Finding rats inside your home can be pretty upsetting. These pests don’t just sneak around, they chew wires, tear up insulation, leave droppings everywhere, and can even spread diseases. If you’re spotting the signs of rats, you’re probably wondering: how much does it cost to get rid of them? Whether you’re handling the problem yourself or calling a Kirkland pest control company for help, knowing what to expect can make the process a lot less stressful.
The truth is, it depends on a few things. But most homeowners spend somewhere between $150 and $1,200. On average, expect a typical rat removal job to cost around $400 to $600. Some small jobs cost less, while bigger infestations can get a lot more expensive.
What Affects the Price of Rat Removal?
There’s no one-size-fits-all price because every home and every rat problem is different. A few key factors really make a difference when it comes to how much you’ll pay.
The Size of the Infestation
If you catch the problem early, you might only have a few rats hiding around. In that case, getting rid of them could cost as little as $150 to $400. But if you wait too long, rats can multiply fast. A bigger infestation means more traps, more visits, and a lot more work, which pushes the price closer to $800 or even $1,200.
The sooner you take action, the easier and cheaper it usually is.
Where the Rats Are Hiding
Rats love dark, tucked-away spaces. If they’re nesting in your kitchen or bedroom, it’s a bit easier and cheaper to handle. But if they’re hiding in harder places like the attic, crawlspaces, inside your walls, or under your floorboards, the job gets a lot tougher. More work means more cost.
Hard-to-reach areas usually require special tools, more time, and sometimes even opening up walls or ceilings to get to the nests.
How Many Visits Are Needed
Small infestations might only need two visits: one to set traps and another to remove the rats. Bigger problems might take several trips to check traps, reset them, and make sure all the rats are gone. Each extra visit adds to the total cost.
Emergency visits like if you need someone to show up late at night or over the weekend usually cost about $100 to $200 more.
Services Included in the Job
Not every rat removal job is the same. Some companies offer full service, which includes inspecting your home, sealing up all the entry points, trapping and removing the rats, and cleaning up afterward. Others might charge extra for sealing holes or cleaning up droppings, so it’s a good idea to ask what’s included before you hire anyone.
Are There Any Extra Costs?
Besides just getting rid of the rats, you might have to deal with a few other expenses, too.
If rats have been in your home for a while, you may need:
- Cleaning and sanitizing: Rat droppings and urine can carry harmful germs. Professional cleanup can cost anywhere from $150 to $400.
- Repairing damage: Rats often chew through wires, pipes, and insulation. Fixing the damage could add another $150 to $500 or more.
- Sealing your home: Closing up every gap, crack, and hole where rats might get in can cost another $200 to $600, depending on how many repairs are needed.
Skipping these steps can mean rats just come back later, so it’s usually worth the investment.
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro
Trying to handle a rat problem yourself might seem like a way to save money. DIY traps and supplies might only cost you $20 to $100. But rats are smart and fast. If you don’t get them all, the problem can explode in no time.
Hiring a professional might cost more upfront, but it often saves money (and a lot of headaches) in the long run. Pros know how to find all the rats, seal up their hiding spots, and make sure they’re gone for good.
Final Thoughts
Getting rid of rats isn’t just about trapping the ones you see. It’s about finding where they’re coming from, sealing up your home, and making sure they don’t come back. Most homeowners spend between $400 and $600 to take care of the problem. But depending on the size of the infestation and any damage that needs fixing, you might pay a little less, or a lot more.
If you hear scratching in your walls, spot droppings, or find chewed-up wires, don’t wait. Rats breed fast, and the longer you wait, the more damage they can do. Acting quickly will save you money, protect your home, and give you peace of mind.
