How Much Does Pest Control Cost in South Carolina?

Highlights

• The cost of pest control in South Carolina ranges between $130 and $157, while the average cost is $144.
• The price a South Carolina homeowner will pay for pest control depends on the type of pest, the type of treatment used, the frequency of service, the home’s size, the size and accessibility of the infestation, and the home’s location within the state.
• Some of the most common signs of a pest infestation include the presence of droppings or nests, gnaw or dirt marks, unusual noises and smells, hollow wood, and pest sightings.
• Homeowners can often address a small pest infestation themselves, but a pro can take care of the issue more efficiently—and make sure the pests are gone for good.

The home is meant to be a safe, comfortable place of refuge for rest, relaxation, and recharging. So when ants, wasps, termites, and other pests invade, it can make it stressful to cook, clean, sleep, or host guests. Pests can get into food, burrow through the walls, or even make their nests in mattresses and bedding. Many insects and other pests, such as mosquitoes and yellow jackets, will nest or lay eggs in underground burrows, old trees, and standing water.

If left untreated, the infestation can spread, putting the homeowner and residents at risk while damaging the structure of the home. On average, South Carolina pest control services cost $144, though the cost for a single appointment may range from $130 to $157. Homeowners can use this guide to find out how much pest control costs in South Carolina and learn more about the factors that can affect the pest control prices.

Factors in Calculating South Carolina Pest Control Costs

There are several key factors for homeowners to keep in mind when coming up with a basic estimate for pest control cost in South Carolina, including the type of pest, the type of treatment, the size of the home, and the infestation severity. If the infestation is small, some homeowners may be able to use DIY methods for a pest-free home. If the situation is not handled properly, though, this can lead to reinfestation. Homeowners will want to consider these cost factors when deciding on the best way to handle residential pest control.

Primary Factors

The primary factors for South Carolina pest control costs tend to focus on the initial assessment and treatment. These cost factors have an impact on the total price of the pest control service and may also influence the annual, quarterly, or monthly pest control cost if the homeowner signs up for recurring service. Other factors to consider include the size of the home, geographic location, accessibility to the affected area, and the type of treatment. Homeowners will want to consider these variables whether they’re researching Greenville, Hilton Head, Charleston, Myrtle Beach, or Columbia exterminators.

• Pest type has a significant impact on the average cost of pest control. Pests that tend to be more difficult to eliminate and can cause significant damage to the property or belongings (such as bed bugs and termites) are usually more expensive to treat, while other pests (such as ants or spiders) have lower pest control costs.
• Treatment type can also affect the cost of the job. Typically, physical removal of wildlife, nests, or hives, will cost about $300 to $700. Applying chemical treatments throughout the home costs about $200 to $1,000 per room in South Carolina, and fumigation costs between $1 to $4 per square foot or about $2,000 to $8,000 for a 2,000-square-foot home.
• Service frequency is necessary for homeowners to consider when researching pest control companies. Eradicating some pests, like yellow jackets, only requires a one-time visit. However, other pests (like roaches) may reappear in the home, making a monthly, quarterly, or annual service contract look more appealing. These recurring service contracts may also come at a reduced rate, allowing the homeowner to save on the total cost of pest control.

• Home size doesn’t always factor into the cost of the job. If the infestation is isolated to a certain area, then the local pest control company only needs to treat the affected area. However, if the infestation has been allowed to spread, then the entire home may need to be treated. While this isn’t the case for every pest control company, some exterminators will charge an extra $25 for every additional 1,000 square feet over 1,500.
• Infestation size has a significant impact on the cost of the job. Small infestations are relatively easy to handle with affordable pest control treatments, but if the infestation is widespread throughout the entire home or yard, then the cost of the job will increase based on the time, effort, and treatment methods.
• Accessibility is an area that homeowners will want to discuss with the pest control expert ahead of the first appointment. Insects, rodents, and other pests can build nests in walls, ceilings, attic, or crawl spaces, making the infestation more difficult and time-consuming to treat. Homeowners can help with accessibility by clearing out the affected area ahead of time.
• Geographic location plays a significant role in determining the pest control cost. For instance, an exterminator in Columbia, South Carolina will typically cost less than an exterminator in Hilton Head, South Carolina. However, hiring a pest control company in Greenville, SC tends to be slightly cheaper than pest control in Columbia, South Carolina. Homeowners will want to research and get quotes from at least three reputable pest control companies in the area to ensure they get a fair price for the work.

Secondary Factors

While primary factors mostly deal with the actual inspection and pest control treatment, the secondary cost factors are based on cleanup, repairs, and pest prevention. After pests have nested in the home, cleanup and sanitization are necessary. Similarly, the home may require significant repairs to fix the damage caused by the infestation, while pest prevention methods are key to stopping recurring infestations. Homeowners will want to keep these secondary cost factors in mind when budgeting for pest cleanup, repair, and prevention.

• Pest damage repairs can be as simple as using a tube of caulking to fill holes or as extensive as replacing entire sections of walls, flooring, or ceilings. Homeowners can expect to pay between $200 and $2,800 for drywall repairs, flooring replacement, electrical repairs, and more.
• Cleaning and sanitization services are a requirement after insects, rodents, or other pests have been nesting in the home. For smaller infestations, a routine home cleanup that costs about $120 to $240 should be more than enough, but for widespread infestations it’s best to spend between $200 and $400 to deep-clean the home.
• Pest prevention is especially important for recurring pests such as roaches and ants. Regular house cleaning, which costs about $75 to $250 per weekly visit, is a good way to prevent pests from returning. It’s also a good idea for homeowners to look into regular pest inspection costs or recurring pest treatment plans to keep the home protected. Pest treatments plans can be a great way to get budget pest control year-round.

Pest Control Cost in South Carolina by Type of Pest

When trying to decide whether professional pest control is worth it, homeowners will want to consider the type of pest that has taken up residence inside or outside the home. The cost of the job and the extent of the damage to the home is greatly affected by the type of pest. Homeowners can work with the pest control company to identify the invader and discuss the best method to treat the infestation.

• Ants: Carpenter ants and fire ants are the most problematic type of ants in South Carolina. Carpenter ants live in and around areas with moisture, like old trees or fallen logs with dead, damp wood. Fire ants tend to remain outdoors, but they can build mounds throughout the yard. Homeowners can expect to spend between $87 and $376 for ant control treatments.
• Bed bugs: While bed bugs don’t jump or fly, they are incredibly good at crawling and climbing. Bed bug treatments in South Carolina cost about $288 to $669 depending on the extent of the infestation.
• Cockroaches: A very common pest in South Carolina is the cockroach. These insects make nests in floors, walls, ceilings, and other dark and damp areas. Roach extermination in South Carolina costs between $89 and $375.
• Fleas and ticks: Fleas and ticks are very small pests that are easy to miss. Fleas jump from host to host to find suitable places to lay eggs, while ticks tend to latch onto passing hosts who are walking through wooded areas or fields with tall grass. Treating these pests costs about $175 to $452 on average.
• Iguanas: Green iguanas can cause significant damage to landscape vegetation around the home. They can also be a nuisance to homeowners, so it’s a good idea to have professional pest control experts deal with iguana issues for about $90 to $633.
• Mosquitoes: These flying pests are incredibly common in South Carolina due to the warm, moist climate. They lay eggs in standing water such as pet bowls, birder feeders, ponds, and even potted plants, so it’s important to get rid of as much stagnant water on the property as possible. Mosquito control prices range from $124 to $397 in South Carolina.
• Moths: Moth infestations are not as serious as infestations of other pests unless the home has been invaded by clothes moths, Indian meal moths, or pantry moths. Homeowners can treat moth issues for about $150 to $300.
• Rodents: Both rats and mice are common invaders that can find their way into a home with relative ease. These pests eat cereal, oat, bread, fruit, peanut butter, seeds, and even chocolate. A professional exterminator will charge about $77 to $246 for mouse extermination in South Carolina.
• Spiders: There are many spider species in South Carolina, including grass spiders, garden spiders, sac spiders, fishing spiders, wolf spiders, widow spiders, jumper spiders, crab spiders, orbweaver spiders, cellar spiders, and barn spiders. Homeowners can expect to pay around $122 to $213 to treat a spider infestation.
• Stinging insects: South Carolina is home to a variety of stinging insects, though the most common species are bees, yellow jackets, and wasps. Beehive removal costs about $94 to $399, while wasp and yellow jacket pest control ranges from $117 to $802.
• Termites: The two types of termites that commonly make their homes in South Carolina are eastern subterranean termites and Formosan termites. Eastern subterranean termites eat and burrow through wood, nesting in the structure of the home, while Formosan termites may also consume cardboard, rope, paper, some types of furniture, copper, asphalt, and even some plastics. Homeowners in South Carolina can expect to treat termites for between $488 to $2,450 and will want to address the problem before the damage becomes widespread.

Do I need pest control in South Carolina?

Flies, mosquitoes, spiders, and other pests are common in South Carolina, so it wouldn’t be surprising to see a fly enter the home through an open door or a spider spin a web in the garden. However, when these pests start to invade, nest, and reproduce inside or around the home, it can lead to significant problems. Homeowners can learn how to identify these common signs of a pest problem to determine if the home requires professional pest control services. Recognition is one of the best ways to prevent pest infestation.

• Droppings: Mice, rats, roaches, ants, bed bugs, and other pests will leave behind specks or pellets of feces as a clear indicator of their presence in the home. Feces is often left in the pantry, cupboards, basement, attic, and other dark areas around the home.
• Excessive dirt and grime: Most pests leave behind feces, but insects and rodents can also leave traces of dirt, oil, grease, hair, exoskeletons, or even dead and dying remnants of their nest or colony.
• Hollow wood: Termites, carpenter ants, and other wood-destroying pests can hollow out beams, posts, and other wooden objects. Homeowners who suspect an infestation can try knocking on wood around the home to see if anything sounds hollow.
• Gnaw marks: Many pests leave behind gnaw marks in whatever material they choose to bite into, such as walls, ceilings, flooring, carpets, rugs, mattresses, or furniture. Homeowners will want to speak to a professional exterminator to assess and treat the infestation.
• Nests: Finding a nest isn’t always easy, especially since nests are commonly located in dark, damp locations such as inside the walls or attic. However, if the homeowner does notice increased activity around a certain area of the home, there is a good chance that is where a nest is located.
• Unusual noises: Scratching, squeaking, gnawing, squealing, scurrying, flapping, or whining sounds with no other explanation are typically caused by insects, rodents, and other pests that have invaded the home.
• Unpleasant smells: Invading pests can leave behind a variety of odors that come from a range of sources. This can include pest feces, urine, blood, saliva, exoskeletons, and decomposing bodies.
• Visible sightings: The most obvious sign that the home or yard has a pest problem is if a resident sees the pests inside or outside the home. A visual sighting is all the confirmation most people need to pick up the phone or hop online to contact a local pest control company.

DIY vs. Hiring a Professional for Pest Control in South Carolina

Some pests, like moths, can usually be handled by DIYers without much issue, but termites, mice, ants, and a variety of other common South Carolina pests can cause significant damage to the home and property. For this reason, it may be best to hire a crew of experienced professionals to take care of the problem as soon as possible. Even the best DIY pest control solutions are no match for the treatment options available to professional exterminators.

Additionally, pest control professionals have the experience and skill to determine the extent of the infestation, recommend suitable treatments, and follow through with removal or elimination of the infestation. While setting up a few bait stations or applying a barrier treatment around the home can help to prevent pest problems, it’s best for homeowners to leave it up to the professional exterminators if the situation has grown into a full-blown infestation. Pest control pros will also be able to suggest preventive measures to help ensure that the pest problem doesn’t recur.

The Best Pest Control Companies in South Carolina

One of the first things to decide when looking for the best pest control companies in the area is whether to search locally, nationally, or to go to an aggregator for options. Local South Carolina companies can be found online, in local newspapers, in local ads, or through recommendations from other people in the area who have used their services. Well-known options in South Carolina include the following.

• Palmetto Exterminators has been providing pest control services in South Carolina since 1960 and has eight locations, including Charleston, Columbia, Greenville, and Myrtle Beach.
• South Carolina Pest Control serves Sumter and Florence and strives to provide affordable pest control services for both residential and commercial customers.
• Walker Pest Management has locations in Greenville, Columbia, Charleston, Rock Hill, and Summerville. The company offers a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee and strives for punctuality and effectiveness.

South Carolina homeowners can also choose to hire a national pest control company. These companies typically have decades of experience in the pest removal industry and have proven to be reliable and affordable.

• Orkin is one of the best pest control companies nationwide and offers service in South Carolina. Customers can locate their nearest branch by going to Orkin’s website and entering their ZIP code.
• Terminix has been in business for more than 95 years and offers 24/7 support. Like Orkin, Terminix has a website where customers can enter their ZIP code to find their nearest location.
• Angi is an aggregator website that matches customers with local pest control companies. Customers can request several quotes and compare them through one platform to determine which best fits their needs.
• Sunday Lawn Care primarily creates customized lawn care plans for customers nationwide, but it also has a line of pest control products that South Carolina homeowners can use to keep their yards pest-free. Sunday’s custom pest control plan tailors products to the needs of each customer.

How to Save on and Pay for Pest Control in South Carolina

Most homeowners are responsible enough to keep the home clean and in good conditions, which helps to prevent most pests from invading. However, ants, termites, mice, and other determined pests may find their way inside or may choose to build nests outdoors in the lawn, trees, or foliage. When this occurs, it’s important to address the problem as soon as possible, but it’s also necessary to consider the costs; ways to save; and how to pay for pest control treatments, cleanup, and repairs.

How to Save

Rodents, insects, and other pests can make a real mess of the home, leading to expensive cleanup, sanitization, and repair costs. With this in mind, it’s important for a homeowner to find ways to save on pest control services while preventing pests from taking up residence in or around the home. Homeowners can consider the suggestions below to help keep more money in their wallet.

• Put preventive measures in place. Homeowners can keep pest treatment costs low by preventing the problem from recurring. They can keep the home clean, store food in airtight containers, regularly empty the garbage, and get rid of stagnant water to make the home less appealing to pests.
• Don’t wait to treat infestations. Some insects lay over 100 eggs a day, so putting the problem off by even a week can drive up the cost to treat the infestation. To keep costs low, homeowners will want to call an exterminator as soon as they notice a problem.
• DIY treatments can help. Not every pest infestation requires professional treatment. Minor infestations can often be handled with baits, traps, and DIY colony-killer treatments that can be purchased from a local home improvement store. Homeowners can also look into the best DIY pest control solutions, such as Sunday to prevent pests from reaching their home.
• Research multiple pest control companies. It isn’t a good idea for a homeowner to go with the first offer without at least looking into other pest control companies. Instead, they’ll want to get quotes from three or more reputable companies in the area to ensure they get a fair price for the job.
• Eliminate the entire infestation. Half measures may seem less expensive up front, but when the infestation returns, it will cost at least double the amount to treat the problem again. Investing in proper pest control the first time can help homeowners reduce the overall cost of the job.

How to Pay

Pest control services are generally affordable, depending on the type of pest, size of the infestation, and the extent of the damage to the home. However, in some cases, the size of the infestation and the damage caused by the pests can drive up the cost of treatment, cleanup, and repairs until the total price of the job puts serious strain on the budget. Homeowners can consider several ways to pay for pest control.

• Dip into savings. Homeowners can borrow money from a savings or investment account to cover the cost of treatment, cleanup, and repairs, and then reinvest the borrowed sum at a later date.
• Use a credit card. Homeowners may be able to pay for pest control services using an existing credit card, or they may want to apply for a new zero-interest credit card to help pay for these services.
• Ask loved ones or friends for a loan. Homeowners may want to consider asking a close family member or friend to lend them money to pay for the pest control services and any necessary repairs for the home.
• Ask about payment options. When hiring a pest control company, a homeowner can inquire about the available payment options, such as a payment plan or financing.
• Get a government loan. Qualified homeowners can apply to the U.S. Department of Agriculture for a single-family housing repair loan to fix damages caused by a pest infestation.
• Look for local assistance. A homeowner may be able to get assistance from the South Carolina Emergency Management Division when paying for significant damages to the home and surrounding property caused by a pest infestation.

Questions to Ask About Pest Control in South Carolina

Seeing a cockroach scurry across the floor may be enough to prompt a homeowner to pick up the phone and contact an exterminator, but that doesn’t mean the homeowner knows what to expect when the pest control experts arrive. Before contacting a pest control company, it’s a good idea for homeowners to research several pest control experts and gather quotes for the job. Homeowners can ask some of the following questions to help them reach a decision.

• How long have you been in business?
• Where do you operate in South Carolina?
• Are there any travel fees?
• Do you offer financing?
• Do you have any testimonials or online reviews?
• Are your exterminators licensed, bonded, and insured?
• How do you decide what treatments are needed?
• What kind of pests are in my home?
• Are the pests common to South Carolina?
• What stage of life are the insects in—egg, larva, pupae, adult?
• How serious is the infestation?
• How long have the pests been in my home?
• How long will it take to eliminate the infestation?
• Will the pests ever come back?
• What type of repairs does the home require?
• How frequently should an exterminator come to my house?
• Do you offer a written quote?
• How much training do your exterminators receive?
• What chemicals are used during the pest control treatment?
• Are your pest control treatments safe for people and pets?
• Do you offer guarantees on your service?
• Will we have to leave the house?

FAQs

There are a wide variety of insects, rodents, reptiles, birds, and other pests that can invade homes in South Carolina. With this in mind, it’s a good idea for homeowners to learn about pest control treatments, services, and procedures to better understand how to manage pest infestations when they occur.

Q. What time of year is best for pest control?

The population of insects, rodents, and other pests tends to be the lowest in early spring, making it the ideal time for pest control. By eliminating the problem before the weather warms up, homeowners can reduce the risk of a widespread infestation.

Q. How long does a pest control job take?

The length of time it takes to complete a pest control treatment depends on the size of the home, the size of the infestation, the location of the infestation, the type of pest, and the treatment method. Simple treatments may be able to be completed in just 30 minutes, while whole-home pest treatment services can take up to 8 hours to ensure the infestation is properly handled.

Q. Who is responsible for pest control when renting in South Carolina?

In most cases, the landlord of the property is responsible for pest control in South Carolina. The landlord should protect the property from common pests, eliminate new or sudden pest infestations, and keep a detailed record of all pest treatments and infestations at the property.

However, if the pest infestation is due to the tenant’s actions, then the tenant may be liable for the cost of the pest control treatment and repairs, though it isn’t always easy to determine responsibility for a pest infestation.

Sources: ProMatcher, HomeAdvisor, Pest Extinct, Manta, Today’s Homeowner, Stomp Pest Control