Pest control in Scranton, PA
Regular exterior treatment and inspection keep common insects out and catch termites, rodents or moisture problems early, before they damage structure or insulation.
When to schedule it in Scranton
Scranton is in climate zone 5A (cold). Schedule an exterior treatment in spring, and plan rodent exclusion in early fall, before mice and other pests move indoors for the winter.
Scranton-area homes at a glance
- 157,811 owner-occupied homes in the Scranton–Wilkes-Barre, PA metro area
- 1959 median year built, older than most U.S. metros
- About 9,283 owner-occupied homes per exterminating & pest control services business (median across large U.S. metros: about 5,352)
One of the oldest housing stocks of any large U.S. metro, much of it in valley towns along the Lackawanna and Susquehanna rivers that sit over old anthracite mines, plus about 45 inches of snow in a normal winter. With fewer pest control businesses per home than most large metros, popular providers can book up in peak season, so it pays to schedule early and get more than one quote.
Older homes: Older foundations and framing often have more gaps and settling cracks, and wood-to-soil contact is common. Ask for an exclusion check as well as treatment.
Pest control notes for Scranton
Lackawanna and Luzerne counties are in Pennsylvania’s spotted lanternfly quarantine, and fall is when adults lay mud-like egg masses on trees, outdoor furniture, grills, siding and vehicles. Penn State Extension says to scrape reachable ones into rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer and leave them there, and not to climb ladders or trees for the ones out of reach. Fall is also when mice and stink bugs look for gaps around pipes, wires, windows and siding. Pest control businesses are scarce here for the number of homes, so book exclusion work early and ask for it to be quoted separately from spraying.
Typical cost (estimate)
$100–$300 initial visit; about $40–$100 per recurring visit. Rough estimate for general pest service. Termite inspections or treatments, rodent exclusion and specialty pests are priced separately. Prices in Scranton may be higher or lower. Comparing written quotes is the most reliable way to know.
Homeowner checklist
- Seal gaps around pipes, cables and doors
- Keep mulch and soil a few inches below siding and away from the foundation
- Fix leaks and reduce standing water and damp areas
- Store firewood away from the house
- Check the attic, crawl space or basement for droppings or damage
- Ask about an annual termite inspection
Getting quotes in Scranton
Ask at least two or three providers for written quotes with the same scope, confirm licensing and insurance where your state or city requires it, and ask what is included before you compare prices. Estodia lets you request quotes for your Scranton home from your dashboard. We’re still building our network here and will let you know if we can’t find a match.
FAQ
When is the best time for pest control in Scranton?
Schedule an exterior treatment in spring, and plan rodent exclusion in early fall, before mice and other pests move indoors for the winter.
How much does pest control cost in Scranton?
$100–$300 initial visit; about $40–$100 per recurring visit is a rough estimate, not a quote. Rough estimate for general pest service. Termite inspections or treatments, rodent exclusion and specialty pests are priced separately. The best way to know is to compare a few written quotes for your home.
How often do I need pest control?
Quarterly service is a common schedule for general pests. Your climate and the pests you see will change that.
Do I need a termite inspection?
In most of the country, an annual inspection is a cheap way to catch an expensive problem early, especially in warm, humid areas.
Is pest control safe for pets?
Ask the provider which products they use and how long to keep pets away from treated areas.
How do mice get into a house?
Through gaps as small as about ¼ inch (the width of a pencil), especially where pipes, wires, vents and gas lines enter the house, around doors and windows, and between the foundation and the ground.
What is the best material to seal mouse holes?
The CDC suggests filling small holes with steel wool and putting caulk around it, or using spray foam. For larger holes use hardware cloth, lath screen, cement or metal sheeting.
Do I need mine subsidence insurance in Scranton or Wilkes-Barre?
Possibly. Many valley communities along the Lackawanna and Susquehanna rivers, including Carbondale, Scranton, Pittston, Wilkes-Barre and Nanticoke, sit over abandoned coal mines, and standard homeowners policies exclude mine subsidence damage. Look up your address on the Pennsylvania DEP’s MSI Risk map, which says whether coverage is recommended. The state program costs about $41.25 a year for $150,000 of coverage, and DEP suggests insuring for replacement value plus 20 percent. DEP’s line is 1-800-922-1678.
Can I lower my Wyoming Valley stormwater fee?
If your property is billed by the Wyoming Valley Sanitary Authority and has 500 to 6,999 square feet of impervious area, you can apply for credits of up to 15 percent. The most common one for homes is connecting downspouts to rain barrels or cisterns holding at least 40 gallons per downspout; the credit scales with the share of roof area captured, and WVSA asks for photos each year.
Can I use Estodia in Scranton?
Yes. Your maintenance plan and reminders work anywhere in the U.S., and you can request quotes for Scranton-area homes today. Our network of pros outside Upstate South Carolina is still growing, so we’ll tell you honestly if we can’t find a match yet.
Guides worth reading
- How to keep mice out of your house this fall
- Home maintenance calendar by season
- How to get multiple contractor quotes
Related
Other services in Scranton: HVAC maintenance · Roof inspection · Gutter cleaning · Air duct cleaning
Before winter: how to prevent frozen pipes · how to prevent ice dams · chimney and CO safety · radon testing · seasonal maintenance calendar
Pest control in similar climates: Pittsburgh, PA · Allentown, PA · Detroit, MI · Buffalo, NY
Sources: Owner-occupied homes and median year built: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2020–2024 5-year estimates (tables B25003, B25035). Business counts: U.S. Census Bureau, County Business Patterns 2022 (metro establishments by NAICS code). Climate zone: IECC / U.S. DOE climate zone map. Local notes: NOAA NCEI: Wilkes-Barre/Scranton airport 1991–2020 normals (PDF); UGI: Gas furnace rebate; Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General: Home improvement contractor FAQ; Wyoming Valley Sanitary Authority: Rules, regulations and stormwater credit policy (PDF); PA DEP: Mine Subsidence Insurance; PA DEP: MSI Risk address map; Scranton Times-Tribune: State program can help insure properties against mine subsidence (2025); NWS: Highest crests, Susquehanna River at Wilkes-Barre (PDF); EPA: Flood cleanup to protect indoor air and your health; Penn State Extension: Spotted lanternfly management guide; PA DEP: Radon in the home. Cost ranges are rough estimates, not quotes.