Table 1.

Average hourly pest management costs for two commercial tree care companies operating in the area considered generally infested with the European gypsy moth.

Cost ComponentSub-totalTotal Cost1
Labor Cost
 Direct Cost
 Wages$ 13.14
 Indirect Costs
 Payroll Taxes$ 2.05
 Benefits + Other Indirect Costs$ 4.37
 Total Labor Cost$ 19.56
Administrative Overhead Cost$23.51
Equipment Cost
 Combined Direct And Indirect Costs
 Standard Truck$4.81
 Hydraulic Sprayer$2.74
 Total Equipment Cost$ 7.55
Mobilization Cost (travel and job set-up time)$15.28
Total Pest Management Cost$65.90
 Average Hourly Rate (total cost + ave. profit)2$104.70

  • ↵1 Costs based on an average size residence of 5,000 to 10,000 ft2 with up to 10 trees DBH < 24 inches.

  • ↵2 Rate does not include materials cost; materials cost must be added to obtain the final price to the customer.