Rats can be very persistent. They can be identified via scratching houses they make around the home, a strong ammonia smell, droppings and footprints.
If they enter your home, they can cause damage to insulation, flooring, ceiling joists and more. They gnaw other items within the house, including paper and plastic.
They can also contaminate food you have lying around and often carry disease that leads to the transition of Weil’s disease, Rat bite fever and Salmonellosis.
Therefore, it’s essential they are dealt with immediately.
This article will cover what you can expect to pay for a rat removal service and other factors that affect the cost.
Average Removal Cost
We contacted 23 contractors across the UK for quotes on removing a rat. Prices indicated below exclude VAT.
| Rat Removal | Cost |
|---|---|
| Average | £120 |
| Typical Range | £80 - £165 |
These costs will cover both the removal of the rat via a trap or bait with rodenticide as well as basic proofing against future infestation and to sealing up where rats are gaining access to your property.
Factors That Affect the Cost
There isn’t usually much variance between the prices quoted above and contractors will be able to quote a fixed fee. However, there are some factors to be aware of.
Number of Visits Required
Most basic removals require two visits, but sometimes a third visit may be needed. In rare cases, more visits may be necessary.
Most contractors price the treatment based on a maximum number of visits. Extra visits generally cost between £30 – £80.
Extent of Rat Proofing Needed
Basic proofing is usually covered within a contractor’s fixed fee.
Rats can usually squeeze through ½-inch openings, so contractors should be able to seal those sized openings with relative ease.
Basic rodent proofing materials include things like:
- Caulk
- Coarse Steel Wool
- Copper, Galvanised Steel or Aluminum Wire Mesh
- Hardware Cloth
- Sheet Metal
However, where more complex work may be necessary or extra required to properly seal affected areas, a contractor may charge more.
Location
Labour costs in London and the south of England are generally more expensive than elsewhere.
If the contractor needs to travel beyond a certain radius, then they may add an extra fee on top. Unless you live in a very rural location or want to use a pest control service that operates further afield, you shouldn’t need to pay extra.
Get Pricing on Rat Removals Near You
We’ve done our best to give you a good idea of what you can expect to pay for a rat removal service.
However, our guides are not a substitute for a fixed quote specifically for you.
We work with all the best pest control contractors ready to price your job. Get free, no-obligation quotes in your local area and compare prices using the form below.
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About the Author
Alex Johnson is a qualified quantity surveyor and writer with a passion for conducting original research and uncovering the true cost of jobs. His cost data has been referenced by EDF Energy and the Scottish Government.