Rat Problem? Here's How Much It'll Cost to Get Rid of 'Em

The thought of rats makes most people's skin crawl, but that grossed-out feeling isn't the only danger. Living in a rat-infested home poses significant health risks, as their droppings and saliva can transmit various diseases.

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Understanding how much a rat exterminator costs can help you plan your budget, so you're ready if you encounter the telltale signs of infestation.

On average, hiring a rat exterminator costs $600, according to pricing data from Fixr. The typical price range is $500 to $750. You could pay as little as $300 to hire rat exterminators for a small home. Meanwhile, it could cost you up to $3,000 if you have a major infestation or need pest control services for outbuildings, such as barns.

What Factors Impact the Cost of a Rat Exterminator?

The cost range of hiring a rat exterminator is wide because various factors can affect the cost. Considering the following factors can help you estimate how much you'll pay:

House Size

Your home's size is one of the most significant factors affecting how much a rat exterminator costs. Exterminators for the smallest homes — those around 1,000 square feet — cost between $200 and $400. Prices increase based on square footage. To hire a rat exterminator for a very large home (about 4,000 square feet), you may pay $1,000 or more.

Infestation Severity

Treating a small infestation of three rats or fewer usually costs between $300 and $500, while removing a family of rats costs between $400 and $600. However, larger infestations of multiple rat families are generally more expensive to treat, costing between $500 and $700. Severe infestations may cost more than $5,000 to treat.

Location

Generally, getting rid of rats in a shed is relatively straightforward, costing between $100 and $250. Exterminating rats in an attic usually costs between $200 and $350.

The room that requires treating doesn't significantly affect the cost of hiring a rat exterminator. Expect to pay between $300 and $475 to exterminate rats in a kitchen, bathroom or bedroom. Basements are the most expensive room to treat because they pose greater challenges to exterminators. Basement rat extermination costs up to $750.

Extermination Method

Exterminating rats using spring traps usually costs between $250 and $650 for a 2,000-square-foot home, while bait stations typically cost $450 to $650. Rodenticides are a costlier option, costing between $750 and $1,000. Fumigation is the most expensive choice, costing up to $6,000.

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How Much Does It Cost to Exterminate Rats Yourself?

You can exterminate rats yourself by setting baited traps. According to This Old House, most homeowners spend between $10 and $600 for 10 traps, and the overall cost depends on the type of trap you use. However, some traps can be hazardous to children and pets. Hiring a rat exterminator can help reduce the risk of a repeat infestation.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Pest Control Service to Keep Rats at Bay?

Many rat exterminators offer contracts to help people with rat issues keep them away. Purchasing a contract is often cheaper per visit than booking one-off services, and the exterminator can advise you on the best ways to prevent reinfestation. Expect to pay between $500 and $1,000 per year for quarterly inspections or between $900 and $1,250 per year for monthly inspections.