Dealing with a rodent infestation can be one of the most stressful situations for any homeowner. Whether it’s the unsettling sound of scratching inside the walls of your home, the sight of droppings, or damage to your property, rodents are more than just a nuisance — they’re a serious problem. They can chew through wires, destroy insulation, contaminate food, and even compromise the structures in your home, like your roof rafters.
All this can be pretty unsettling, but thankfully, there are premier rat exterminators (like us) who offer effective rodent removal services. Understanding the costs involved in rodent removal can help you take quick, informed action to protect your home and health. In this blog post, we list out the average rodent removal cost along with the factors that affect it.
Understanding The Rodent Removal Costs In Memphis
The cost of rodent removal varies widely depending on several factors, but nationally, homeowners spend an average of $170 to $500 for standard rodent removal services. On the lower end, small infestations with minimal damage might cost as little as $100, while severe infestations require extensive extermination and repairs, exceeding $1,000 or more.
These numbers serve as a general guideline, and your final cost will depend on the specifics of your situation. For example, exterminating a few mice in an accessible basement is far less expensive than addressing a large rat infestation in an attic with extensive damage.
Factors Influencing How Much Rodent Removal Costs
While the average cost for rodent removal will be close to the numbers given above, there are many factors affecting the final price you end up paying.
Here are a few of those factors:
The Severity of Rodent Infestation
As a homeowner, it’s important to know that the scale and severity of the infestation will directly influence both the complexity and the cost of rodent removal. For instance, small-scale problems with just a few rodents typically require basic interventions like strategically placed traps and monitoring. However, extensive infestations demand comprehensive treatment plans, often including multiple phases of extermination that may include thorough cleaning of droppings, replacement of contaminated insulation, and preventive measures to avoid future problems.
Also Read: The Ultimate Guide to Rodent Removal From an Attic
Type of Rodents
The species of rodent causing the problem significantly impacts the approach and cost of removing them from your home. Mice and rat infestations generally follow predictable patterns, making them easier to address with standard control methods. However, dealing with larger animals like squirrels or raccoons requires specialized expertise and equipment. These animals often cause more extensive structural damage, necessitating additional repairs to the roof, soffits, and ventilation systems, which can substantially increase the overall cost of repairs.
Size and Accessibility of the Property
The characteristics of your home play a crucial role in determining the complexity of rodent control efforts. For example, if you have a home with multiple stories, complex roof designs, or limited access points, then the cost of rodent removal will be higher as these create significant challenges for pest control professionals.
Historic homes or properties with unusual architectural features may require custom solutions, potentially increasing the time and expertise needed for effective treatment.
Type Of Service
Exterminating rodents and other pests requires choosing the right method to effectively address the problem while considering safety, cost, and the level of infestation. There are several approaches available for getting rid of rats:
Traps
This technique involves setting traps that capture or kill rodents or rats when triggered. These rat traps are easily available, inexpensive, and allow you to set them yourself. However, you do need to check them frequently in order to ensure they’re being effective.
Professional-Grade Baiting Systems:
Baiting systems are another popular option for rodent extermination. These systems use bait laced with poison or other substances to attract and eliminate rodents over time. They even tend to be more effective for managing larger infestations compared to traps.
Advanced Techniques (Thermal Imaging & Whole-House Fumigation):
For severe infestations or hard-to-reach areas, advanced techniques such as thermal imaging and whole-house fumigation may be necessary.
- Thermal imaging is a non-invasive method that uses infrared technology to detect rodents hiding within walls or other concealed spaces.
- Whole-house fumigation, on the other hand, involves filling the entire home with a toxic gas that eliminates pests throughout the structure.
Also Read: A Guide to the Best Natural Rodent Repellents
Breakdown of Rodent Removal Services
While at first glance, DIY methods like store-bought traps or poisons may seem cheaper, typically costing around $20 to $50. However, they often fail to address the root of the problem, such as entry points or hidden nests. Professional services, while more expensive upfront, offer comprehensive solutions that prevent recurring infestations — ultimately saving you money and stress in the long run.
Disclaimer: For a more accurate estimate, we recommend contacting a professional rodent removal service for an inspection.
Inspection Fees
Before tackling the infestation, most pest control professionals will conduct an initial inspection to assess the severity of the problem and identify places that they’re getting in.
Inspection fees typically range from $75 to $150. Some other companies can also waive this fee if you proceed with their recommended extermination service, but.at Jamison Pest and Lawn, we offer a free inspection no matter what!
Extermination Methods and Costs
Trapping
This is the most common and cost-effective approach for smaller infestations. Professionals strategically place traps and remove rodents over a few visits, with costs averaging $150 to $300.
Baiting
For larger infestations, baiting may be necessary. This method involves placing poison in areas frequented by rodents, with prices typically ranging from $200 to $500, depending on the size of the property.
Fumigation
When infestations are severe or widespread, fumigation may be required. This involves sealing off the property and using gas to exterminate the rodents. The cost of fumigation services can range from $1,000 to $3,000 or more, making it one of the most expensive methods.
Cleanup and Repair Expenses
After the rodents are gone, addressing the mess they’ve left behind is crucial. Rodents can contaminate surfaces, destroy insulation, and damage structures like roofs or wiring.
Decontamination
Cleaning up droppings and disinfecting areas can cost $100 to $500, depending on the extent of contamination.
Structural Repairs
If rodents have chewed through walls, wiring, or roofing materials, the price of repair will quickly add up. Homeowners often spend $300 to $1,200 or more on fixing these forms of damage.
Preventive Measures to Avoid Future Infestations
Prevention is always more cost-effective than dealing with an active infestation. To keep rodents away:
- Seal all potential entry points, such as gaps in the roof, walls, or vents
- Make sure to store your food in airtight containers and clean thoroughly
- Keep your yard tidy by removing debris and trimming overhanging branches
- Schedule regular inspections of your roof and attic to catch issues early
Your Go-To Pest Control Experts For Rodent Control
Now that you know how much it will cost for rodent removal, it is time to hire our professional team. At Jamison Pest and Lawn we have trained professionals with years of experience in rodent control and removal services.
Our services not only remove rodents but many other types of pests as well. See a mouse or cockroach running around? Contact us today at (901) 452-1505 to learn more about what we can do for you.
