How Much Does Ant Extermination Cost? Breakdown For Homeowners

The cost of ant extermination can range, while for carpenter ant extermination, you can expect to pay more due to the structural damage they cause. Depending on the infestation severity and treatment method. Carpenter ants are more expensive because they require structural inspection, targeted chemicals, and specialized elimination processes. 

If you’re dealing with any type of ant infestation in your home, this guide from Domination Extermination provides fast, effective, and affordable solutions tailored to your home and budget.

Signs Of An Ant Infestation (By Species)

Recognizing which ant species you’re dealing with helps determine cost, severity, and treatment style. Here are the key signs:

Carpenter Ants

• Large black or red/black ants
• Piles of sawdust (“frass”) near windows, baseboards, or beams -  a key sign of structural nesting.
• Faint rustling sounds inside the walls
• Higher costs because they damage wood

Fire Ants

• Painful stings and aggressive behavior
• Dirt mounds in the yard 
• Colonies spread quickly
• Outdoor and yard treatments increase cost

Pharaoh Ants

• Tiny yellowish ants in kitchens, bathrooms, and warm areas
• Known for spreading bacteria
• Can require multi-step treatments with targeted bait and follow-ups due to rapid colony splitting.

Odorous House Ants

• Small brown/black ants that smell like rotten coconut when crushed
• Seen trailing along counters, sinks, and baseboards
• Fast-spreading colonies may increase treatment frequency to prevent reinfestation.

Identifying the species early helps homeowners understand the potential cost implications, especially when dealing with carpenter ants or multi-colony nests.

Total Cost Of Ant Extermination By Service Type

Pricing varies depending on whether you choose one-time service or recurring protection:

One-Time Treatment Costs

• Best for light infestations
• Typical range: $285–$485
• Carpenter ant one-time treatment: $385–$750+

Best suited for light infestations where long-term prevention is not needed.

Recurring Service Costs

 (Quarterly Plans)

• Cost per visit decreases significantly
• Plans range from $145–$225 per visit, depending on home size
• Includes preventative treatments, barrier protection, and full home coverage - all tailored to the home’s size and infestation history.
• Cheaper in the long run because ants, spiders, rodents, and other pests are prevented, not just treated after the problem grows

Bundled services provide better protection and lower lifetime cost, especially for homes in wooded areas or with recurring carpenter ant issues.

What Factors Affect Ant Extermination Costs?

Three main factors influence pricing:

Infestation Size & Severity

Light, moderate, or heavy infestations impact labor time, follow-ups, and chemical volume. Large multi-colony or carpenter ant infestations increase cost due to deeper structural penetration and nest elimination requirements.

Home Size & Square Footage

Bigger homes require more product, more time, and larger barrier applications. Square footage directly affects:

• Amount of chemical applied
• Number of bait placements
• Full perimeter and interior treatment routes
• Follow-up visits needed

Treatment Method (Bait, Spray, Barrier)

• Baiting: Great for colony elimination; moderate cost
• Sprays/Residuals: Needed for heavy activity; varies by home size
• Barrier Treatments: Prevents ants from entering; often included in quarterly plans

The method chosen affects total cost, especially for carpenter ants, which require specialized residual treatments and targeted drilling applications.

DIY Vs. Professional Ant Extermination

Here’s a clear side-by-side breakdown:

DIY

• May kill only visible ants
• Time: Repeated treatments; colonies will return
• Effectiveness: Weak against carpenter ants and multi-queen colonies, 
• Light - no residual chemicals

Professional

• Benefits:
• Eliminates the colony at the source
• Specialized chemical residuals
• Professional-grade bait nis ot sold in stores
• Protection against wood-destroying ants
• Long-term value: Prevents structural damage and recurring infestations

For carpenter ants and heavy infestations, professional treatment is significantly superior and can prevent thousands in structural repairs.

How To Save Money On Ant Control

The cost of ant extermination doesn’t have to break the bank. Domination Extermination offers multiple ways to lower your ant extermination cost without sacrificing quality or effectiveness:

• Seasonal promotions that reduce upfront pricing
• Bundled quarterly plans that lower the per-visit rate
• Off-season treatments for proactive, early-stage control
• Member discounts for joining our quarterly protection program

Special Offer: Get $50 Off Your Initial Ant Treatment when you schedule today.

This is especially valuable for homeowners facing carpenter ant infestations, where ongoing protection can save thousands in future wood damage and structural repairs.

When To Call A Professional Exterminator

Call Domination Extermination if you notice:

• Persistent ant trails despite cleaning
• Ants returning weeks after DIY attempts
• Visible nests, sawdust piles, or multiple colonies
• Ants spreading to multiple floors or rooms
• Recurring yearly infestations

Call a licensed exterminator if DIY has failed or if ants return within weeks — especially when structural signs (like sawdust or hollow wood) are present.

For an exact quote of ant extermination service in NJ, call 856-633-0304 or visit DominationExtermination.com.

Can I Prevent Ants From Coming Back After Treatment?

Yes, with the right plan. The best long-term solution is Domination Extermination’s quarterly service, which includes:

• Full barrier protection
• Residual chemical treatment
• Baiting and monitoring
• Seasonal inspection for wood-destroying insects
• Coverage for ants, spiders, mice, and more

This post-treatment protection doesn’t just stop ants; it helps prevent carpenter ant damage, which can save homeowners thousands in wood repairs and structural replacement costs.