Updated April 2026 · Based on industry data

How Much Does Pest Control Cost in 2026?

Most pest control treatments cost £100 to £300. A wasp nest removal starts from £50, while bed bug treatment runs to £150 to £350 per room. Pest control prices vary by pest type, severity, and where you live. Here is the full breakdown.

See Pest Control Prices

£100–£300

Most treatments

£50–£100

Wasp nest

£150–£350

Bed bugs/room

£120–£250

Rats (2-3 visits)

Prices updated April 2026 · Based on industry data and contractor submissions.

Pest Control Prices List by Pest Type

How much does pest control cost? Here is our full pest control prices list for every common UK household pest, including all visits and follow-up treatments.

Rat/mouse treatment (2-3 visits)

Bait, monitoring, and entry point proofing

£180

£120 – £250

Wasp nest removal

Insecticidal dust treatment, single visit

£75

£50 – £100

Bed bug treatment (per room)

Chemical or heat treatment, 2 visits

£250

£150 – £350

Cockroach treatment

Gel bait and monitoring, 2 visits

£175

£100 – £250

Flea treatment

Whole-house spray with growth inhibitor

£150

£100 – £200

Ant treatment

Bait and barrier spray

£115

£80 – £150

Moth treatment

Targeted spray for carpets and wardrobes

£150

£100 – £200

Squirrel removal

Humane trapping and proofing

£225

£150 – £300

Pigeon proofing

Netting, spikes, or wire systems

£400

£200 – £600

Woodworm treatment (per room)

Chemical spray or gel, depends on severity

£1,000

£500 – £2,000

Pest Control Prices UK by Region

Pest control cost varies by region. These are average UK prices for a standard rat or mouse treatment (2-3 visits including proofing).

Region	Average Cost	vs National
London	£220	+22%
South East	£200	+11%
South West	£185	+3%
East of England	£190	+6%
Midlands	£180	Average
Yorkshire	£165	-8%
North West	£170	-6%
North East	£155	-14%
Scotland	£160	-11%
Wales	£165	-8%

How to Get Your Pest Control for Less

Try your council first for rats and mice

Many local councils offer free or subsidised rat treatment. Even if there is a charge, it is usually £30 to £80 - significantly less than a private pest controller. Phone your council's environmental health department, or find a BPCA-accredited pest controller for professional treatment.

Ask if proofing is included in the price

Some pest controllers quote separately for treatment and proofing (sealing entry points). Others include it. A treatment without proofing is like fixing a leak without finding the source - the pests come back. Get a quote that covers both and you avoid paying twice. Your local council may also offer pest control services at a reduced rate or for free, particularly for rats and mice.

Get two or three quotes

Pest control prices vary widely. One company might charge £200 for a rat treatment that another offers for £120. Get at least two quotes, check BPCA membership, and ask what guarantee is included. The cheapest is not always the best, but you should not overpay either.

Act quickly to keep costs down

A small mouse problem is cheaper to fix than a large established colony. Two rats behind the skirting board cost the same to treat as twenty in the loft space - but the damage from twenty is far worse. Call a pest controller at the first sign of a problem and the bill will be lower.

What to Expect: The Treatment Process

Professional pest control follows a clear process. Here is how a typical treatment works from start to finish.

1
Initial inspection and identification
The pest controller inspects your property to identify the pest species, assess the severity of the infestation, and find entry points. For rats and mice, they check the loft, under floors, behind kitchen units, and around external pipes and drains. This visit usually takes 30 to 60 minutes.
2
Treatment plan and quote
Based on the inspection, they recommend a treatment plan and give you a fixed price. This should include the number of visits, what treatment is used, whether proofing is included, and what guarantee you get. A good pest controller explains everything clearly. The BPCA has a search tool to find accredited pest controllers in your area.
3
First treatment application
For rodents, bait is placed in locked tamper-proof stations in strategic locations. For insects, spray or gel bait is applied to harbourage areas. Wasp nests are treated with insecticidal dust injected into the entrance. The technician explains what has been done and what to expect over the following days.
4
Follow-up visits
The technician returns after 7 to 14 days to check bait uptake, replenish treatments, and monitor progress. For rodents and bed bugs, 2 to 3 follow-up visits are standard. The technician adjusts the treatment based on what they find at each visit.
5
Prevention advice and proofing
Once the pest is eliminated, entry points are sealed with wire mesh, expanding foam, or cement. The technician advises on housekeeping changes to prevent reinfestation. A follow-up visit may be included to check the problem has not returned.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does pest control cost?

Most pest control treatments cost £100 to £300. Wasp nest removal is the cheapest at £50 to £100, while bed bug treatment is one of the most expensive at £150 to £350 per room. Rat and mouse treatments cost £120 to £250 and usually include 2 to 3 visits. Woodworm treatment is the priciest at £500 to £2,000 per room depending on severity.

Does the council do pest control for free?

Many UK councils offer free or subsidised rat treatment. Some also cover mice. The service typically costs nothing or £30 to £80 depending on the council. However, waiting times can be 2 to 3 weeks in busy periods. For other pests such as wasps, bed bugs, and cockroaches, council services are less common and a private pest controller is usually needed.

How many visits does pest control take?

Wasp nest treatment is a single visit. Rat and mouse treatments usually require 2 to 3 visits over 2 to 4 weeks - the technician lays bait, monitors uptake, and seals entry points. Bed bug treatment needs at least 2 visits spaced 10 to 14 days apart. Cockroach treatment is typically 2 visits. Most quoted prices include all necessary visits.

Is pest control worth the money?

For rats, bed bugs, cockroaches, and wasps - yes, professional treatment is almost always worth it. DIY products rarely eliminate the problem fully, and the longer you wait, the worse the infestation gets. Rats can cause thousands of pounds of damage to wiring and insulation. Bed bugs spread to neighbouring rooms quickly. The cost of professional treatment is usually a fraction of the cost of the damage pests cause.

Can I claim pest control on my home insurance?

Standard home insurance does not cover pest control treatment. However, some policies cover the resulting damage - for example, if rats chew through wiring and cause an electrical fault. Some home emergency cover add-ons include pest control for specific pests like rats and wasps. Check your policy or call your insurer to find out what is covered.