs and explain exactly what is included in their quote.

Related services

Related Services

Services often needed alongside a pest control.

Common questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about pest control costs in the UK.

Can I treat pests myself or do I need a professional?
Shop-bought treatments can work for minor ant, moth or fly problems. However, rats, mice, wasps nests, bed bugs, cockroaches and squirrels almost always need professional treatment. DIY methods often just scatter the infestation without eliminating it, and some treatments are only available to licensed technicians.
Does the council offer free pest control?
Some councils still offer free or subsidised treatment for rats and mice, though many have cut back or started charging. Wasp nest removal, bed bugs and other pests are usually charged at full price. Check your local council website for current availability and pricing.
How long does pest control treatment take to work?
It depends on the pest. Wasp nest treatment usually kills the colony within 24-48 hours. Rat and mouse baiting takes 7-14 days to clear an infestation. Bed bug treatment typically needs 2-3 visits over several weeks. Cockroach gel bait takes 1-2 weeks. Your pest controller will explain the timeline for your situation.
Will a pest controller guarantee the treatment works?
Most professional pest controllers guarantee their work for a set period, typically 1-3 months. This means they will return for free re-treatment if the problem persists. For recurring problems like rats or cockroaches, ongoing monitoring contracts are available to prevent re-infestation.
Is pest control safe for children and pets?
Professional pest controllers use treatments that are safe when applied correctly. Rodent bait is placed in tamper-proof boxes that children and pets cannot open. Insecticide sprays are applied to specific areas and allowed to dry before re-entry. Your technician will tell you exactly how long to keep children and pets away from treated areas — usually 1-2 hours for sprays.
How do I know if I have rats or mice?
Rat droppings are dark, shiny, and about the size of a large grain of rice (12-18mm). Mouse droppings are much smaller (3-8mm) and more numerous. Rats leave greasy rub marks along walls and skirting boards. You are more likely to hear rats at night as heavy scratching or thumping, while mice are lighter and faster-sounding. A pest controller can confirm the species from droppings alone.
Can I remove a wasp nest myself?
It is not recommended. Disturbing a wasp nest without proper equipment and protective clothing risks multiple stings, which can be life-threatening for anyone with an allergy. Professional treatment costs £50-£130 and the technician applies insecticidal powder directly into the nest entrance, killing the colony within 24-48 hours. It is one of the cheapest and quickest pest control jobs.
What time of year are pest problems most common?
Rats and mice move indoors from September to November as the weather cools. Wasps are most active June to September. Bed bugs peak in summer due to increased travel. Moths are worst from April to October. Ants invade kitchens in warm weather from May to August. Knowing the seasonal pattern helps you spot early signs before an infestation takes hold.
Should I tell my landlord about a pest problem?
Yes, always report it in writing. In England and Wales, landlords are responsible for keeping rental properties free from health hazards, which includes pest infestations. If the problem is caused by structural issues like gaps in brickwork or broken drains, the landlord must pay for both the repairs and the pest treatment. Keep a record of all communication.
How much does a pest control cost in the UK?
The most common pest control job, rat treatment, costs between £120 and £350 nationally, with an average of £200. Prices vary depending on the scope of work, materials used, and your location within the UK.
What affects pest control prices?
The main factors are the complexity and scope of what you need, the options and products chosen, and your location. London and the South East are typically 15-35% more expensive than northern regions. Getting multiple quotes is the best way to ensure a fair price.
How do I find a reliable pest control?
Get at least three quotes from different tradespeople, check recent reviews and references, and ask for a detailed written quote that breaks down all costs before committing. Always check qualifications, insurance and recent reviews.
Do pest control prices vary by location?
Yes, significantly. London is the most expensive area, with prices typically 20-35% above the national average. The South East is also above average. Northern England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland tend to be 5-15% below the national average. Our city pages show exact local pricing for 342 UK locations.
Do the prices shown include materials?
The prices on this page include all typical costs. However, when getting real quotes, always confirm what is and isn't included. Some tradespeople break out costs separately, while others give an all-in price. Ask for a detailed breakdown before agreeing to any work.
When is the best time to hire a pest control?
Demand for pest control services tends to peak in autumn and winter, which can mean longer wait times and higher prices. If your job isn't urgent, booking during spring or summer may get you a better rate and faster availability. Emergency work will always cost more regardless of the time of year.