Introduction: Why Cost Is the First Question
When pests invade your home or business, the first thought that usually comes to mind is: “How much will it cost to get rid of them?”
Whether it’s a wasp nest in the loft, rats scratching in the walls, or bed bugs spreading through the bedroom, nobody wants to live with pests. They’re more than just a nuisance — they damage property, spread disease, and cause stress. Before picking up the phone, you want to know what it’s going to cost and whether the investment will deliver results.
The truth? Pest control prices vary depending on the pest, the scale of the problem, and the treatment required. This guide explains exactly what affects cost, the typical prices across the UK (and here in Kent), and why choosing a trusted local pest control company like Innovation Pest Control can save you money in the long run.
Average Pest Control Costs in the UK
Across the UK, pest control services range from small one-off treatments to larger, multi-visit programmes. Here’s a rough national picture:
- Minor infestations (e.g. a single wasp nest): £60 – £120
- Rodent control (rats or mice control, usually with follow-up visits): £120 – £250
- Bed bug treatments (often with steam or heat): £300 – £600
- Cockroach infestations: £150 – £300
- Bird proofing and guano clearance: £250 – £1,000+
- Commercial pest control contracts: From £400 per year
Costs in Kent are broadly in line with these, although London pest control services often charge slightly higher due to travel, congestion, and demand.
What Factors Influence the Cost of Pest Control?
The cost of pest control isn’t one-size-fits-all. Several key factors affect pricing:
1. Type of Pest / Species
A wasp nest can be treated in a single visit, while bed bugs often require steam or heat treatments across multiple rooms. Textile pests such as carpet beetles or moths may need ULV fogging. Each insect species behaves differently, requiring a tailored approach.
2. Severity of the Infestation
A single mouse in your kitchen is different from a full rodent colony living in the loft and chimney cavities. Severe infestations may require poison baiting, traps, or even fumigation.
3. Property Size & Habitat
Treating a two-bedroom flat is very different from a large detached house, farmhouse, or commercial kitchen. Larger spaces mean more insecticide use, more monitoring, and higher costs. Pests often exploit habitats such as loft insulation, wall voids, or unused chimneys — harder-to-reach areas take longer and cost more to treat.
4. Location
Costs vary between Kent, Sussex, Essex, and London. In London, travel time, parking, and high demand often increase service charges. Local pest control services in Kent are generally more affordable.
5. Treatment Method
- Sprays and insecticides: Common for wasps, fleas, and ants.
- Steam treatments: Used for bed bugs and textile pests.
- ULV fogging: Covers large areas effectively.
- Fumigation: Rare, but used for severe infestations (e.g. grain storage, large warehouses).
6. Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
Professional providers often use integrated pest management, a combination of inspection, monitoring, sanitation, proofing, and safe use of insecticides. While more comprehensive, IPM is more cost-effective in the long run.
7. Emergency vs Routine Call-Outs
Same-day or out-of-hours pest control is often more expensive, but worth it when there’s a health risk from insects, rodents, or birds.
Pest-by-Pest Cost Breakdown
🐝 Wasp Nest Removal
- Cost: £60 – £100 per nest.
- Insecticide dusts or sprays applied directly to the nest.
- Emergency (same-day): £90 – £130.
- Chimney nests may increase cost due to access.
🐀 Rat & Mouse Control
- Cost: £120 – £250 for initial treatment and 2–3 visits.
- Includes: Bait boxes, poison, proofing advice, disinfectant sprays in contaminated areas.
- Mice control is usually slightly cheaper than rat control, but multiple visits are often required.
🛏️ Bed Bug Treatments
- Cost: £300 – £600+.
- Heat/steam treatments: From £950 for a kitchen, front room, and bedroom.
- Bed bugs hide in furniture and fabrics — sofas, headboards, mattresses. They are resistant to standard insecticides, making steam or ULV fogging essential.
🪳 Cockroach Control
- Cost: £150 – £300.
- Methods: Gel baits, insect growth regulators, and insecticide sprays.
- Commercial kitchens in London often require integrated pest management contracts to stay compliant with council regulations.
🐜 Ants & Fleas
- Cost: £80 – £150.
- Insecticide treatments: Sprays or powders.
- Flea treatments may also require steam cleaning of furniture and carpets.
🐦 Bird Control
- Cost: £250 – £1,000+.
- Services include: Netting, spikes, bird proofing.
- Guano clearance often includes disinfectant application for health and safety.
- Balcony cleaning in Kent flats is particularly common.
Other Common Pests
- Carpet beetles & textile pests: £80 – £200.
- Moths & silverfish: £80 – £200, often via fogging or insecticide sprays.
- Cluster flies: £100 – £250, sometimes requiring fumigation in loft spaces.
- Squirrels: £150 – £250.
- Moles/rabbits: £120 – £200.
Residential vs Commercial Pest Control Costs
Residential Pest Control
Homeowners usually require one-off visits. ULV fogging or steam may be necessary for insects.
Commercial Pest Control
Businesses — particularly food outlets — need pest control solutions that meet health and safety regulations. Contracts with a British Pest Control Association (BPCA)-approved provider ensure council inspections are passed and staff/customer health isn’t at risk.
- Small sites: from £400/year.
- Large warehouses, hotels, or restaurants: £1,000+/year.
Emergency Pest Control Costs
Emergency services are needed when pests present an immediate health risk. For example:
- Flies in a food prep area.
- Rodents in a childcare facility.
- Bed bugs in a hotel.
Emergency call-outs may carry a 20–30% surcharge, especially in London. With Innovation Pest Control, we maintain fair pricing with no hidden call-out charges.
Hidden Costs to Watch Out For
Unfortunately, some companies aren’t transparent. Watch for:
- Call-out fees.
- Excluded follow-up visits.
- Use of cheap, ineffective poison without integrated pest management.
With Innovation Pest Control, what we quote is what you pay.
Why Professional Pest Control Saves Money
DIY insecticide sprays often don’t penetrate deep enough into habitats. Rodents ignore cheap traps, and unlicensed poison use is dangerous.
Professional pest control saves money because:
- Flies: Breed fast — DIY sprays only mask the issue.
- Bed bugs: Spread via furniture and luggage. Steam and fogging stop them properly.
- Birds: Droppings damage roofs, solar panels, and cause health hazards if not disinfected.
Home Improvement and Pest Control
Pest control is often overlooked as part of home improvement, but it’s vital. Proofing gaps, sealing chimneys, repairing roofing, and maintaining furniture hygiene all reduce pest risks. Pest prevention saves money on future repairs and adds long-term value to your property.
Innovation Pest Control – Transparent Pricing Across Kent
We’re proud to be a local pest control company covering Ashford, Maidstone, Folkestone, Canterbury, Thanet, and beyond.
- BPCA-trained and insured technicians.
- Emergency call-outs with no hidden charges.
- Integrated pest management tailored to your property.
- Safe use of insecticides and disinfectants.
- Proven pest control solutions for homes and businesses.
FAQs on Pest Control Costs
Do you charge for call-outs? No, our quotes are all-inclusive.
Are your treatments safe? Yes, we use approved insecticides, steam, and disinfectants with minimal risk to health.
Do you guarantee complete removal? Yes — many treatments include free re-visits if needed.
What’s the cheapest pest to treat? Wasps.
What’s the most expensive? Bed bugs and large-scale bird proofing.
Do you provide commercial contracts? Yes, including full IPM solutions for restaurants, hotels, and warehouses.
Conclusion: The Value of Peace of Mind
When you ask, “How much will it cost for pest control?” the answer depends on many factors. But what really matters is peace of mind, protection of health, and avoiding future repair bills.
By choosing Innovation Pest Control, you get fair, transparent pricing, BPCA-approved methods, and trusted local technicians across Kent.
👉 Call 07743 958 655 today for a fast quote and 24/7 emergency pest control.
Innovation Pest Control Price Schedule
| Service | Details | Price (From) |
|---|---|---|
| Ultra Low Volume (ULV) Fogging treatment | Standard 3-bedroom house. Additional £30 per room thereafter. Recommended for bed bugs, fleas, moths, silverfish, spiders and flies. | £150.00 |
| Heat Treatment | Kitchen, front room, and 1 bedroom. £150.00 for every additional room. | £950.00 |
| Ants | 1 x Visit. | £130.00 |
| Cockroaches | 1 x Visit. | £130.00 |
| Mice | 1 x Visit. More than one visit may be required. | £130.00 |
| Rats | 1 x Visit. More than one visit may be required. | £160.00 |
| Rat and Mice Survey | Assessment of infestation. | £80.00 |
| Birds | 1 x Visit. More than one visit may be required. | £130.00 |
| Bird Proofing | Provide dimensions and photos/videos via WhatsApp for estimate. | Price on request |
| Balcony Bird Clean | Provide dimensions and photos/videos via WhatsApp for estimate. | Price on request |
| Wasps & Hornets | 1 x Visit. | £130.00 |
