Rats in your home aren’t just unpleasant; they pose serious health risks, damage your property, and can cost you more if left unchecked. If you’re facing a rat infestation, hiring a professional rat exterminator is one of the most effective solutions.
But how much does a rat exterminator cost, and what influences that price?
In this guide, we’ll break down the factors that affect extermination pricing, the types of services available, and why investing in professional pest control is worth it.
Key Takeaways
- Rat extermination costs typically start at $230+, often influenced by factors like severity and area.
- Larger properties and more invasive treatments increase costs compared to basic removal methods.
- Professional extermination can include removal and prevention for long-term rodent protection.
- Addressing small infestations early and bundling pest control services can lower extermination costs.
Factors That Impact Rat Exterminator Costs
On average, homeowners can expect to pay $230+ for rat removal services. The average cost is approximately $300, but this can fluctuate depending on the severity of the infestation and the specific services required. If you are on a monthly plan, this will cost more.
In Texas, the cost of hiring a rat exterminator varies based on several factors. Here’s what determines how much you’ll pay:
1. Severity of the Infestation
The extent of your rat infestation plays a major role in determining pest control costs.
The severity of the infestation also affects the types of tools and treatments needed. For instance, a minor issue might only need snap traps or bait stations, while a severe infestation may need fumigation.
2. Size of Your Property
A larger home means more crawl spaces, drywalls, and areas to inspect, increasing the cost. Extermination services may charge based on the square foot, especially if entry points need sealing.
3. Type of Treatment
The treatment method significantly impacts extermination pricing:
| Pest Control Method | Cost |
|---|---|
| Traps and Bait Stations | Cost-effective for small infestations, ranging from $230+ |
| Exclusion Work | Long-term prevention may cost up to $1,000 or more. |
4. Follow-Up Visits
Many pest management companies include follow-ups after the initial visit in their pricing to ensure the rodent problem is resolved. Depending on your location and needs, these follow-up visits may add $50–$150 per session.
5. Location
The rat removal costs can vary by state or region. In high-cost areas like cities, expect prices to be on the higher end. Rural areas in Texas often have more affordable options.
– – –
Get Your First Service For Only $79 & 1 Free Year of Termite Protection
With The Elite Pest Defense Plan
– – –
What Services Are Included in the Cost?
When hiring a professional, you get more than just rodent removal. You’re benefiting from their expertise and know-how.
For your peace of mind, a comprehensive service includes:
- Inspection: Identify the type of rat (e.g., Norway rat or roof rat), entry points, and nesting areas.
- Removal Services: Use tools like rat traps, glue traps, or advanced rat poisons to kill rats.
- Exclusion Work: Seal cracks, holes, and other entry points to prevent future infestations.
- Sanitation: Remove rat droppings and clean affected areas to reduce health risks.
- Control Plan: Create a long-term strategy to keep your home rat-free.
DIY Rat Removal vs. Professional Services
Handling a rat infestation alone might seem the simplest solution, but DIY methods often fail to tackle the problem completely.
Professional exterminators, on the other hand, bring years of experience and long-term strategies that DIY approaches can’t match.
The table below highlights the key differences between the two options:
| DIY Methods | Professional Extermination |
|---|---|
| Store-bought traps and poisons may not remove hidden nests or stop rodents from returning. | Experts address the root cause of infestations, including entry points and nesting sites. |
| Handling rat droppings or dead rats exposes you to diseases like hantavirus. | Professionals use rodent control methods safely, protecting your family’s health. |
| DIY solutions often provide short-term results without addressing long-term prevention. | Professionals ensure complete removal and offer follow-up services for long-term control. |
How to Save On Rodent Extermination Costs
If you’re concerned about the cost of rat extermination, there are several ways to save without compromising on effective pest control.
Acting quickly is key. Addressing a small rodent infestation early on is significantly cheaper than waiting for it to grow into a larger, more complicated problem.
Many pest control companies offer free inspections to help you assess the situation without upfront costs.
Also, bundling pest control services—such as combining treatments for rats, termites, bed bugs, or cockroaches—can lead to discounts from some providers.
Lastly, taking preventative measures, like sealing entry points, cleaning up food sources, and reducing clutter, can discourage rats from returning. This reduces the likelihood of needing repeat treatments.
Why Invest in Professional Rat Control?
Hiring a professional exterminator might seem expensive upfront, but it can save you money in the long run by preventing property damage and recurring infestations.
Whether you’re dealing with a Norway rat problem or need a long-term rodent control plan, professional help from Reliant Pest ensures the job is done right the first time.If you’re ready to take back your home from rodents, contact us today for an inspection and customized treatment plan.
