COST GUIDES
Ant pest control cost: 2026 UK prices
Updated 07/26
Spotted a few ants around your house? You'll want to stop them in their tracks fast:
Ants in the home could mean a colony of thousands inside your walls
Ants bring dirt and bacteria in from outside, and onto your food prep surfaces
Learn about 2026 prices for all common UK ant types, what affects the cost, and how to find a checked pest controller near you to sort it.
Fast Facts
Typical ant control treatment cost: £150 - £180
Additional visit: £60 per visit
Time to treat: 1-2 hours
How much does ant pest control cost?
| Cost of ant control | Cost + VAT (Range low - high) | Average UK cost |
|---|---|---|
| Ant extermination course | £150 - £180 | £165 |
| Additional visits | £60 per visit | £60 per visit |
| Last updated: July 2026 Our costs are ballpark averages - get a local tradesperson to quote now | ||
Data verified by our professional estimators
Estimators are CIOB & RICS members
On average, you can expect to pay between £150 - £180 for a single ant control treatment, with follow-up visits at around £60 per visit each.
But it's important to know these prices reflect a standard single-property treatment.
Costs can rise if the colony is large, covers multiple nests, or sits in a hard-to-reach location such as a roof void or wall cavity.
Let's get into it.
Types of ant and their treatment costs
The cost of ant pest control by species is around the same on average.
However, the process involved in locating and destroying a colony may be slightly different depending on the type of ants you're tackling:
1. Black garden ant pest control cost
Black garden ants are the most common type found in UK homes. A standard professional treatment costs around£150 - £180 and typically involves a targeted insecticide gel or spray.
2. Flying ant pest control cost
Flying ants are the same species as garden ants. If you're seeing them inside your home, it usually means a colony is established nearby.
Treatment costs for flying ant pest control are the same as standard ant control, around £150 - £180.
Timing matters when it comes to treating flying ants. Tackling in or just before flying ant season gives the best results. Flying ant season runs from July to August.
If you spot a scout ant indoors, act quickly. It's looking for food to report back to the colony, which can lead to an infestation.
3. Fire ant pest control cost
Although ants may appear harmless, fire ants are not. They can both bite and sting and are known to cause destruction to plants and even hurt small animals.
That's why it's highly recommended that fire ant colonies be destroyed as soon as possible by a pest control professional.
Fire ant pest control costs on average £165.
4. Carpenter ant pest control cost
Known for causing structural damage by excavating wood to build nests, carpenter ants pose a considerable risk to homes.
They tend to be found in roofs and in walls near sources of moisture, making them tricky to find and remove.
Carpenter ant pest control costs on average £165, but you may need follow-up visits at around £60 per visit for hard-to-reach or established colonies.
Find ant pest control services near you
It's always best to contact local pest control services for an exact quote.
To find a tradesperson and get it sorted, download our free mobile app.
Ant pest control: job estimator tool
To learn more about the costs of ant pest control, try our free interactive cost calculator for an instant estimate.
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Factors affecting ant control costs
The ant pest control cost you pay will vary based on:
Type of ant: From garden and black ants, to harder-to-remove fire and carpenter ants, the cost will vary depending on the type in your home
Scale of infestation: If the infestation is due to multiple nests, or different types of ants, then additional rounds of treatment may be required
Location of nest: Access to a hard-to-reach nest increases cost
Added preventative measures: Installing traps and sealing entry points after treatment adds to the cost
Seasonality: Treatments during flying ant season (July–August) may cost slightly more due to demand
Tackling a large ant colony in a hard-to-reach spot, such as a loft? Your tradesperson might quote you an hourly or daily rate rather than a standard set fee to cover the costs of access equipment and time spent. Our pest control costs guide has more information on rates.
Risks of ants in the home
A few stray ants in the kitchen may appear harmless, but you'll want to act fast. Ants can quickly become an infestation and pose more risks in the home than you might think:
Dirt and bacteria: Ants walk dirt and bacteria into your home, leading to food contamination
Structural damage: Ants can damage wood and weaken your home's structure
Long-term issues: A colony can stay in your home for over a decade
Unpleasant smell: Some ants produce a nasty odour
Did you know a queen ant can produce over 300,000 eggs in a lifetime? That's why it's important to tackle the problem sooner rather than later, before a colony takes over.
Can I get rid of ants myself?
The good news is, there's a lots of different DIY products and methods that can hold a small ant problem at bay. Check out our guide below for tips:
How to get rid of ants in the house
Wondering how to get rid of ants in your house? You could choose to eliminate them naturally or chemically. We'll cover both of these.
That said, once a colony has established itself inside your home, you're better off getting pest control services on the case.
Find pest controllers near you
On Checkatrade, you'll only find trades who meet our high standards and pass up to 12 checks.
Is professional ant control worth it?
Off-the-shelf products can reduce ant numbers but rarely reach the nest. Without destroying the colony, they'll keep coming back.
Here's why many homeowners choose professional ant control services instead:
Confirms the extent of the infestation and often resolves the problem in one or two visits
Targets both the nest and the ants' entry points for a more effective, long-lasting treatment
Can work out cheaper than repeatedly buying DIY products that don't eliminate the colony
Uses treatments safely and effectively, especially in homes with children or pets
Offers advice on preventing future infestations, and some companies provide follow-up visits if needed
Find a pest controller covering your area
Use our quick and easy request a quote feature and we will get experienced local pest controllers to contact you directly. To get accurate quotes, be as detailed as you can:
How long have you noticed ants appearing
Where in the property do you suspect the entry points are
The size and age of your property
Rather to speak to someone right away? Contact local pest control services that we've checked and reviewed below.
Find experienced pest control services near you
Enter your postcode to find a top tradesperson near you
Pestor Ltd
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(85 reviews)Services & skills
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Pest / Vermin ControlBird Restriction MeasuresFumigationWildlife managementWasp Nest RemovalM R Pest Control Environmental Services
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(45 reviews)Services & skills
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Cimex Pest Control (Greater London)
10.00
(42 reviews)Services & skills
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Ant pest control cost checklist
Before you book a pest controller for ant control, use this checklist to make sure you're prepared and know what to expect.
Ant pest control: Cost checklist
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See our pest control hub for more guides on common household pests.
Ant pest control FAQs
For most homeowners with a persistent ant problem, professional pest control is worthwhile. Off-the-shelf products can reduce numbers but rarely reach the nest, and without destroying the colony, they'll keep coming back. A professional treatment costs £150–£180, and a checked pest controller can confirm the extent of the problem and deal with it properly in one or two visits.
A standard single ant treatment costs £150–£180, with follow-up visits at around £60 each. The total depends on the ant type, how severe the infestation is, and where the nest is located. Fire ants and carpenter ants can cost more due to the extra work involved in locating and destroying the colony.
A professional can destroy the colony and treat entry points to stop re-infestation, but ants can return if the underlying conditions (such as food sources and cracks) aren't addressed. Your pest controller will advise on prevention steps alongside the treatment.
Destroying the queen and the colony is the only permanent fix to get rid of ants permanently. Professionals use targeted insecticide gels, bait stations, and, in severe cases, fumigation: products far more effective than DIY products available in stores. Sealing entry points and keeping surfaces clean after treatment helps stop new colonies from taking hold.
Seal any cracks or gaps around doors, window frames, and pipes. Keep surfaces clean and free of food residue, store food in sealed containers, and deal with any damp or moisture issues that could attract ants to your walls or loft.
Ask your pest controller which products they use. Most professional treatments are pet-safe once dry, but your specialist will advise when it's safe for pets to re-enter treated areas. Keep animals away from treated surfaces until fully dry, which is usually a few hours.
A standard ant treatment takes around one to two hours. Most pest controllers carry out a single visit; if the colony is large or spread across multiple nests, a follow-up visit may be needed a week or two later.
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