The average carpet beetle extermination cost is $450, with most homeowners spending between $300 and $600. Severity, home size, and treatment type affect your final price.
Carpet beetle extermination protects your home and belongings from the costly damage caused by these pests.
Costs depend on the infestation size, treatment type, and the size of the home, with some treatments priced by square footage.
Professional exterminators offer thorough, long-lasting solutions to minimize recurrence.
Preventive maintenance and early action can reduce the risk of future carpet beetle issues.
DIY methods may reduce upfront costs but often carry a higher risk of incomplete treatment and pest return.
This article was created using automation technology and thoroughly fact-checked and edited by an Angi Editor in accordance with our AI policy.
Carpet beetle extermination costs average $450, with most projects ranging from $300 to $600, depending on the severity of the infestation, the size of the home, and the chosen treatment method. Some severe cases can reach $1,200 or more. Most pest control pros charge per visit, while DIY kits start at $50.
Eliminating carpet beetles protects your home’s fabrics, carpets, and clothing from ongoing damage. This guide covers what impacts cost, your options, and tips for budgeting and prevention.
Understanding the factors that affect the cost of carpet beetle extermination can help you plan and prioritize the most effective approach for your situation. Let’s look at the major elements that influence what you’ll pay.
There are several common extermination methods for carpet beetles, each with its own associated cost. The most widely used treatments are chemical applications, heat treatments, fumigation, and integrated pest management (IPM).
Chemical treatments are often the most affordable and are suitable for minor to moderate infestations. Heat treatments and fumigation are more intensive, best reserved for severe or widespread infestations, and are more costly due to the intensity of equipment and labor. IPM combines multiple strategies for a balanced approach, which can be cost-effective for persistent or complex cases.
Treatment Type | Average Cost Range | Best For |
---|---|---|
Chemical treatment | $150–$500 | Minor to moderate cases |
Heat treatment | $500–$1,500 | Severe or whole-home cases |
Fumigation | $1,200–$4,000 | Extensive infestations |
Integrated pest management | $300–$1,200 | Persistent or complex cases |
The size of the infestation and the area that needs to be treated play a major role in the overall cost. Treating a single room or a small apartment will cost less than treating an entire house. Larger infestations often require more product, time, and follow-up visits, increasing the total price. For example, a localized treatment in one room is much less expensive than addressing an entire 2,000-square-foot home.
Home/Area Size | Average Cost Range |
---|---|
Single room or small area | $150–$300 |
Apartment (up to 1,000 sq. ft.) | $300–$800 |
Single-family home (1,000–2,500 sq. ft.) | $500–$1,200 |
Large/multi-story home (over 2,500 sq. ft.) | $1,000–$4,000 |
Material costs include insecticides, dusts, sprays, and traps. Consumer-grade products for DIY use are less expensive but may not be as effective as professional-grade treatments, which are stronger and applied with specialized equipment. Eco-friendly or pet-safe materials are available, often at a higher price point, but they can be a wise investment for families with children or pets.
Material Type | DIY Cost | Pro-Grade Cost |
---|---|---|
Standard insecticide spray | $10–$30 | $40–$100 |
Insecticide dust | $8–$25 | $30–$80 |
Traps | $5–$20 | $20–$60 |
Eco-friendly/pet-safe | $20–$60 | $50–$200 |
Labor is a key part of the carpet beetle extermination cost. Pest control professionals may charge by the visit, by the hour, or by a flat fee for the entire job. Rates are influenced by technician experience, company reputation, and regional demand.
In most cases, expect to pay $50 to $150 per hour for labor, or a flat fee of $150 to $500 per visit. Emergency or after-hours services often come with premium charges. Some companies include follow-up visits or guarantees in their pricing, which can add value.
Preparation is essential for effective extermination. Costs can include moving furniture, vacuuming, laundering infested fabrics, and decluttering. Some pest control companies include basic preparation in their service, while others charge separately for extensive preparation work. If you require professional cleaning services in advance, expect to pay between $50 and $200, depending on the quantity and type of items.
Tipping pest control professionals is not required, but is appreciated for exceptional service. If you choose to tip, $10 to $25 per technician or up to 10% of the total bill is considered a reasonable amount. Tipping is more common when pros go above and beyond, handle emergency visits, or provide extra advice and follow-up.
Several other factors can increase your carpet beetle extermination cost. Post-treatment cleanup and disposal of infested items may add $50 to $300 to your total. Severe infestations often demand multiple follow-up treatments, each costing $100 to $400. In rare cases, local regulations may require permits or inspections, which can cost between $25 and $100.
If carpet beetles have caused significant damage, repairing or replacing carpets, upholstery, or clothing can add hundreds or even thousands of dollars to the cost. Emergency or same-day service, as well as custom eco-friendly treatments, come with additional fees.
Keeping your home free from carpet beetles often requires ongoing investment. Maintenance and operating costs, as well as potential repairs and insurance considerations, all contribute to your long-term budget.
Regular inspections help catch new infestations early and can save you money in the long run:
Professional inspections cost $50 to $150 per visit.
Preventive treatments, such as surface sprays or dusts, range from $100 to $300 per application and may be recommended once or twice a year.
Monitoring devices or traps for early detection cost $20 to $60 each and should be replaced as needed.
Follow-up visits from pest control companies, often included in service packages, may be billed at $50 to $200 per visit if purchased separately.
Maintaining a pest-free environment involves regular cleaning and pest-proofing. Routine vacuuming and laundering protect fabrics and carpets, while sealing cracks and storing items in airtight containers can prevent reinfestation. Pest-proofing materials, such as caulk and storage bins, cost between $20 and $100. DIY pest control products for ongoing prevention, such as sprays or traps, add $10 to $30 per month.
If carpet beetles have damaged your belongings, repair costs can add up quickly. Replacing or repairing carpets, rugs, or upholstery costs between $200 and $2,000, depending on the extent of the damage and the quality of the materials. Professional fabric restoration services for clothing or drapes range from $50 to $500. If beetles have damaged painted surfaces or trim, repainting or refinishing costs $100 to $500.
Most homeowners' insurance policies do not cover carpet beetle extermination or damage caused by pests. Some insurers offer pest-specific riders, but these are uncommon and may add $100 to $300 per year to your premium. Out-of-pocket expenses for extermination and repairs are the norm, so it’s important to budget accordingly and check your policy for any exceptions.
Choosing between DIY and professional extermination depends on your budget, skills, and the severity of the infestation. DIY extermination costs include the price of insecticides, sprays, traps, and protective gear, which total $50 to $150.
By handling the labor yourself, you save on professional fees, but you’ll need to invest time and take safety precautions. DIY methods work best for small, localized infestations and require thorough cleaning and follow-up.
However, DIY approaches carry risks. Incomplete treatment may allow carpet beetles to return, leading to more damage and higher long-term costs. There’s also some risk of improper use of pesticides, which can be hazardous. For widespread or recurring infestations, or if you have allergies or pets, hiring a professional is the best way to ensure complete and safe extermination.
It’s best to hire a local extermination pro when the infestation is severe, has spread to multiple rooms, or if you’ve tried DIY methods without success.
Several add-on services can increase the total cost of carpet beetle extermination, but they may be necessary for full protection or convenience:
Whole-home deep cleaning costs $100 to $500.
Storage or disposal of infested items can add $50 to $300.
Preventive barrier treatments are priced at $100 to $300.
Eco-friendly or pet-safe treatment upgrades, which may add $50 to $200.
Follow-up inspections or monitoring services range from $50 to $200 per visit.
Emergency or same-day service fees, which can add $100 to $400.
Repairs to affected carpets, upholstery, or clothing cost $200 to $2,000.
To keep the cost of carpet beetle extermination within budget, consider the following tips:
Get multiple quotes from licensed pest control companies to compare services and pricing.
Address infestations early to prevent severe damage and higher extermination costs.
Prepare your home (vacuum, launder, declutter) before the professional arrives to minimize prep charges.
Bundle carpet beetle extermination with other pest control services to receive discounts.
Use preventive measures, like regular cleaning and sealing entry points, to reduce the risk of future infestations.
Choose targeted treatments instead of whole-home fumigation when possible for cost savings.
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