Pest Control Plans: Monthly, Quarterly, and Annual Costs (2026)
Last updated: March 3, 2026
Pest control plans cost $40 to $70 per monthly visit, $100 to $300 per quarterly visit, or $300 to $900 per year for an annual plan. Most plans include an initial visit ($150 to $300) that is more thorough than subsequent maintenance visits. The right plan depends on your location, pest pressure, and budget.
This guide compares plan types, explains what each includes, and helps you decide which option makes sense for your home. For detailed one-time treatment pricing, see our pest control cost guide.
Types of Pest Control Plans
| Plan Type | Cost Per Visit | Annual Cost | Visits Per Year | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly | $40 – $70 | $480 – $840 | 12 | High pest pressure, warm climates, active problems |
| Bi-monthly | $50 – $80 | $300 – $480 | 6 | Moderate pest pressure, transitional climates |
| Quarterly | $100 – $300 | $400 – $1,200 | 4 | Most homes, general prevention |
| Annual | $300 – $900 | $300 – $900 | 1 – 2 | Low pest pressure, cooler climates |
Monthly plans ($40 to $70 per visit)
Monthly plans provide the most frequent treatment and the strongest ongoing protection. Each visit includes a perimeter spray, interior treatment of key areas, web removal, and inspection for new activity. Monthly plans are recommended for homes in the southern U.S. (Florida, Texas, Louisiana, Arizona, Georgia) where pests are active year-round, homes with persistent problems, and properties near wooded areas or water.
Bi-monthly plans ($50 to $80 per visit)
Bi-monthly (every other month) plans balance cost and coverage. They work well in areas with moderate pest pressure where monthly treatment is more than needed but quarterly leaves too large a gap. Many companies in the mid-Atlantic, Midwest, and Pacific Northwest recommend bi-monthly service.
Quarterly plans ($100 to $300 per visit)
Quarterly plans are the most popular option and what most pest control companies recommend as their standard plan. Treatments are scheduled for each season, adjusted for seasonal pest patterns: spring (ants, spiders emerging), summer (peak activity), fall (rodents moving indoors), and winter (maintenance). Quarterly visits are more thorough than monthly visits since there is more time between treatments.
Annual plans ($300 to $900 per year)
Annual plans include one or two comprehensive visits per year. They are best suited for homes in cooler climates with limited pest pressure (Pacific Northwest, Mountain West, northern states) or newer construction with minimal pest history. Annual plans provide the least protection and leave long gaps where pest populations can rebuild.
What Plans Typically Include
Standard coverage (included in most plans)
- Ants (pavement, odorous house, pharaoh)
- Spiders (common house spiders, web removal)
- Cockroaches (German, American)
- Wasps and mud daubers (exterior nest removal)
- Silverfish
- Earwigs and centipedes
- Perimeter treatment (exterior spray around foundation)
- Interior treatment (baseboards, kitchen, bathrooms)
- Re-service guarantee (free retreatment between visits if pests return)
Usually NOT included (requires separate service)
- Termites require a separate inspection and treatment plan. See our termite treatment cost guide.
- Bed bugs are treated as a separate service due to the specialized treatment required. See our bed bug treatment cost guide.
- Rodents may or may not be included. Some plans cover basic mouse trapping; rat exclusion is usually separate.
- Wildlife (raccoons, squirrels, bats) requires a licensed wildlife control operator.
- Mosquito treatment is often an add-on service ($40 to $80 per month extra).
- Carpenter ants and fire ants may require specialized treatment beyond what a standard plan covers.
Initial Visit Costs
Most pest control plans charge a higher fee for the initial visit, typically $150 to $300. This first visit is more comprehensive than routine maintenance visits and includes:
- Full inspection of the home interior and exterior
- Identification of pest species and activity areas
- Assessment of entry points and conducive conditions
- Heavy initial treatment to knock down existing populations
- Placement of bait stations and monitors where needed
- Recommendations for homeowner actions (sealing gaps, removing food sources, fixing moisture issues)
Some companies waive the initial visit fee if you sign up for an annual contract. Others offer a reduced initial visit when you commit to a quarterly or monthly plan. Always ask about the initial visit cost when comparing quotes.
Plan vs One-Time Treatment: Cost Comparison
| Scenario | One-Time Costs | Quarterly Plan Cost | Which Is Cheaper? |
|---|---|---|---|
| One ant problem per year | $150 – $300 | $400 – $1,200/year | One-time |
| Ants + spiders + seasonal roaches | $300 – $900/year | $400 – $1,200/year | Similar; plan has re-service guarantee |
| Multiple pest issues per year | $500 – $1,500+/year | $400 – $1,200/year | Plan is cheaper + includes prevention |
Plans make financial sense when you have recurring pest issues (two or more treatments per year) or live in an area where pest pressure is consistent. The re-service guarantee alone can save money; if pests return between scheduled visits, the company retreats for free. For a deeper analysis, see our guide on whether pest control is worth the cost.
Which Plan Makes Sense for Your Situation
- Monthly plan: You live in the southern U.S. (FL, TX, LA, AZ, GA, SC), you have scorpions, you are near water or woods, or you have an active infestation that needs ongoing management.
- Quarterly plan: You live in a moderate climate, have typical pest pressure, and want reliable year-round prevention. This is the right choice for most homeowners.
- Annual plan: You live in a cooler climate, have newer construction, and experience minimal pest issues. You just want a baseline inspection and treatment.
- No plan (one-time only): You rarely see pests, live in a newer home in a low-pressure area, and are comfortable handling occasional issues yourself.
What to Look for in a Pest Control Contract
- Month-to-month vs annual commitment. Prefer month-to-month or quarterly agreements that you can cancel with 30 days notice. Avoid long-term contracts with early termination fees.
- Re-service guarantee. The contract should include free retreatment between scheduled visits if pests return. This is standard practice for reputable companies.
- What is covered. Get a clear list of which pests are included and which are excluded. Ask specifically about termites, bed bugs, and rodents.
- Price increases. Ask whether the quoted rate is locked in or subject to annual increases. Some companies raise prices 5% to 10% per year after the first year.
- Cancellation policy. Understand the cancellation terms before signing. Legitimate companies make cancellation straightforward.
- Guarantee details. Some guarantees require you to be home for treatments. Others require that you complete all scheduled visits to maintain the guarantee. Read the fine print.
Contracts and Practices to Avoid
- Multi-year contracts with penalties. Any company requiring a 2+ year commitment with hefty cancellation fees is prioritizing lock-in over service quality.
- High-pressure sales after a "free inspection." Legitimate companies provide honest assessments. Be wary of technicians who claim you need immediate, expensive treatment after a free inspection.
- Vague coverage terms. If the contract does not clearly list covered pests and services, ask for clarification in writing before signing.
- Auto-renewal without clear notice. Some contracts auto-renew annually. Make sure you know when and how to opt out.
For help choosing a company, see our guide on when to call an exterminator. For a complete cost overview, see our pest control cost guide.
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