Mice or Rat Control Cost

• Pest control companies charge $90 -$250 for an initial examination to determine what type of rodent is present and what type of damage has been done, identifying potential entry points and setting the appropriate traps. After the initial inspection is complete, most companies provide a written explanation of the extent of the damage and a quote for all cleanup and repairs needed, which can cost $200 -$2,000 or more. The total price will depend the size of the rodent infestation, how many entry points need to be sealed, the number of traps or bait stations used, the number of trips to check and reset the traps or bait stations, and the amount of damage that needs to be repaired and/or decontaminated.
• For example, All State Pest Control in Utah estimates average costs of $300 -$500 for complete mouse removal and $300 -$600 for complete rat removal; and Puget Sound Rodent Control in Tacoma, WA, estimates its rodent package program costs $200 -$800 for a site-specific combination of an initial inspection, exclusion (rodent-proofing), cleanout and disinfection.
• In most modern houses in good condition, trapping plus exclusion methods (sealing entry points) should solve the problem and ongoing maintenance isn't needed. But complete rodent-proofing isn't always possible; in some cases regular maintenance is needed to prevent new infestations. This can cost $30 -$85 or more a month or $75 -$125 or more quarterly. For example, Puget Sound Rodent Control charges $119 for quarterly service on 3 to 6 bait stations.
• Do-it-yourself traps cost $2 -$10 each for mechanical models and $20 -$50 or more for more elaborate mechanical traps or electronic versions. For example, the Bell Labs Trapper T-Rex Snap Trap sells for $5 -$6 each, but can cost less when bought in bulk. (It's often necessary to set up to a dozen traps at a time, in order to be effective.) Mice can also be trapped with non-poison glue boards, which cost $2 -$30 depending on brand and number in package. Do-it-yourselfers will also need to do any cleanup and repairs to areas damaged by the rodents. Costs will depend on the extent of the damage and whether new or recycled materials are used.
• Expect to pay $3 -$25 for do-it-yourself poison bait stations, with refillable stations at the higher end. For example, the Motomco Tomcat 1.5 oz. Ultra Feeder Box is a cardboard box with mouse attractant and poison that sells for $2 -$3 and is for one-time use, while the Motomco Tomcat Rodent Station for mice or rats can hold either poison bait or a trap (where poison can't be used) and sells for $10 -$24. Rodent poisons may be restricted or banned in some states; check with the state department of agriculture to find out which products can be used locally.
• Do-it-yourself mice or rat control kits that come prepackaged with a variety of methods -- traps, bait stations, glue boards -- can cost $25 -$125. For example, the mice control kit with eight snap traps and 12 glue boards sells for $25 -$28; the ePestSolutions Rat/Rodent Control Kit with six bait stations, three snap traps and a 1/4-pound bucket of bait costs $113.

• Two or three visits from the pest control company are typical for mice or rat removal and control. The first visit usually includes a thorough inspection, determining which rodent species are present, setting traps/bait stations and sealing potential entry points. On subsequent visits the technician should remove trapped rodents and reset the traps if necessary, and check to be sure the repairs to seal all entry points have been successful. On the final visit the technician will remove the traps.
• Exclusion is important in mice or rat control. The Internet Center for Wildlife Damage Management explains rodent-proof construction and exclusion methods.
• It's important not to poison rodents where they will die inside walls or other hidden spaces and cause long-term odor and insect problems. The Internet Center for Wildlife Damage Management provides detailed information for identifying and controlling house mice, white-footed and deer mice, cotton rats, kangaroo rats, Norway rats, Polynesian rats, roof rats and wood rats, and fact sheets on other types of rodents.

• The National Pest Management Association website lists local pest control companies.
• The National Pest Management Association lists tips for choosing a pest control company.
• Check for complaints with the Better Business Bureau.

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