Droppings or gnawed wires in your crawling area? If so, you’re likely dealing with rats — some of the toughest pests to eliminate. Rats are notorious for being stubborn rodents, and whether you opt for live traps or chemical extermination, it often takes multiple attempts to get rid of them. With each visit, the costs can add up.
You might be tempted to eliminate this nasty nuisance at any price, but understanding the costs involved is important. So, what is the typical cost of pest control for rats? Unfortunately, there’s no fixed price — it varies depending on several factors that influence the overall expense.
When it comes to rats, professional pest control is usually necessary.
That’s why breaking down rat control costs can help you prepare for what to expect.
In this article, we’ll provide a comprehensive pricing guide for rat control and share key insights you should know. Let’s get started.
How Much Does Pest Control Cost for Rats: Price Breakdown 2025
On average, rat extermination costs about £180 in the UK, which usually includes two visits. For London homes, hiring a pest control service generally costs around £230 per treatment. Keep in mind, prices can fluctuate based on various factors. Using physical traps is generally less expensive than chemical treatments. You might also have options for add-ons like cleaning and disinfecting—either bundled into the price or billed separately.
Typical rat extermination costs are-
| Cost Purpose | Unit | Cost Range | Average Cost |
| Rat Extermination | Per Two Visit | £120-£240 | £180 |
| Hiring a pest control specialist or a pest control company | Per Day | £200-£240 | £230 |
Rat Extermination: Supply Cost You May Require
Supply expenses differ based on whether you handle pest control yourself or hire a professional. For DIY, you’ll need to get items like trap cages, killer kits, repellents, or rodenticides. Conversely, selecting a professional rat control company typically means they will provide and arrange the necessary supplies. Here are the approximate costs for these supplies:
| Supply Type | Approximate Supply Cost |
| Electric Rat Trap (per piece) | £21.54-£57.99 |
| Rat Snap-Trap (per piece/combo) | £5.99-£22.99 |
| Rat Bait Box (per piece/combo) | £8.99-£26.99 |
| Rat Bait Blocks | £7.49-£49.99 |
| Rat Poison (per pack/multiple pack combo) | £3.95-£89.95 |
| Rat Poison Killer Kit(per combo) | £16.95-£64.95 |
| Live Rat Trap Cage | £5.99-£67.00 |
| Rubber Ring Trap | £6.95-£15.99 |
| Good Nature Trap | £48.00-£695.00 |
| Rat Repeller | £5.79-£83.92 |
| Wire Mesh | £4.50-£810.90 |
| Steel Wire Wool | £5.29-£63.64 |
Rat Removal: How Much Does the Labour Cost?
The labour cost for rat removal depends on the time it takes. However, the average cost of rat removal labour is approximately £180. You can expect to pay £75-£150 for an initial inspection visit.
Key Factors: What Affects the Cost of Pest Control for Rats?
Rat control rates are not fixed as they vary depending on different factors. The key factors that impact rat removal costs are-
Treatment Methods for Rat:
Chemical treatments generally cost less, but many professional rodent control services don’t include follow-up visits, meaning you might face extra charges for additional visits. In contrast, trapping is a more time-consuming process that involves multiple visits over an extended period. As the number of visits and the overall duration increase, so do the costs. Nonetheless, it’s advisable to have at least two visits—to remove dead rats and to seal any openings for proofing.
Type of Rat:
In London homes, you’ll mostly encounter two rat types: Brown rats (also known as Norway rats) and Black rats (roof rats). Brown rats usually get in through sewer systems and ground entry points, whereas Black rats tend to climb and can enter via attics or tree branches close to windows. Because their entry methods differ, inspections must be tailored to each type and conducted across the entire property.
Infestation Level of Rat:
Extermination strategies depend on how bad the infestation is. For small to moderate infestations, you’ll need at least two follow-up visits to make sure everything’s under control. For severe infestations, more visits or extended treatment might be needed. As the infestation severity increases, so does the overall cost of treatment.
Type and Size of the Property:
Rat control costs more in commercial properties than in residential properties. Even in rat control for residential properties, they charge per square foot. Large properties certainly cost more than small ones.
Location of the Property:
Rat control costs high prices in London, the South East, and Manchester. Other locations cost comparatively less than these areas.
Hidden Costs to Consider When Controlling Rats
Unpredictable situations, unexpected costs. Don’t forget to consider the hidden costs when estimating for rat control or hiring a rat control company. The common hidden costs are-
■ Rat-proofing:
After extermination, you need to prevent rats from returning. This involves sealing all holes, vents, crevices, and entry points. Rat-proofing is an additional but essential cost.
■ Follow-up Visits:
If the problem persists, you may require extra follow-up visits, which will incur additional charges. For stubborn pests like rats, these visits are often unavoidable.
■ House Cleaning:
Dead rats must be removed, and cleaning might not be included in the service package. This is an extra expense you should budget for.
■ Repairing Damages:
Rats can cause significant damage to your property, gnawing on wires and damaging items. Repairing or replacing these can add up quickly.
Factors that Decrease Rat Removal Cost
Can you cut down on rat removal costs? Absolutely. Using some straightforward tactics can save you money and prevent additional charges. Here’s what you can do:
Maintain Food Hygiene
Rats build their nest near food sources. They leave nests where food becomes unavailable. So you’ll get the upper hand if you keep food sources away and avoid keeping cookware or dishes dirty overnight.
Seal Holes and Gaps
Prevention is better than a cure. Once you’ve suffered a rat infestation, you won’t want the experience back. So you need to seal the crevices, holes, and all the gaps carefully using steel wool.
Compare Multiple Quotes
You never know when the best deal will come along. Get multiple quotes and compare them thoroughly—this is the best way to secure a convenient and cost-effective deal.
Choose a Week Day
The best time to hire a rat control professional is during the weekdays, as they tend to be more available than on weekends. That simplifies scheduling significantly.
Grab Combo Offers
Often, pest control companies have combo deals that provide great value. Opting for a package can significantly reduce your overall costs.
What are the Rat Extermination Methods?
When discussing rat extermination methods, several options are available depending on the severity of the infestation. Typically, professionals use traps, rodenticides, and predators like cats to exterminate rats.
Physical Method: Using Traps to exterminate Rats
Traps often work efficiently to kill or catch rats. Here are some of the commonly used traps for rats:
Snap-Trap for Rats: Snap Traps are traditional instant rat killers for smaller infestations. Once a rat steps in, it is smashed on the spot.
Electric Rat Trap: Electrocution is another instant-kill option for rats. Electric traps kill rats with high-voltage electric shocks.
Rubber ring trap: These traps entice rats to get inside. Once a rat enters, a rubber ring springs around its neck or chest.
Good nature trap: It employs an automated lure pump to attract rats. Once a rat reaches the exact position, a CO2-powered piston triggers it.
Live Rat Trap: This is the most humane trap, designed to catch rats without harming them. Live traps lure rats to get inside, and they are stuck once they’re inside the cage gate.
Chemical Method: Using Rodenticides
When rat infestation becomes severe, you must contact expert pest control technicians to apply rat poisons safely. You can use rat killer bait poisons yourself, but that might have a risk of overusing or underusing. Chemical rat extermination ways are-
Poison Baits: Poison baits work by putting poison granules or rat poisons in foods and keeping them inside the bait box.
Liquid Rodenticides: Liquid rodenticides can be sprayed on rat nests and infested areas. Ensure a trusted professional is doing this.
Biological Method: Use a rat predator
Cats are great predators of rodents. However, biological methods are not suitable when the infestation is severe. You can use cats to exterminate rats for minor infestations.
How Long Does it Take to Exterminate Rats?
In the competition of stubbornness, rats are the second most stubborn pests after bed bugs. They don’t go away easily. For a single visit of inspection for rats, it takes 1-3 hours. Rat extermination can take longer or require several visits for severe infestations.
For a small to medium infestation level, it takes around 3-6 weeks for rat extermination. Major infestations require multiple visits that may take up to 3 months or more to get rid of rats. Apart from that, you might need visits for cleaning dead rats and proofing openings.
Cost Consideration: Professional Rat Exterminator vs DIY
When comparing the cost of pest control for rats using professional vs DIY methods, you must consider their pros and cons. DIY rat extermination is suitable in an isolated place or a small room. However, large properties or severe infestations need a professional’s help. Let’s know the cost ranges and pros and cons of DIY and professional rat removal.
DIY Rat Removal Method:
Best for: Small or isolated places.
Cost: DIY rat removal is the most cost-effective way to eliminate rats. You just need supplies to kill or catch rats. The upfront costs are only for killing or catching supplies and proofing supplies. Supply costs can be up to £100-£200. It varies depending on the types and quantities of supplies.
Pros:
- Flexible. DIY rat removal can be done anytime you want.
- Cost-effective: You’ll need no extra labour charges or follow-up visit costs.
Cons:
- DIY can be ineffective for severe infestations or due to wrong utilisation.
- You may overuse or underuse poisons.
- Lack of experience and tools may hinder your attempts.
- DIY rat extermination can cause a high long-term cost with multiple failed attempts.
- It can be unsafe for pets and kids.
- Lack of proofing may allow rats to re-infest.
Professional Rat Removal Method:
Best for: Large properties and moderate to severe rat infestations.
Cost: Professional rat extermination can cost an average of £180 per two visits in UK homes. The price may increase if more visits or extra work hours are required.
Pros:
- Safely and most effectively exterminates rats with targeted treatments.
- Seals openings and removes all traces of rats with years of expertise.
- Provides guaranteed results.
- Safe for pets and kids.
- Professionals can handle larger infestations and prevent them for good.
Cons:
- It requires higher upfront costs. Professional pest control can be expensive if multiple visits are needed beyond the package they offer.
- You might need to wait for the schedule of professional pest controllers until they are available.
Why is Rat Extermination So Important?
An ecosystem requires all living organisms for its balance. But when rats turn into a nuisance, extermination becomes mandatory. Many pet lovers may find rat extermination cruel, but it’s essential. Here’s why-
Major Health Risks
Rats spread bubonic plagues, which are now controlled by pest control and modern sanitation. However, they carry and spread germs of diseases like hantavirus, leptospirosis, salmonella, listeria, etc. They spread germs through their bodies’ fleas, body hair, urine, droppings, etc. Rats can also spread parasites.
Property Damage by Rats
Rats can gnaw wires and insulation, which might cause the risk of flooding, gas leak, or fire explosion. They can chew through wide furniture made of metal, wood, and plastic. So you may need extra repair costs or an expensive replacement due to rats. Also, they can create holes or openings allowing other pests to invade.
Rats are nasty pests that make homes dirty and unhygienic with urine, droppings, body hair, etc. They can contaminate foods and cause diseases like diarrhoea and dysentery.
Find Trusted Tradespeople and Get a Quote!
Before choosing a rat control expert, analyze the typical costs involved. Find trusted professionals by reviewing case studies, previous work, Google ratings, reviews, and more. Carefully evaluate these factors to finalize a pest control technician. If requirements match a quote, it’s a bingo.
Are you confused by random queries? Feel free to contact us and ask your questions about pest control. Get our quote and compare it with others to get the best one. Are we the best fit? That’s on you.
FAQ:
How much does pest control cost for rats in the UK?
Pest control costs for rats in the UK typically range from £120 to £240. The average cost for rat extermination is £180, including two visits.
Is pest control worth it for rats?
Yes, absolutely. Rats can cause dangerous health risks and damage properties. So exterminating them is worth it and necessary.
What is the hardest rodent to get rid of?
Rats are the hardest rodents to exterminate. They are smart, aggressive, and reproduce quickly. Once they find an appropriate shelter in your house, it’s hard to remove them.
How quickly can pest control get rid of rats?
With pest control, rats can be removed within 3-6 weeks. If the infestation is severe, completely exterminating and preventing rats may take 3 months or more.
What attracts rats into houses?
The constant food supply and warm shelter attract rats to build nests in houses. All they want is food, water, and a cluttered, warm space for nesting.
Do rats climb on roofs?
Rats are pretty good climbers. They can easily climb trees and trees to roofs. Then, they search for crevices or gaps larger than 5mm to invade houses.