Understanding What You’ll Pay for Rodent Treatment
Rodent treatment cost typically ranges from $150 to $600 for small infestations, but can climb to $1,000 to $8,000 for severe cases requiring extensive treatment, exclusion, and repairs. Here’s what most homeowners can expect to pay:
- Initial inspection: $75–$250 (some companies offer free inspections)
- Small infestation treatment: $150–$600
- Medium to large infestation: $500–$2,000
- Fumigation (severe cases): $2,000–$6,500
- Exclusion and rodent-proofing: $200–$1,500
- Cleanup and repairs: $200–$4,000+
- Ongoing maintenance plans: $40–$125 per visit
Note: These are average costs based on internet data and not actual costs for Biggins Exterminating services.
Few things are more unsettling than hearing a scurry in the kitchen or scratching in the walls. As Massachusetts enters the colder months, rodent problems spike as mice and rats invade homes for warmth and food, bringing health risks and property damage. Understanding the cost of professional treatment helps you budget and make informed decisions. The price depends on infestation severity, rodent type, property size, and the methods needed.
I’m Stephen Biggins, owner of Biggins Exterminating Co. For over four decades, I’ve helped thousands of Massachusetts homeowners tackle rodent problems. My experience shows that understanding rodent treatment cost upfront eliminates surprises and helps families choose the best option for their budget.
What Factors Influence the Professional Rodent Treatment Cost?
When you hear scratching in your walls, you want to know one thing: “How much will this cost?” The answer isn’t a simple price tag, as the rodent treatment cost depends on what’s happening behind the scenes. At Biggins Exterminating, we know no two rodent problems are alike, which is why understanding the cost factors helps you prepare.
The biggest factors include:
- Severity of the Infestation: A single mouse in the garage is a far simpler problem than a rat colony in the attic.
- Type of Rodent: Mice, rats, and squirrels require different treatment methods and equipment.
- Property Size: A 1,200-square-foot ranch requires less work than a 3,500-square-foot colonial.
- Location of Pests: Rodents in an accessible basement are easier to treat than those inside walls or crawl spaces.
- Geographic Location: Urban areas often have higher costs than rural ones due to demand and operating expenses.
As fall and winter set in here in Massachusetts, rodents desperately seek shelter in homes. This seasonal pressure means early detection is crucial. Catching the Signs That You Have a Pest Infestation early can save you hundreds or thousands. For proactive measures, our Winter Mouse Prevention 101: Expert Tips from Exterminators guide offers practical steps.
Type of Rodent: Mice vs. Rats
The specific critter in your home significantly impacts your rodent treatment cost.
Mice are small and can enter through dime-sized holes. A minor mouse problem caught early typically runs $150 to $550. However, a single female can produce up to 10 litters a year, so a small problem can escalate quickly. Our Pest Control for Mice Guide 2025 explains how to control these prolific breeders.
Rats are larger, more destructive, and require more intensive treatment. They chew wiring, gnaw through walls, and contaminate food. Treatment requires heavy-duty traps and robust exclusion work. Costs for rat extermination average $150 to $600 but can easily exceed $1,000 for severe infestations, as a single pair can multiply to over 1,250 in a year.
Squirrels require a different approach, usually involving humane trapping, relocation, and sealing entry points, with costs varying by difficulty.
Average Rodent Treatment Cost by Infestation Size
The size of your rodent problem is the single biggest factor determining your final bill. A small issue is far less expensive to resolve than an established one.
Please remember: The following figures are average costs based on internet data and not actual costs for Biggins Exterminating services. We provide personalized quotes after a thorough inspection.
- Small Infestation: If you’ve seen a mouse or two or found a few droppings, you’re in the best-case scenario. Treatment involves strategic trap placement and baiting, with costs typically between $100 and $600 for one or two visits.
- Large Infestation: When rodents have established breeding colonies, the cost and complexity increase dramatically. Severe cases can range from $1,000 to $8,000 or more, requiring comprehensive plans, multiple visits, extensive exclusion, and sometimes fumigation.
Most companies charge an initial inspection fee of $75 to $250. Some, like Biggins, offer free inspections to help you understand the problem first. A proper assessment is detailed in our Pest Control Inspection: Complete Guide. The faster you act, the less you’ll pay.
Property Size and Location
Your home’s size and layout directly influence the labor and materials needed. A 900-square-foot condo is simpler to treat than a 4,000-square-foot multi-level home.
- Single-family homes typically fall in the $150 to $500 per visit range.
- Apartment complexes are more complex, as rodents travel between units. Coordinated treatment can cost $500 to $2,000 or more.
- Commercial properties face even higher costs, from $300 to $1,000+, due to larger spaces and strict health codes.
Hard-to-reach areas like attics, crawl spaces, and wall voids add complexity and cost, as they require specialized equipment and more time. A rat infestation in attic insulation is a much larger project than a mouse problem in an open basement. Whether urban or rural, your location also affects rates, with city services often costing more. Effective Residential Pest Control must be customized to your unique situation.
A Breakdown of Treatment Methods and Their Prices
Understanding what you’re paying for helps clarify the rodent treatment cost. Professionals use a strategic approach with specialized equipment, and the methods used depend on your specific problem.
At Biggins Exterminating, we always start with a thorough inspection to determine the best treatment methods. The main approaches are trapping, baiting, exclusion (sealing entry points), and fumigation (a last resort). Most effective plans combine several of these methods. Our Rodent Control Services: Keeping Your Home Critter-Free are designed to be comprehensive.
A one-time visit ($100 to $300) can work for minor issues, but recurring treatments ($40 to $85 per visit) on a monthly or quarterly schedule offer better long-term protection, especially in areas prone to infestations.
Please note: The pricing figures mentioned are average costs based on internet data and not actual costs for Biggins Exterminating services. We provide personalized quotes after assessing your specific situation.
Trapping and Baiting Services
Trapping and baiting are the core of most rodent control plans. Professional trapping involves strategic placement of various traps—snap, multi-catch, or live traps—along rodent pathways for maximum effectiveness.
Bait stations are tamper-resistant boxes that protect children and pets while allowing rodents access to bait. We place these where rodents feed and travel. Baiting services typically cost $150 to $300 per visit, depending on property size.
Rodent control is rarely a one-and-done service. Follow-up visits are essential to check traps, remove rodents, replenish bait, and monitor the population. This is why many clients choose monthly or quarterly plans (typically $75 to $125+ per visit) for ongoing protection, which is especially valuable during fall and winter. For more on mouse control, visit our Pest Control Mice page.
Exclusion, Cleanup, and Repair Costs
Getting rid of current rodents is only half the battle. You must also address how they got in and the damage they caused to prevent future problems.
Rodent-proofing (exclusion) is a smart investment. We find and seal entry points you’d never notice, like gaps around utility lines or cracks in the foundation. Exclusion services typically range from $200 to $1,500, depending on the number of vulnerabilities. This upfront cost prevents future infestations and saves money long-term. Our Keeping Your Home Mouse-Proof: A Winter Pest Control Checklist offers helpful tips.
Damage repair is where costs can escalate. Rodents gnaw on wiring (a fire hazard), destroy insulation, and damage drywall. Repairs for wiring, insulation ($2-$6/sq ft), drywall ($300-$1,500), and ductwork can easily add $200 to $2,000 or more to your total rodent treatment cost.
Cleanup and decontamination are also crucial. Rodent droppings and urine can spread diseases like Hantavirus. Professional cleanup involves safely removing contaminated materials and disinfecting surfaces, typically costing $600 to $1,000, but can reach $1,500 to $4,000 for severe crawl space contamination.
Fumigation: The Last Resort
Fumigation is the most extreme and expensive option, reserved for severe, widespread infestations where other methods are insufficient. The process involves tenting the entire home and introducing a gas fumigant that penetrates every crack and crevice. You and your family must vacate the property for several days.
As the highest cost method, fumigation starts around $1,500 and commonly runs $2,000 to $6,500 for average homes. At Biggins Exterminating, we’ve found that fumigation is rarely necessary. Our goal is to solve your problem with the least invasive methods possible, like strategic trapping, baiting, and exclusion, saving you the expense and disruption.
DIY vs. Professional: A Cost and Effectiveness Comparison
When you find signs of rodents, your first instinct might be a trip to the hardware store. While DIY rodent control seems cheaper upfront, it’s important to consider if it saves you money—and stress—in the long run.
Here’s a comparison of the two approaches:
| Feature | DIY Rodent Control | Professional Rodent Control |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront Cost | Low (traps, baits, kits: $2-$125) | Moderate to High (inspection, treatment: $150-$600+) |
| Time Investment | High (research, setup, monitoring, cleaning) | Low (scheduled visits, expert handling) |
| Effectiveness | Limited (often treats symptoms, not root cause) | High (comprehensive assessment, targeted treatment, prevention) |
| Safety | Moderate Risk (improper use of poisons, contact with pests) | High (trained technicians, safe application, proper disposal) |
| Long-Term Value | Low (high chance of recurrence, potential for hidden damage) | High (exclusion, guarantees, preventative advice) |
| Guarantee/Warranty | None | Often provided (e.g., 6-month or 1-year warranty) |
DIY methods often provide short-term savings but can lead to much higher rodent treatment costs later, not to mention the risk to your family’s health and safety.
The True DIY Rodent Treatment Cost
A few snap traps ($2-$10), glue boards ($2-$30), or bait stations ($3-$25) seem affordable. But the real costs add up quickly. Your time is valuable, and you’ll spend hours researching, setting traps, and disposing of rodents. More importantly, there’s a high risk of failure. Rodents are smart and learn to avoid traps. While you experiment, the infestation grows—a single female mouse can have up to 72 pups a year.
There are also health and safety risks. Improperly placed baits can harm children and pets, and handling rodents exposes you to diseases. If a poisoned rodent dies in your walls, you’re left with a horrible smell and a difficult removal job. Finally, DIY rarely addresses the root cause. Without sealing entry points, more rodents will simply replace the ones you catch. What starts as a $50 DIY attempt can quickly become a $500+ professional job, plus repair costs. The Top 5 Dangers of Rodents in and Around Your Home or Business highlights why quick, effective action is vital.
When to Call a Professional Exterminator
So when is it time to call in the experts? Here are the clear signs:
- You see multiple rodents or find droppings in several areas.
- DIY methods have failed and the problem keeps returning.
- Rodents are in hard-to-reach areas like attics, crawl spaces, or inside walls.
- You have health and safety concerns for your family and pets.
Rodents are a serious health hazard, carrying diseases like hantavirus and salmonellosis, as documented by the CDC regarding the Dangers of rodents and the diseases they carry. They also pose a fire hazard by chewing through electrical wires and cause expensive property damage by destroying insulation and drywall.
If you’ve seen even one mouse, it may indicate a larger issue. Our article Should I Call an Exterminator if I See a Mouse? explains why. At Biggins Exterminating, we’ve seen how small DIY attempts can escalate. Professional help saves you time, money, and stress in the long run, and our warranties provide peace of mind that the job is done right.
Finding the Right Service: What to Look for in a Quote
Shopping for rodent treatment cost quotes can be confusing. While the cheapest option is tempting, it doesn’t always provide the best value. A bargain service that fails to solve the problem can lead to recurring infestations and higher costs later. As temperatures drop and rodents seek shelter, it’s crucial to choose a service that will get the job done right.
A good quote is more than just a price; it’s a plan to protect your home. Here’s what to look for:
- Detailed Treatment Plan: The quote should specify the methods (trapping, baiting, exclusion), number of visits, and a clear strategy for removal and prevention. A vague “rodent treatment” line item is a red flag.
- Transparent Pricing: Look for a breakdown of costs for inspection, treatment, and follow-ups. Be wary of companies that aren’t upfront about potential extra charges for emergency visits or hard-to-reach areas.
- Licensing and Insurance: Ensure the company is properly licensed and insured. This protects you and shows the company operates professionally and adheres to state regulations.
- Written Guarantees or Warranties: A reputable company stands behind its work. At Biggins Exterminating, we offer warranties because we’re confident in our services. If rodents return, we will too.
- Customer Reviews and Reputation: Spend a few minutes reading online reviews from other local homeowners. They offer real-world insight into a company’s reliability, professionalism, and effectiveness.
- Rodent-Specific Experience: General pest control is different from specialized rodent control. Deep expertise in rodent behavior, biology, and entry points makes a significant difference in achieving lasting results.
- Safety Protocols: The company should clearly explain how they will protect your children and pets. Ask about the products they use and their application methods to ensure your family’s safety.
For more guidance, check out our article: How to Choose the Right Pest Control Service for Your Needs in Massachusetts.
The right quote isn’t about the lowest rodent treatment cost—it’s about finding a partner who will solve your problem completely, safely, and permanently.
Frequently Asked Questions about Rodent Treatment Costs
When you’re dealing with rodents, you have questions—especially about the cost. Here are answers to the most common questions we hear at Biggins Exterminating.
How long does it take to get rid of rodents?
The timeline depends on several factors. For a small infestation, like a single mouse, the problem can often be solved in 2 to 3 days with strategic trapping.
For medium to severe infestations with established colonies, elimination takes longer. These situations typically require several weeks to a month or two across multiple visits to break the breeding cycle and ensure all rodents are gone. The treatment method and complexity of your property also affect the timeline. After the initial infestation is cleared, ongoing monitoring is crucial, especially during fall and winter.
Is professional rodent extermination worth the cost?
Yes, absolutely. While the rodent treatment cost can seem high, the cost of not dealing with rodents professionally is almost always higher.
Professional service is an investment in property damage prevention. Rodents chew electrical wires (a serious fire risk), destroy insulation, and damage plumbing. One major repair bill will dwarf the extermination cost. It’s also an investment in your family’s health. Rodents carry diseases like hantavirus and salmonellosis, and the EPA documents the serious Risks of rat infestations. Finally, you get long-term peace of mind. Professional exclusion work prevents future invasions, and warranties protect your investment, so you can sleep soundly without hearing scratching in the walls.
Are there additional costs I should be aware of?
Transparency is important. Beyond the basic treatment, a few other costs could arise:
- Initial Inspection Fees: Some companies charge $75 to $250. At Biggins Exterminating, we offer free inspections to ensure you understand the problem before committing.
- Emergency Service Fees: After-hours service can add $100 to $200 to your bill, though most situations can wait until the next business day.
- Damage Repair: This is a separate cost. Rewiring can run $5 to $17 per square foot, and drywall repair can cost $300 to $1,500.
- Attic or Crawlspace Restoration: If rodents have nested extensively, replacing contaminated insulation ($2 to $6 per square foot) and professional cleanup ($1,500 to $4,000 for severe cases) may be necessary.
Acting quickly when you first notice a problem is the best way to keep these additional costs to a minimum.
Secure Your Home with Professional Rodent Control
As temperatures drop, Massachusetts homes become prime targets for rodents. We’ve covered the factors influencing rodent treatment cost, from infestation severity to the comprehensive methods needed to solve the problem for good. The cost represents an investment in protecting your family’s health, preventing property damage, and reclaiming your peace of mind.
While DIY solutions seem tempting, they rarely address the root cause, allowing a small issue to become a costly nightmare. Professional extermination provides long-term value that far exceeds the upfront price. You’re investing in expert inspections, strategic exclusion to keep rodents out, and safe cleanup of hazardous materials.
At Biggins Exterminating, this is personal. We’re a family-owned business serving communities like Andover, Bedford, and Wilmington for over 40 years. We’re your neighbors, and we genuinely care about protecting your home.
We believe in doing business the right way: no contracts, transparent pricing, and warranties that back up our work. When we promise to solve your rodent problem, we keep that promise.
Winter is here, and rodents are on the move. Don’t wait for a small problem to escalate. Whether you’re hearing the first signs of scratching or dealing with a recurring issue, we’re here to help with a custom solution.
Contact Us for a personalized, no-obligation quote today. Let’s work together to secure your home and give you back the peace of mind you deserve.
