How much does it cost to exterminate spiders?

Reviewed by Irene Pomares remodeling expert. Written by Fixr.com.

Spider exterminators are licensed professionals who are skilled in handling spider infestations. These trained professionals have in-depth knowledge about spiders and are well experienced in safely solving spider infestation problems inside and outside your home. Although most may think that dealing with a spider infestation can be easy, many are unaware of the dangers of handling spiders on their own and don’t realize that spider infestations are not that easy to deal with.

The average cost to hire a spider exterminator ranges from $300 to $500, with the average homeowner spending around $400 to hire a spider exterminator for a one-time visit and spray treatment for a 2,500 sq.ft. home. This project’s low cost is $100 for a single visit with a spider dust treatment for a 1,000 sq.ft. space. The high cost is $700 for spider extermination using fumigation in a 3,500 sq.ft. home or garage.

Spider Pest Control Cost

Average Cost of Spider Extermination per Square Foot

Often pest control companies price their services per square foot, and this applies to spider extermination. If you want your whole house sprayed for spiders, this guide to the average spider extermination cost per square foot can help. Prices are often in square footage because larger structures require more labor and treatment materials. It costs about $0.10 to $0.20 per square foot for spider extermination services. Below is the average range of spider extermination services for the most common house sizes.

Spider Extermination Costs by Method

Spiders are one of the most commonly feared pests and can be a nuisance to have in and around your home. Some common methods used by professional exterminators help effectively get rid of these spiders in your home. These methods include spider dust, traps, spray, and fumigation. These services range in cost from $100 to $1,000, which typically includes the cost of the initial inspection, treatment, and monitoring as well. The methods cost less for smaller non-venomous spiders and more for large venomous spiders. Sometimes treatments like dust and trap may be used together depending on the infestation.

Spider Dust

Professional exterminators normally charge around $100 to $250 for an inspection and dust extermination service. Non-repellent insecticide dust can be very useful in spider extermination. The dust clings to webs and is likely to be contacted by the spider when on the web. This dust can be applied to other places where spiders hide to help get rid of them.

Spider Traps

Extermination companies price their spider inspection and trap treatments around $100 to $300. Spider traps are non-toxic and cost-effective glue traps that can be placed in the corners, along the walls, in the basement, and in any other location that spiders have been spotted. Spider traps are most effective for smaller infestations as they only provide so much room to get caught on the trap.

Spray a House for Spiders

The average cost to spray a house for spiders is $200 to $500. Spider sprays are another effective treatment for spider infestation that kills on contact. The spray can be used under furniture, in closets, along the baseboards, in any cupboard space, and in many other places in the home where needed. The spray is easy to use but can be problematic in homes with small children or pets as it leaves a residue.

Spider Fumigation

Professional spider fumigation costs $300 to $1,000. Fumigation is the most complex and high-level spider treatment. It takes spraying to the next level. While spot spraying targets specific areas where spiders may be, fumigation applies chemicals that treat the entire room/house, exterminating all pests in the process. Fumigation uses stronger chemicals than spraying.

Spider Extermination Cost by Severity of Infestation

Spider extermination cost is typically determined by the infestation size or how many spiders are in a specific area. For example, a small infestation of 1 to 5 spiders is much less expensive than a severe infestation with several hundred spiders. A medium infestation is slightly larger than a small one and can include up to 20 spiders. Large infestations could have even 100 spiders, while severe ones include more.

Spider Pest Control Cost by Frequency of Treatment

When an infestation becomes present, it is important to recognize whether you need a one-time treatment or a recurring control treatment. Spiders are a common household pest that can be difficult to control and may need to be treated more than a one-time visit can handle. For people who live in a climate prone to spiders or who have had a previous history of infestation, ongoing treatment (monthly, quarterly, etc.) helps control these pests and prevents infestations indefinitely.

Recurring treatments are available monthly, quarterly, or annually. Costs are the highest for monthly treatments because an expert visits more often. Quarterly treatments are every 3 months, and the annual cost is lower than monthly. Annual treatment schedules work well for recurring issues. Homeowners without many spider problems also have the option of one-time visits without the need of getting into a contract. One-time visits usually cost between $250 and $400 for spider extermination. The chart below illustrates the average cost for spider infestation treatments which vary depending on the size of your property and level of infestation.

Spider Extermination Cost by Location

One of the factors that influence spider extermination cost is the location of the infestation. Like with other common household pests, the harder the pests are to reach, the more professional exterminators may charge for their services. For example, the deck, patio, and carpet are easy to reach, so the price is lower. Decks and patios might offer shelter or have food crumbs, bringing in spiders. Carpets also accumulate food if not vacuumed frequently, and spiders may visit them.

Bathrooms, bedrooms, kitchens, and sheds are also relatively simple to reach, so the prices are only slightly higher. Yards can be more challenging because spiders can be in several locations, so prices trend upward. Garages are often large and filled with items, so these are on the much higher end of the scale. Homeowners may not realize spiders are present until they have grown into a large infestation. Spiders come in for shelter, food, and water in all these cases.

It is also not uncommon to find spiders in basements and attics. These areas may also create large infestations, especially if they largely go unused. Spiders often have easy access to basements and find food, warmth, and quiet. While attics are more difficult to access, spiders seek them for warmth. The table below highlights the average prices for getting rid of spiders using a one-time perimeter and interior pesticide treatment. Remember, these prices can vary further depending on the severity of the infestation and the treatment method.

Spider Extermination Cost by Company

The average cost to exterminate spiders for a medium-to-large infestation ranges from $250 to $700, depending on the company. Several pest control companies lead the way in spider extermination, including Terminix, Orkin, and Western Exterminator. The trained professional visits and inspects the area, determines the infestation cause, and outlines a treatment plan for your situation. The table below shows their average prices, but it varies by location, size of the house, and specific infestation situation. Always check with your extermination company for the most accurate quote for your home.

Western Exterminator Spider

Hiring a Western Exterminator costs $250 to $500 for spider treatment. The company provides comprehensive spider management to remove webs via vacuuming and catch spiders to identify how harmful they are. Their spider removal specialists use discreet treatments like insecticidal sprays, flushing, and chemical treatments. They also install invertebrate monitors to trap spiders in areas where they may be seeking shelter, food, or mating partners.

Terminix Spider

Terminix charges $300 to $650 for spider extermination services. The company’s pest specialists inspect the inside and outside of the home to determine the source of the spider infestation and the best treatment method. They have home fumigation and sealing treatments to keep spiders out and are known for catching and treating brown recluse infestations across the central and southern U.S.

Orkin Spider Control

Orkin prices for spider control average $350 to $700. Orkin exterminators are recognized for their comprehensive spider treatments, including fumigation, perimeter seals, and monitoring systems. They check under furniture and below baseboards and walls to discover hidden spider populations and target outdoor and indoor spider species. They remove eggs and nests to stop spiders from coming back.

When to Call an Exterminator for Spiders?

If homeowners only notice one spider, they may wait to call an exterminator. However, this could be a mistake as there are often more spiders hiding behind walls, under furniture, or in hard-to-see nests. It’s always best to call an exterminator if you notice a spider problem, as they can address it quite quickly before there are hundreds or even thousands of spiders taking over the property.

In some cases, spiders are more visible than other household pests, as they can spin large webs in the corners of walls and structural components. Often, you can spot tiny baby spiders on the wall. Other signs of a spider infestation include another pest problem. Spiders are drawn to food and shelter just like other bugs. If there’s a problem with one pest species, there may be spiders involved too. The only way to know for sure what’s going on with spiders and pests at your house is to call in a professional exterminator.

Signs of a Spider Infestation

If you notice any of the following signs in and around your home, there is a high chance that you are experiencing spider infestation, and it should be taken care of right away. Signs of spiders in your home may signify other pest infestations. Spiders typically eat other pests, such as flies, ants, moths, and beetles, which can also threaten one’s health. Contact an exterminator to inspect your house for spider and other pest infestations.

One of the most common signs of spider infestation is if you notice an abundance of webs both inside and outside your home. One or two spider webs are common, but if you start seeing more, then you should be a little bit worried. Spiders lay hundreds or even thousands of eggs at a time in a single egg sac. If you find egg sacs in your home, it is important to dispose of them right away as this can cause a major infestation of spiders around your home once hatched. If you suspect spider sacs in your home, it is important to call an expert immediately.

Another common sign of spider infestation is if you start to notice several insects around your home. If there are lots of insects, then there is a good chance there will soon be spiders around as they love to eat them. It is extremely important to keep your windows and doors closed. Spiders will start to make webs and be drawn to the interior light.

Finally, simply seeing spiders around your home is a sign of infestation. If you start seeing some, more are sure to be around. If this is the case, it is important to contact a professional right away before the problem worsens.

All About Spiders

Spiders are arthropods with eight legs, fangs for injecting venom, and spinnerets to produce silk. Spiders breathe air and are not insects, despite their typical association with other household bugs. They are found on all continents other than Antarctica and have six to eight eyes to make it easier to catch their prey. Some spiders have incredible jumping or running abilities to make them fierce predators. There are venomous spiders that humans need to watch out for and others that may not be venomous but still cause a big nuisance in someone’s house.

What Do Spiders Look Like?

There are upwards of 45,000 spider species worldwide. They range significantly in size and color. Some spiders are hard to see with the naked eye, and others are the size of your hand. The main identifying features of spiders are the two distinct sections of their body--the thorax where their head is and their abdomen. Spiders have eight legs and six or eight eyes. Some are hairy, and others have noticeable patterns to help identify them.

Where Do Spiders Nest?

Spiders may nest inside or outside your home. Some species prefer dark indoor spaces while others like vegetation and wood structures like sheds and garages. They generally look for safe areas like corners where they can be secluded, but they have been known to make their nests on fence posts, inside lights, and inside furniture. Check under window ledges and inside fireplaces as spiders may also nest in these tight spots.

What Do Spider Eggs Look Like?

Spider eggs are round or oblong and are found in large clumps. Spiders can lay hundreds of eggs at one time. White or cream spider egg sacs can have a smooth or rough texture depending on the species. The egg sacs contain silk from the spider. Some spiders have messy egg sacs, while others are clean and tidy. The important part is getting these eggs out of your house as soon as possible to avoid an explosion in the spider population.

Types of Indoor Spiders

A house spider prefers to be indoors in a safe and warm environment. The majority of these spiders cause no harm and are simply predators of pests. While most aren’t harmful, some can be more problematic than others. Hiring an exterminator is the best way to get rid of spiders in your home. They inspect the inside of your home and create a treatment plan specific to your situation.

Daddy Long Legs Pest Control

Daddy long legs arachnids with eight legs that grasp their prey with claws near their mouths. They have a rounded body and one pair of eyes, unlike true spiders with two distinct parts to their body and six to eight eyes. Daddy long legs don’t make silk or weave webs but rely on ambush instincts to kill their prey, similar to wolf spiders. General pest control methods work well for daddy long legs, found both inside and outside the home. Daddy long legs are not dangerous or venomous to humans and cannot bite.

Domestic House Spider

The domestic house spider is also referred to as the barn funnel weaver. These spiders make flat webs with a funnel retreat on one side near holes or cracks in the home. They can be up to one inch long, and their legs can span two inches. Getting rid of these spiders is fairly straightforward, as the webs and eggs need to be vacuumed and removed. Exterminators recommend sealing cracks and crevices and eliminating sources of food to stop these spiders from repopulating. Domestic house spiders are harmless to humans and non-venomous.

Black Widow Pest Control

Black widows are venomous and most commonly found in the northeast U.S. They are actually considered beneficial because they feed on so many other insects, but the females can attack when they feel threatened. Black widows have the most toxic and serious spider bites in the U.S., with neurotoxins in the venom that compromise the nervous system. They have a bright red mark on their abdomens to warn off attackers. Professional chemical treatment from licensed pest specialists is the best course of action when dealing with a black widow spider infestation.

Yellow Sac Spider Control

As the name suggests, yellow sac spiders have a light body and black feet. They are active at night and have been known to hide in clothing and gardens and near trees. Sometimes a yellow sac spider bite is mistaken for a brown recluse due to the pain, redness, and swelling. These spiders make silk sacs to lay as many as 50 eggs, so these sacs must be removed as part of the pest control treatment. Vacuuming and chemical treatment can help. The spiders are venomous but rarely cause death.

American House Spider

Despite its name, the American house spider is found all over the world. This species lives in furniture, garages, and sheds but is generally not a threat unless they feel attacked. They are usually dirty white or brown with dark markings on their legs and abdomens. They make billowy webs similar to Halloween decorations. Pest control treatments usually start by removing these webs. Exterminators may use a chemical treatment to reduce the spider population in your house. The American house spider has venom but is harmless unless someone is allergic.

Long-Bodied Cellar Spider Control

The long-bodied cellar spider is very similar to and often mistaken for daddy long legs. The difference is that cellar spiders have a noticeable separation between their abdomen and head. The bottom of their body is three times as long as it is wide. Cellar spiders have eight elongated and thin legs as well as eight eyes separated into two lateral groups. These spiders are often found in dark cellar and basement spaces. Pest professionals usually use spray treatment to get rid of them. Long-bodied cellar spiders are non-venomous to humans.

Hobo Spider Control

Hobo spiders are most common in the Pacific Northwest. These funnel web spiders thrive both inside and outside the house, although they have earned the nickname of “aggressive house spider” with their running speed of 2.2 MPH. However, their venom is not harmful to humans. They are light or medium brown with solid legs and stripes/chevron pattern on the head and thorax. They build funnel webs with an opening at both ends, typically near a crack in the wall or floor as their escape route. Hobo spider treatment includes eliminating food sources, sealing cracks, and creating an insect defense barrier, plus spray or fumigation.

Brown Recluse Control

Just as their name states, brown recluse spiders tend to hide in secluded areas of the home, including cracks and crevices, sheds, closets, and crawl spaces. They are known to hide out in boxes where infestation will occur. Brown recluse spiders are well known for their dangerous venom. Once brown recluse spiders are settled, they become very difficult to control and increase their numbers in a short time. The best removal method for brown recluse spiders is a trained spider exterminator. An exterminator will start with a complete inspection of your home’s interior and exterior and determine the best treatment solution for your situation. Since brown recluse spiders can be difficult to get rid of, frequent treatments will probably be recommended by the exterminator, which will help save money in the long run.

Types of Outdoor Spiders

Outdoor spiders prefer the outdoors and will take care of any pests around. They will set up elaborate webs all around the landscape, patio, and deck. Just like indoor spiders, some of the outdoor spiders can be more problematic than others. Most times, they go about minding their own business unless interrupted. Some of the most common outdoor spiders include wolf spiders, orb weavers, grass spiders, and jumping spiders. Exterminators will create a plan to treat the outside of your home by removing spiders, webs, and eggs with flushing treatments and insecticidal sprays.

Jumping Spider Control

Jumping spiders account for 13% of all spider species and are known to jump and attack their prey. They can jump as much as 25 feet their own height and have extremely fast reflexes. Four of the spider’s eight eyes are higher up on its body for better vision. The two in the center of the face have high resolution. They produce silk retreats rather than complex webs and are fairly dull in color, either black or brown. Vegetation treatment is required to exterminate jumping spiders where they thrive outside. Jumping spiders are not venomous to humans and are more likely to run away than bite.

Tarantula Control

Tarantulas are recognized for their black or brown hairy bodies and strong climbing claws. The tarantula family has the largest spiders in the world. They can often be spotted from farther away as they scurry along the grass or rocks. Tarantulas like desert regions like Arizona, California, and Texas but are also common in Colorado and New Mexico. Glue traps and spray treatment are the most common ways to eliminate tarantulas from your yard. While tarantulas have venom, it is weak and not considered dangerous to humans.

Wolf Spider Control

Unlike many other species, wolf spiders do not spin webs. Instead, they burrow in holes or seek shelter close to the ground. They rely on their fast running ability to catch prey, pouncing on smaller insects and attacking with sharp horizontal fangs. Wolf spiders have eight eyes in three rows with long, hairy legs and a Union Jack design on their back. They are grayish-brown and feature lighter stripes, ranging from ¼ inch to 2 inches in size. Spider traps and spray treatments are recommended for wolf spiders. Wolf spiders are not venomous to humans.

Grass Spider Control

Grass spiders make funnel webs low to the ground to trap their prey. They have a yellowish-brown color and look similar to their cousins, the hobo spider and the domestic house spider. Brush piles and vegetation attract these spiders. Grass spiders are disturbed by lawn maintenance, so frequent lawn mowing is one good way to prevent their populations from moving in. Professional pest management usually involves spray treatment to eliminate grass spiders from a residential property. Grass spiders are not venomous to people.

Orb Weaver Spiders

Orb weaver spiders are gray or reddish-brown with a pattern and dorsal stripe on their triangular abdomens, which feature two large humps. They feed on insects and rarely bite humans, focusing instead on building flat stick webs with a spiral capture. Sticky traps and physical removal of the webs are good starting points, but for larger orb weaver spider infestations, chemical treatment may be required. Orb weaver spiders are largely harmless and non-venomous to humans.

Are Spiders Dangerous?

Although most spiders may not be that harmful, that doesn’t mean that they can’t pose any threats when infesting a home. A spider infestation can cause contamination of food in the kitchen or pantry, severe health issues such as extreme pain, respiratory issues, and necrosis due to bites, and other pest infestations. As spiders move about your home, they pose a threat to your food and pantry supply. If they get into food, they can contaminate it with their waste. This can lead to major health risks and bacteria growth if consumed.

In most cases, spider bites are not dangerous or serious. They may create a small wound that should be kept clean to avoid infection. Black widows, brown recluse spiders, and wolf spiders are among the most common and dangerous spiders. If bitten, these spiders’ venom can lead to extreme pain, respiratory issues, or even necrosis. If you suspect you have any of these spiders in your home, you must contact a qualified exterminator as soon as possible. If left untreated, you are putting yourself, guests, and pets at risk for health issues.

How to Know If a Spider Is Venomous?

Although there are more than 3,000 spider species in North America, there are just two known to be poisonous to humans. The brown recluse and black widow spiders are the ones to watch out for, as their venom carries cytotoxins and neurotoxins. If you can identify these species, then you can know when to call a spider exterminator immediately.

The brown recluse has a violin-shaped mark on its back and is dirty or sandy brown and sometimes yellowish. The spider’s legs are completely uniform in color. If other pigments or strips are on the legs, it’s not a poisonous brown recluse. The black widow has a black body, or a brownish-black for females, with two distinct red triangular markings to create an hourglass shape under the abdomen.

Although most household spiders aren’t poisonous, they still aren’t a great pest to have in your home, which is why it’s so important to have professional assistance from a pest control company. Local exterminators should handle all types of spiders, including the brown recluse or black widow. They can provide more information on the best treatment method for your home after they inspect the situation.

Pet Safe Spider Control Prices

If you have pets in your home, you can talk to your pest control company about pet-safe treatments. Not all extermination chemicals are safe for pets, so if they use spider dust, spray, or fumigation treatments, you should confirm whether there are any risks to your family’s animals. Most pest control companies offer some form of pet-safe treatment, but it’s always best to check with your local providers. Sometimes their standard treatments are already pet-safe, but others may charge $100 to $200 more to use special chemicals that harm only pests, not household animals.

How to Prevent Spiders

Spiders are one of the most feared and disliked insects. While most are harmless, they cause panic in those who contact them. One of the most important preventative techniques is decluttering and keeping your home clean. Keeping cluttered areas organized can prevent spiders from reaching these areas. Other techniques include containing food, removing dust and dirt from corners, shaking curtains, and moving clothes off the floor.

A very common cause of a spider infestation is easy entry points, including unsealed cracks, loose vents, gaps, and wall crevices. Once spiders get inside the home, they lay eggs, leading to a large infestation. Sealing entry points is key in controlling a spider infestation. Removing existing spider webs in your home is another preventative technique in combating spider infestation.

Finally, some outdoor maintenance techniques help prevent spiders from entering your home. Some of these techniques include keeping windows and doors to the outside closed as much as possible, turning off outside lights at night to prevent spiders from attracting other bugs, filling gaps and cracks outside your home, and keeping plants distanced from your home so that spiders do not access the foundation.

Reactive vs Preventative Spider Treatment Cost

Depending on your situation and the extent of the problem, the professional will recommend either a reactive or preventative treatment.

Preventative treatment is beneficial in controlling the problem before it begins. A licensed professional will come out regularly and treat your home with substances that keep spiders from infesting your home. Preventative measures help put your mind at ease and prevent any damage that could occur if spiders infest your home. Preventative treatment typically involves many visits and ranges in price from $100 to $500 depending on the size of the property and the frequency of visits.

A reactive treatment involves treating a spider infestation that is already present. A licensed professional will come out and conduct an inspection to determine the infested areas of your home. The exterminator will use substances to treat the area to get rid of the spiders. Reactive treatments range in price from $250 to $800 depending on the size of the property and the frequency of visits.

Enhancement and Improvement Costs

Cleaning Services

You may want to consider hiring a house cleaning service that can help keep your home clean and help with preventing spider infestation. Basic and deep house cleaning services average $170 to $600 per visit for a 2,000 sq.ft. home. The cost depends on various factors, including the size of the home, how many rooms, level of dirtiness, and flooring materials.

Home Repairs

Sometimes repairs are needed after the pest is gone. If walls need to be opened to reach the pest, or if the pest damages your property during its stay, you may need repairs. This can have a range of associated costs depending on the pest. The cost of repairs ranges from $100 to $550.

Additional Considerations and Costs

• Repellers. Spider repellers can be an effective barrier for keeping spiders away and for peace of mind. Spider repellers come in many different forms, including pouches, automatic sprays, dusting powders, liquids, plugins, and spot treatments. Spider repellers range from $10 to $25 per repeller, depending on the form, size, and brand. Certain natural products can drive spiders away and kill them on contact, including peppermint, vinegar, Diatomaceous Earth, and plants.
• Spider and ant extermination. Pest exterminators often deal with pests jointly, so they treat the entire house for pest populations, including ants and spiders. Spraying for spiders and ants can be done at the same time and costs $200 to $500, as the chemicals target both pests in the home, effectively eliminating them. Exterminators may also fumigate these populations in a room or area of the house, depending on the level of infestation.
• Coverage period. Professionals should give you answers on how long their treatment will last and give a time estimate for a coverage period.
• Guarantee. Many companies offer you a guarantee in the removal of spiders from your home. If unsuccessful, most companies offer you a 100% money-back guarantee or will continue with free treatments. It is important to discuss the company's guarantee before hiring them.
• Certification. All trained professionals that apply pesticides have to complete an exam to obtain a pesticide exterminator license.
• Hiring tips. It is important to select a company that has many years of experience in dealing with spider control. It is good to receive quotes from many companies before selecting the one to use to make sure you are getting a fair price. A tip is to ask for references from previous customers and read reviews before choosing the company.
• DIY. While some homeowners may try to remove a spider nest themselves, this is not recommended. Spiders are challenging to eliminate. Where there’s one spider, there’s probably more hiding somewhere else. DIY spider removal can be dangerous if the spider is venomous. Most of the time, it takes a professional to determine what species of spider it is. Professional pest management is always preferred.
• Preparation before spider treatment. Cleaning the home, knocking down webs, and vacuuming spiders are all preparation steps before a spider treatment. Find a safe place for pets to stay while the treatment is completed.