Rat Exterminator Cost

How Much Is Pest Control for Rats?

Residential rat exterminator costs typically range between £150 to £300, unless you are dealing with a severe infestation where costs could climb to over £500.

A straightforward repair or a one-off visit might be a better option if:

• The infestation is caught early and hasn't spread.
• The entry points are easy for the pro to get to.
• You don't need extensive proofing (sealing up holes) to keep them out.
• The nest is located in an accessible spot like a shed rather than deep inside wall cavities.

If it's obvious that your home or business has become riddled with rats and you require a 24-hour on-call service, this will be higher than the average pest control cost as a result of the urgency.

But otherwise, most homeowners will find that the cost of a rat exterminator is on the lower end of the cost scale, at between £150 and £200.

Rat Exterminator Prices

The cost of hiring a rat exterminator depends on the size of the infestation, the treatment required, and whether follow-up visits are needed.

Cost by Infestation Severity

How much you'll pay for a rat exterminator usually depends on how bad the situation is and if you need them to "rat-proof" the house afterward. Here’s the rough breakdown:

• Small Job (£150 – £200): If you caught it early. Usually 1 or 2 visits with some traps or bait stations to clear out a few stragglers.
• Medium Job (£200 – £300): For when they’ve started to settle in. Several visits will be needed until they are gone.
• Large Job (£300 – £500+): This is for large houses or severe infestations. Work undertaken includes long-term treatment, professional cleaning, and putting preventative measures in place.

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Rat Exterminator Labour Costs and Timescales

You’ll usually pay between £150 and £200 for a pest control specialist’s time. However, some rat exterminator's prefer to charge an hourly rate of £20 to £35 plus a call-out fee (as it can be hard to know how long a job before visiting the property).

Of course, if you’re dealing with a massive property or a serious infestation that needs extra proofing, those costs will naturally start to climb.

Most visits take about 2 to 4 hours, but it’s rarely a "one and done" situation. You’ll almost always need a follow-up a week later to check the bait, and if the problem is really stubborn, they might keep an eye on things for up to 6 weeks just to be 100% sure the rats are gone.

Factors That Impact the Cost of Pest Control for Rats

Several factors influence the cost of removing rats from your home. Let's take a look at the main points.

Type of Rat

Norway rats tunnel into the ground to build their nests and typically follow sewer pipes to infiltrate homes from below.

Roof rats, on the other hand, are unique. They gain access to attic spaces by tree climbing, and during the winter, they prefer to nest in thermal insulation.

Both species of rat present distinct difficulties to pest controllers, requiring different approaches to extermination. This is why it's important to get at least 3 quotes from pest controllers to review your options.

Size of the Property and Infestation

The number of rats in the area isn't as important as the possibility of future infestations. As a result, the rat removal cost will typically be determined by the potential for rodent infestations to spread rapidly.

Always factor in that extra materials or if the job is urgent, you will pay more. However, unless your home is large, specialist technicians should easily calculate the square footage, so you know upfront the total cost.

Methods of Treatment

Trapping rodents is a time-consuming process, and if that's the only method available, it could significantly raise your price. As a result, it's important to enquire about the procedures your pest controller will use, as it can directly impact the price you pay.

You can expect to get a lower-cost deal if the pest controllers just place a few rodenticide bait boxes all over your house - this is especially true if no follow-up service is provided.

You should, however, insist on a mixture of rodent control techniques. This includes techniques such as trapping, baiting, or mechanical exclusion. It's also good to request a follow-up service visit, even just to remove dead animals.

Location

Prices are generally higher in major cities such as London and Manchester, and they tend to be higher in southern England.

However, the price also varies according to the extent of the problem, so if you caught your rat problem early, your price has the potential of being significantly lower than if you had litters living in various locations throughout your house.

Hidden Rat Exterminator Costs

Rat extermination can come with hidden extra costs. Let's go over these costs, so you know what to expect.

Most treatments take more than one visit, as exterminators need to return to check traps and remove carcasses. Evening or weekend call-outs for emergencies also usually cost more.

After the activity drops, the entry routes need to be closed. That might mean mesh on air bricks, sealing gaps in walls or foundations, and other small proofing jobs so the problem does not restart.

Heavy infestations often need a proper clean. Think safe removal of droppings and thorough disinfection. If the signs point to the drains, a drain survey can confirm how they are getting in and highlight any pipe damage that needs repair.

Here are the average hidden costs you can expect to pay:

How Do I Know If I Have A Rat Infestation?

Rats can be extremely persistent. They can be identified by scratching noises around the house, a strong ammonia odour, droppings, and footprints.

If they get into your home, they can ruin your insulation, flooring, and ceiling joists. They can also gnaw other items in the house, such as paper and plastic.

Rats can contaminate food and often carry diseases, which can lead to the transmission of Weil's disease, Rat-bite fever, and Salmonellosis. As a result, rat infestations must be addressed as soon as possible.

Unfortunately, it's difficult to keep rats out of your house because they can fit through gaps as small as 5mm.

They also prefer small spaces that provide adequate shelter, warmth, and closeness to food sources, so the ceiling and wall cavities are extremely popular.

If you suspect you have an infestation of rats in your home, you will almost certainly notice the following:

• Small black droppings on your property
• Nests found in cavities, lofts, floorboards, and cupboards
• Gnaw marks and damage to cables, surfaces, and food supplies

Treatment for infections varies greatly. Prevention is the best way to prevent an infestation, so make sure all small gaps 5mm or bigger are completely sealed with wire wool or similar.

To get rid of rats without hiring a professional pest control company, you can use poisons and traps from hardware stores. However, because these poisons can be extremely dangerous to humans and pets, and you must strictly adhere to the instructions.

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What's Involved in a Rat Extermination?

A Professional rat extermination will be a short initial visit, followed by one or two follow-ups to confirm activity has stopped. Most professional treatments are followed by proofing advice to help reduce the risk of rats returning.

With MyJobQuote, you can easily find local rat exterminators and compare prices, it’s recommended to get a couple of quotes from local pest controllers.

Below is a broad overview of what the process typically looks like:

Before the Visit

• Initial questions - You may be asked what you’ve noticed (noises, droppings, damage) and where it’s happening, so the controller can plan the visit..
• Access and safety - Clear access to key areas like the loft, cellar, garage, kitchen units, and any outdoor sheds so they can check likely hotspots.

During the Visit

• Inspection and confirmation - The controller checks inside and outside for signs of rats, likely nesting areas, and how long the issue has been active.
• Finding entry points - Identifying and sealing common entry points is one of the most effective ways to prevent future infestations this includes air bricks, pipework, damaged vents, damaged drains, and small holes along walls or under doors.
• Treatment plan - Based on what is found, traps and/or bait stations will be set up and the professional will explain where they’ll be placed and what to expect next.

After the Visit

• Follow-up checks - These take place within 5 to 10 days to check progress, reset traps, and adjust treatment if needed.
• Proofing advice - To prevent this rats from returning, professional rat exterminators will provide practical steps on what you should do, such as blocking gaps, covering vents, securing bins and removing food sources.
• Final confirmation - If activity drops off, the controller will confirm next steps and whether any further monitoring is recommended.

Can I Exterminate Rats Myself?

There are DIY methods for exterminating rats which can help to save time and money on hiring a pest control specialist. However, these routes should only be undertaken if you are aware of the risks and are comfortable with the procedures.

While DIY rat control products are a cost-effective way to control rat problems in low-risk areas, professional pest control is required in high-risk areas with more established rat colonies, or where there is a repeat infestation.

If you have a bigger infestation and cannot control it, you will need more specialised treatment that is not available in shops.

Examine The House

Before getting rid of rats, you must first conduct a thorough home inspection to determine where they're coming from.

Inspect the outside of your house for obvious access points, paying special attention to broken drains, cracks in your garage, gaps around vents, or spaces in the foundation.

Examine the vents, drains, equipment lines, and other possible access points inside your house. You can seal the entry points and set traps once you know where the rats are getting into the house.

Fill Any Gaps

Rats don't require a large entry point to enter your home - they can fit through a gap as small as 5mm. You should close any gaps in your interior and exterior walls with this in mind.

Replace these gaps with wire wool, steel kick plates, or caulk for long-lasting results. Check them a few times a month to ensure they're in good working order.

Cleaning

Rats adore shelter and hiding places. One of the most effective ways to get rid of rats without using poison is to simply remove their hiding places. To do this, remove clutter from your home, and move items away from the walls.

Keep all waste and food in closed bins, quickly clean up any spills, and clean your pipes and drains.

Consider Trapping

As rodenticides and harsh toxins have been banned, trapping has emerged as the most effective method of eliminating rats as a non-poisonous method of controlling rat populations.

If you're going to set your traps, make sure you use plenty of them, and place them in high-activity areas. For example, use peanut butter, unsalted seeds, bananas, or apples as bait.

You can buy a rat trap for £9 to £20. This high-volt electric shock kills the rat rapidly and painlessly when it moves on two metal plates and completes the circuit.

Rat trap cages are excellent for use in gardens or at home, and usually cost £19 to £20. Rat cages are meant to capture rats without endangering other animals that may enter by accident, as no poisons or 'snap traps' are used.

Poison and Kits

Rat poison costs £6 to £15 depending on the amount and quality of the rat poison. Rat killer kits cost £15 to £35. Rat killer kits mix the best products to eliminate your rat pest problem quickly and effectively.

Employ Natural Deterrent Techniques

A few simple, fresh ingredients can go a long way in effectively getting rid of rats.

You can try these natural alternatives:

• Spread peppermint oil, chilli powder, black pepper, and cloves along the outside of the house to deter rats from entering. Apply liberally along the line between your foundation and the ground.
• Sprinkle crushed pepper (or use pepper spray) near rat holes and openings. This irritates the rats' noses and airways, discouraging them from returning to your home.
• You can also use an at-home outdoor repellent, which usually plugs into an electrical socket and emits a sound that only rodents can hear. These typically cost £20 and £30.

Types of Rat Extermination

Rat infestations happen frequently which can cause major issues. Rodents transmit diseases, pollute the environment, and threaten human health.

Fortunately, cutting-edge rat control methods have evolved significantly over time. We now have more and more effective methods than ever before for controlling rat populations.

Different rat capture methods have advantages and disadvantages. To help you to decide which option is best, let's look at the pros and cons of each solution.

Rat Traps

Rat traps are one of the first to have a high success rate. Although newer options may be more efficient, rat traps frequently injure rats rather than supplying a quick and efficient end.

While rat traps can be reused, they will wear over time, and are usually discarded along with the captured rat.

Pros of Rat Traps

• ✔ Simple
• ✔ Low-cost
• ✔ Reusable

Cons of Rat Traps

• ✖ Prone to misfire
• ✖ Rodents are more likely to be injured than killed
• ✖ Trap snapping can occur during setup, rendering the trap useless

Electric Rat Traps

Electric rat traps can be powered by your home's electrical system, or by separate batteries. Rats enter the trap to investigate the lure you've placed inside.

The trap will then deliver a strong enough electric shock to stop the rat's heart. The trap can be reused, but it must be cleaned, cleared, and reset after each use.

The most significant disadvantage stems from ethical concerns due to the pain induced to the rat.

Pros of Electric Rat Traps

• ✔ Reusable
• ✔ Relatively inexpensive

Cons of Electric Rat Traps

• ✖ Only slightly more humane than snap traps
• ✖ Must be cleared and reset after each successful use
• ✖ Only suitable for use indoors

Live-Capture Traps

Live-capture traps work by simply capturing rodents. Lures placed within the trap entice rats and mice - once inside, the trap will spring, preventing rodents from escaping.

The main disadvantage is that rodents may suffer unnecessarily if the traps are not checked once or twice a day. Otherwise, a rodent may become trapped without food or water.

These are some of the few mouse or rat traps that allow for live release. After the trap is triggered, the rodents can be released back into the wild. Of course, this isn't always the best option.

Pros of Live-Capture Traps

• ✔ Reasonably priced
• ✔ Simple to use and set up
• More humane than trap-and-kill methods

Cons of Live-Capture Traps

• ✖ Constant attention is required to keep a rodent from suffering unnecessarily
• ✖ Relocation of trapped species is required, which can be disastrous for the animals

Rubber Ring Traps

Rubber ring traps use a lure to entice rodents. When they enter the trap, a rubber ring springs around their chest or neck.

The ring instantly contracts, bringing the situation to a close. The trap does require attention and cleaning after each use.

Once the supply of rings in each trap has been depleted, it must be reloaded with new rings. The mechanism is reusable, but used rings and lures must be replaced.

Pros of Rubber Ring Traps

• ✔ Low cost
• ✔ Killing time is relatively short

Cons of Rubber Ring Traps

• ✖ Maintenance is required after each use

Bait Stations and Poison

Bait stations work by tricking rodents into eating poisonous substances - as such, bait stations and other poisonous options should generally be avoided. The method is usually not fully effective until the rat has suffered for several hours or even days.

Pets - or even children - may consume the material rather than the intended mice or rats. This means that it can endanger everyone in a household.

Pros of Bait Stations and Poison

• ✔ Low cost

Cons of Bait Stations and Poison

• ✖ Inhumane
• ✖ Pets, other animals, and children are all endangered
• ✖ Predation (bobcats, raptors, foxes, etc.) poses a secondary poisoning risk to other animals

Goodnature Traps

Goodnature traps work by attracting rodents with a lure. When animals enter the trap, it goes into action. Once the rodent's head is in place, a CO2-powered piston will be triggered.

This guarantees that the process is both quick and painless. In addition, the trap will automatically reset after being triggered. The trap employs an Automatic Lure Pump (ALP) to attract a rodent's attention.

This ALP only requires replacement every six months. The Goodnature traps are more expensive than the other options, but they are always operational and do not need to be reset with an active CO2 canister.

When the cost is averaged over the whole period of operation, it quickly becomes a cost-effective option.

Pros of Goodnature Traps

• ✔ Ethical and quick kill
• ✔ Maintenance is only required once every six months of operation
• ✔ The higher initial cost pays for itself over time

Cons of Goodnature Traps

• ✖ The initial cost is slightly higher than the alternatives

How to Prevent Rats Returning

Removing rats is only half the problem. Follow these tips below to reduce the risk of rats returning.

• Seal entry points: Install mesh air bricks, seal any gaps around pipes & repair broken vents.
• Check drains: This will block a common entry route.
• Manage waste: Remove any food sources that could tempt rats and keep bins sealed and clean.
• Reduce shelter: clear clutter in sheds, garages, and loft areas.

Checklist: Hiring a Rat Exterminator in the UK

• Is the pest control company licenced and insured? Check that they are insured, have the correct licenses, and are covered for any damages.
• Are they part of the BPCA or NPTA? Ask if they are a part of a trade association and are qualified to complete the job, including being a member of either the British Pest Control Association (BPCA), or the National Pest Technicians Association (NPTA).
• Do they offer a free review? Pest control specialists will often perform a review and offer guidance for free before any work commences.
• Are they chemicals safely and lawfully? Make sure that they comply with the Control of Pesticides Act 1986 (COPR) when using any pesticides.
• Have they got good reviews? Check their reviews on their MyJobQuote profile to see what other customers are saying, and be sure to get several quotes.