How Much Does a Mice Exterminator Cost? - Bob Vila

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Highlights

• The typical range for mice extermination costs is $176 to $579, with a national average of $377.
• The most significant factors affecting the cost of mice extermination are the inspection, infestation severity, infestation location, home size, property type, removal method, exclusion methods, and geographic location.
• Some signs that a home needs mouse extermination are mouse droppings, nests, brown marks or gnaw marks, a musky odor, scratching noises, and mouse sightings.
• Homeowners and renters may be able to catch one or two mice with traps themselves, but a full-on infestation is best left to professional mice exterminators.

The pitter-patter of little feet isn't a welcome sound when it's coming from inside the walls—or the cabinet, or underneath the sink, or under the stove—and can send a home's residents scurrying to search for "rodent control near me." Mice are a fact of life for many homeowners and renters, especially as the weather turns colder, and an infestation doesn't necessarily reflect the cleanliness of the home: Anywhere that provides a good water supply, a crumb here or there, and a warm place to nest is inviting to a mouse. While some people find mice cute, they are unfortunately unsanitary guests and can carry diseases, so it's important for residents to deal with them as soon as their presence becomes apparent. But how much does professional extermination cost? According to HomeAdvisor and Angi, the cost ranges from $176 to $579, with a national average of $377 (not much more than most people would spend on traps and spray foam for a DIY job), but the total exterminator cost will depend on a number of factors.

How do residents know if they have mice? And does it matter whether it's a house mouse or a deer mouse, or some other kind entirely? Signs can be subtle if there are only a few mice, but as the problem grows, so do the number of indicators. If only one or two mice have moved in, some residents may be willing to take on the job of removing them on their own. But if there are more than just a few mice, it makes sense to call in a professional. Professionals can be located by searching "mice exterminator near me" or, if the guests are a little larger, "rat exterminator near me."

Factors in Calculating Mice Exterminator Cost

While the mechanics of mice extermination are fairly straightforward, the steps involved determine the overall cost. No infestation is exactly the same as the next, and different home situations can affect the complexity—and expense—of the extermination. For this reason, answering the question "How much does an exterminator cost for mice?" may be more complex than it would seem. Taking the following factors into consideration while budgeting can help customers prevent the total cost of the mouse exterminator or rat exterminator from being an unpleasant surprise.

Inspection

Inspections determine the location and severity of the infestation and the need for any repair services. In many cases, extermination companies will offer a free inspection and consultation so that they can provide a plan and an estimate. Some companies do charge an inspection fee but will waive the fee if the customer hires them to provide services. When they're not free or waived, inspections cost in the neighborhood of $100 to $250, depending on the size of the home.

Infestation Severity

It is very, very rare to have only one mouse living in a home, so if a resident is aware of one, chances are there are at least several more. And if there seem to be many, the problem may be quite large. The size of the infestation affects the cost because it will determine which methods of extermination will be most effective and how many follow-up visits after the initial visit will be necessary. After all, even the best mouse traps cannot eliminate an advanced infestation. Removing a small infestation can cost as little as $200 to $400, while a large problem can cost between $330 and $600.

Infestation Location

Mice are small and very flexible, and they prefer to nest in tight quarters where they feel secure. For nests that are tucked away in areas that are difficult for the exterminator to reach for bait, traps, or removal, the cost of the extermination will be higher. Nests or runways that are easier to access are easier to deal with and will require less time, hence the reduced cost.

Costs will also increase for very large spaces because there is more ground to cover. For example, mice extermination in a barn could cost as much as $1,000, while a shed will run only about $200 at most.

Infestation Location	Cost
Attic	$250 to $475
Barn	$650 to $1,000
Bedroom	$250 to $425
Ceiling	$300 to $400
Ductwork	$250 to $500
Floorboards	$250 to $500
Garage	$550 to $750
Kitchen	$250 to $425
Roof	$150 to $300
Shed	$50 to $200
Walls	$450 to $600
Yard	$300 to $500

Home Size

Extermination plans are commensurate with the amount of space that requires treatment. A larger area equals more removal tools, more setup time, more repair of potential entry points, and more follow-up. Homes that are much larger than average for their geographic location may incur extra charges to cover the cost of the time and materials necessary to complete the job. For reference, customers can expect to pay about $200 to $400 more for mice extermination in a 1,000- to 2,000-square-foot space. A 3,000- to 4,000-square-foot area may cost as much as $1,000.

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Property Type

If mice have taken over a shed and need to be removed and excluded, the cost of the extermination will generally be low, as the whole job is restricted to one small part of the property. On the other hand, a large home with an attached garage and outbuildings provides many hidden nesting areas and a large number of potential entry points, which means more time and materials and a higher overall cost.

Removal Method

Mice can be trapped alive and relocated; trapped, killed, and removed; or killed via other methods and removed. Trapping is the least expensive method of removal. The cost of live removal varies based on the type of property and extent of the infestation. Relocating the trapped mice is the primary expense with this method. Fumigation is the most expensive option, as charges are assessed by square foot and require significant cleanup after the process is complete.

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Exclusion

Exterminators can keep killing or removing mice and rats endlessly—and in some wooded areas, this may be necessary. In most cases, though, it's good to have the exterminator identify potential access points to the home and block them, essentially rodent-proofing the home. According to Emory Matts, board certified entomologist and a technical service manager for Rentokil Terminix, homeowners will want to "Seal up any gaps greater than a quarter inch (6 mm). Seal up any holes greater than a half an inch (10 mm). The gap or hole should first be filled with a rodent-resistant material such as metal wool and then held in place with a sealant or other appropriate materials." Often this exclusion process is included in the base cost of the extermination, but if not, it's worth inquiring about the extra fees.

Once the home is sealed, the residents have some work to do. This can include pruning back trees and shrubs that help rodents climb up and into the home, installing screens over air vents to block rodent access, and repairing any holes in roofs and attic windows. All of these measures will go a long way toward preventing reinfestation. These improvements may be DIY projects, or residents might prefer to hire a handyperson or contractor to do the work for about $50 to $300.

Geographic Location

Some areas simply have more mice than others, or they have seasonal changes that drive the mice indoors. In other cases, the terrain lends itself to a large rodent population. The size of the rodent population in an area affects the number of exterminators, which can mean a higher charge due to fewer professionals in the area. For example, mice exterminator costs in Atlanta (where mice and rats are common) are close to $765 on average, whereas in Pittsburgh the average price is $192. In addition, the costs for extermination tend to be higher in cities, where licensed exterminators are in high demand and treating one unit in an apartment complex can mean trying to get access to neighboring units as part of the abatement plan. Live removal in a city is particularly costly because of the distance the rodents must be transported for their relocation.

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Additional Costs and Considerations

Even after getting rid of mice, homeowners still have work to do, and failing to budget for these extra costs can leave an extermination job unfinished or lead to reinfestation. Not all of these costs will apply to every situation, but they're important for residents to take into account if they're not included in the exterminator's base services.

Damage Repair

Mice may cause some damage while gaining access to the home, but once inside, they can really wreak havoc. Chewed drywall, gnawed electrical wires, damaged HVAC systems—the costs to repair these problems can quickly mount up. And if a mouse has chewed through a pipe and caused a leak, the costs can skyrocket quickly as the homeowner has to cover the costs of plumbing repair in addition to wall, ceiling, and floor repairs as well as potential mold or mildew damage. The inspection provided by the extermination company should give the home's residents a good idea of what kinds of repairs may be necessary (even if the company doesn't do the repairs, it should be able to point out problem areas). If the repairs look like they'll add up to a significant cost, it may be worth it for the homeowner to check with their insurance company to see if it covers repairs for this kind of damage. Some policies exclude damage resulting from pest infestation, but others will cover the cost of the repairs after the deductible is met.

Damage Repair	Cost (Materials and Labor)
Cleaning	$100 to $200
Drywall repair	$350 to $800
Electrical repair	$150 to $500
HVAC repair	$75 to $2,100
Plumbing repair	$180 to $450
Roofing repair	$350 to $1,500
Water cleanup	$1,200 to $5,000

Deep Cleaning

While exterminators will handle basic cleanup, including removal of traps, bait stations, and dead mice, some people can't shake the icky feeling that comes with knowing mice have been in the home. As a result, many residents choose to hire a professional cleaning service to come in after the extermination is complete to give the home a thorough once-over so they can feel confident that all traces of the rodents are gone. While the $100 to $250 cost for this service may seem like an extravagance, it may be necessary for gaining peace of mind as well as truly sanitizing the house.

Emergency Visit Fees

Spotting a mouse in the kitchen feels like an emergency—no question. And spotting that mouse definitely warrants a call to an exterminator for the soonest regular appointment that's available. However, those who have vulnerable family members in the home who may be particularly threatened by the bacteria and pathogens a mouse can carry in with them may have an actual emergency on their hands when they see a mouse. Most extermination companies have technicians on hand at all hours to come for emergency visits to do a quick investigation and trap mice that are obviously present and to set traps to begin a full extermination. The exterminator will need to return to do a full inspection and seal entry points at a later date, but the emergency visit will add a significant cost to the total price, especially if it's an after-hours or weekend call. Customers can expect to pay between $550 and $750 for an emergency visit from a mouse exterminator.

Dead Mouse Removal

Whether a homeowner sets traps themselves or hires professionals, dead mice are an unpleasant side effect of mouse extermination. Even one dead mouse can produce a foul odor, as well as potentially carrying diseases. Homeowners may choose to remove mouse carcasses themselves to save money. However, it may be worth hiring a professional who can dispose of the mice properly and safely. Professional dead mouse removal costs between $100 and $200.

Follow-up Treatments

In general, the initial estimate for the cost of mice extermination includes at least one follow-up visit so the exterminator can check on the progress of the extermination and, if it's complete, clean up. In some cases, one such visit isn't enough; the mouse population may have diminished but not be completely gone. In that case, the exterminator will schedule an additional follow-up visit and continue doing so until the extermination is complete. These additional visits can cost between $50 and $150 apiece.

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Pest Control Plans

For homes with chronic infestations, many extermination companies offer a preset plan of monthly or quarterly service. This helps residents stay one step ahead of the mice by regularly checking entry points and using preventive treatments to reduce the likelihood that the mice will find the home appealing. These plans can cost between $40 and $70 per month or $100 to $300 per quarter when added on after an initial infestation has been cleared out.

Photo: depositphotos.com

Mice Exterminator Cost by Removal Method

Nobody really likes to think about the mechanics of exterminating mice. However, the method used can affect the cost, as well as the residents' feelings about the removal itself. Mice are, after all, reasonably sentient beings, and some people find them to be furry and cute. While few people relish killing them, most also don't want them in the house. There are quite a few options for removing mice from a home, such as the following.

Extermination Method	Cost (Materials Only)
Bait stations	$5 to $15
Electric traps	$30 to $60
Fumigation	$1 to $3 per square foot
Glue traps	$3 to $10
Jaw traps	$3 to $5
Live traps	$2 to $15
Poison	$300 to $500
Rodenticides	$750 to $1,000
Snap traps	$1 to $2

Bait Stations

Bait stations cost approximately $5 to $15 apiece. They house poisons in such a way that the mice can reach them but pets and toddler hands cannot. If poison is the best option for the extermination, bait stations can make this method as safe as possible for the home's residents. The only downside is that like basic poison, bait stations' poison can present a danger to any animal that preys on the affected mouse.

Electric Traps

Electric traps come at a slightly higher price tag, but they're also one of the most humane and effective traps on the market. The mouse enters the trap to investigate the bait, is briefly stuck on a gluelike pad, and is immediately stricken with a quick jolt of electricity that the mouse never feels: The death is almost instantaneous. The tests are effective, and while at $30 to $60 each they cost considerably more than a simple plywood snap trap, the contained nature of the trap means residents don't have to see or smell the dead mouse or touch it to dispose of it.

Fumigation

Costing between $1 and $3 per square foot, fumigating essentially means sealing the home and releasing a gas form of poison into the air, killing any mouse (or other animal) that breathes it in. After the fumigation has concluded, the home will need to be aired out and cleaned before the residents can return. There are many drawbacks to fumigation: Residents must leave the home for several days, the chemicals can be dangerous for pets and small children, and dead mice may remain hidden in the walls. That said, for a major infestation where the more humane options are less effective, fumigation may be the only option.

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Glue Traps

These traps cost between $3 and $10 each. Essentially, they're a pad of sticky glue on a plastic tray. When a mouse walks across the glue toward the bait, the mouse becomes stuck in the glue and immobilized. Probably the least humane option, glue traps are appropriate in some situations where no other trap will fit or work, but in general they are to be avoided; because there is no injury to the mouse, it takes quite some time for the mouse to die. For this reason, it's recommended that customers choose a more humane option and use a glue trap only as a last resort.

Jaw Traps

Jaw traps use a mechanical action similar to the action of snap traps, but because of the jawlike shape and ease of setting, they kill the animal much more surely and quickly and are therefore a more humane option. They're also easier to empty, set, and reuse. Ringing up between $3 and $5 apiece, they're an economical option as well.

Live Traps

Live traps are baited with a tasty treat for the mouse, then close around the mouse without harming it when it wanders up to the snack. The mouse is then relocated to a new home, usually at least 1 mile from the home from which it was removed. While certainly more humane than kill traps, live traps do have some drawbacks. In areas with extreme temperatures in the winter, a relocated mouse may perish anyway once the winter arrives—this type of death is much more painful than the mouse would experience in a quick kill trap. In other climates, this is an easy and humane option that avoids killing the mouse just because it found and enjoyed indoor accommodations. Residents will also want to keep in mind that live removal is one of the more expensive options, because while the traps cost only $2 to $15 apiece, the exterminator must spend time and mileage driving from the home to release the live mouse far enough away that it won't find its way back.

Poison

There are some circumstances where poison is effective as a mouse removal method, for example, if a trap can't fit into the space where it's needed or if there's less certainty of the mouse's location in the home. Poisons present a danger to pets and young children if ingested and also to any animal that preys on the poisoned mouse. While poisons are one of the more effective extermination methods, they should be used only if nothing else can be done. The best mouse poisons cost about $300 to $500 on average.

Rodenticides

Rodenticides are pesticides designed to kill all rodents in large areas. When sprayed in the garden or garage, they're effective at getting rid of rats, mice, bats, and other rodent pests. Rodenticides are nonselective; they'll kill or render ill any animal that breathes it in. At $750 to $1,000, they're more expensive than the basic poison bait option, but they can be used over a large area. However, most mouse infestations can be treated by a more humane and less widespread method.

Snap Traps

The least-expensive type of trap at $1 to $2 apiece, a snap trap is what many people envision when they think of a mouse trap. A spring-loaded piece of metal snaps and pins down the mouse when it investigates the bait. "Baited snap traps can be very effective at catching mice," says Matts. "It is important to maintain fresh bait on the traps and use foods that the mice are eating. Position the traps in areas such as along walls, in corners, and other areas where the mice will likely travel near the traps." While these traps are effective and cheap, they are not particularly humane, as the snap does not always kill the animal quickly.

Do I need a mice exterminator?

Sometimes the discovery of mice in a home is a sudden, shocking, undeniable moment. Other times, a small clue leads a home's residents to look for more clues until the picture begins to take shape. Knowing the signs of a mouse infestation will help ease the discovery for homeowners, when the fix may be a smaller campaign of traps and exclusion, as opposed to later, when the problem could be much more significant. The following are some signs residents may notice or want to look for.

Mouse Droppings

Mice produce a surprising number of droppings for such small animals. Anywhere a mouse pauses to sniff, snack, or sleep, droppings will accumulate. What does mouse poop look like? Mouse droppings are about the size of a grain of rice, and fresh droppings are dark brown and moist, drying out as they age. Residents will want to look for them in places that are out of the way where a mouse might hang out undisturbed: underneath sinks, in back corners of cabinets or drawers, and underneath the stove or refrigerator, where it's warm.

Mouse Nests

Mice build nests when they're ready to breed. Their nests are a collection of random bits of fluff; fabric scraps, sawdust, and fibers are all common components. Nests can often be found in dark, confined spots, which is why it isn't uncommon to find mice in the walls.

Brown Marks near Entry Points

Mouse fur is like any other animal's fur: It produces oils that eventually coat the mouse's fur as a kind of protectant or waterproofer. When mice brush up against a wall or corner repeatedly, the oils on the fur leave behind a brownish greasy stain that is a telltale sign that the corner or hole is an entry point to whatever is beyond.

Gnaw Marks

Chewing is a particular talent of mice: Their long teeth allow them to make their way through cardboard, wood, and siding materials. The gnaw marks they leave behind are tiny but distinctive and get darker as they age, which can indicate whether the marks are old or new. Residents can check for gnaw marks on furniture, cabinets, and electrical wires.

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Musky Odor

Mice use their own scent to return to places where they have previously found food or water. By following the musky, stale scent, they can retrace their steps, which means the scent will grow even stronger along established paths. Residents who suspect they have mice will want to check in dark drawers or other small, enclosed spaces, where the musky scent will be stronger and more obvious.

Scratching Noises

Unless they're sleeping, mice are looking for food or building nests. The stereotypical scurrying sound is pretty distinctive in a ceiling or behind a wall, though wall sounds can be trickier to distinguish from the noises made by water moving through pipes. "You may hear mice squeaking, gnawing, or traveling through the walls," says Matts. Scratching noises can also be heard as mice rummage around in a pantry or storage closet. If there's scratching and nothing else visible is moving, residents will want to check out the mouse situation as soon as possible.

Photo: depositphotos.com

Mice Extermination: DIY vs. Hiring a Professional 

Can a homeowner or renter DIY a mouse extermination? According to Matts, "For a few mice, usually that can be handled by the homeowner. However, if there are many mice, rats, unknown damage, or unique structures, a professional is better equipped to eliminate the issue promptly and thoroughly. They can also provide services that may prevent future issues." Homeowners who are intent on tackling the problem themselves can head over to their local home improvement or hardware store for a few traps, pick up a pair of gloves and small disposal bags, and research how to get rid of mice themselves. They can even attempt to make their own homemade mouse traps.

However, if a resident suspects there are more than a few mice, or mice nesting in difficult-to-access spaces, professional help is likely required. Pros will know the appropriate plan of action and ways to deploy the chosen method of elimination most effectively. Calling a professional will likely be faster, and in the end, the average cost of an exterminator for mice is not much more than the total cost of equipment for DIY.

Regardless of whether a pro or a DIY job is the verdict, residents will want to consider the expertise a contractor has to offer when hunting for potential rodent access points. Mice can fit through incredibly small spaces, including many that don't look like they're big enough to squeeze through, but the extermination pro will be able to see the cracks and small holes a resident might overlook, as well as have good suggestions on how to fill the openings and often the equipment to do so.

Having a professional's input can save money in the long run; the work will be done more effectively by someone who knows the job and has the instinct to hunt for and prevent critters from taking over the home. A quick search for "local pest control near me" will help residents find the best mouse exterminators for their needs.

How to Save Money on Mice Exterminator Cost

While mice extermination isn't inherently as expensive as some other home repair projects or improvements, it's usually urgent in nature, which can make it difficult to work into the budget. When considering options, residents can check out the following potential savings tips to keep this project wallet-friendly.

• Reduce the chances of infestation. Get rid of what attracts mice—don't provide a water source or a trail of snacks by leaving food out or open.
• Call an exterminator while the problem is still small. Doing so means they can address the problem before it gets too large (and therefore expensive).
• Consider a pest control service contract. If residents find themselves calling the exterminator several times a year, the service contract will pay for itself quickly—plus, they may be able to use the service for other invasive pests and in other areas throughout the year.
• DIY the deep cleaning. Once the exterminator has finished, residents can clean up minor infestations themselves using at-home cleaning supplies rather than calling a professional house cleaner.

Questions to Ask About Mice Extermination

Due to the potential health hazards of a mouse infestation, it's important to choose one of the best pest control companies, such as Orkin or Terminix, for extermination. The following are some questions residents will want to ask before signing a contract.

• How long have you been in business?
• What kind of training do you provide for employees?
• Do you have any certifications?
• Are you licensed and insured to carry out this type of work?
• What kind of removal methods do you use, and why?
• What materials do you use to fill cracks and holes to preempt a reinfestation?
• Are your materials safe for my children and pets?
• What kind of cleanup will I need to do after the process is complete?
• What kind of follow-up do you offer? Is there a guarantee?
• Do you offer an annual plan, and if so, what is the cost?
• What payment methods do you accept?

FAQs

Calling an exterminator for the first time is usually an act of panic or a knee-jerk response to finding mice or other pests in a home. There are many issues and questions that are specific to each situation, which can make it hard to make choices and get an idea of cost. The following are some of the most commonly asked questions and their answers.

Q. Is it worth getting an exterminator for mice?

In many cases, yes, an exterminator is worth the expense. Very small infestations can be handled by reasonably skilled homeowners or renters, but once it's established that there are more than a few mice, it's time to call a professional. Because the cost of DIY materials is similar to the cost of an exterminator, it's usually worth it to call in a pro.

Q. What does an exterminator do to get rid of mice?

A good exterminator will search the house for potential nesting sites and for entry points. Once the entry points have been blocked and any old nests or remnants of existing mice are cleaned out, the exterminator will deploy a plan of action, usually funneling the mice toward a trap that's been strategically placed and baited. Once the mice are caught, they'll either be killed or released, and the traps will be reset until there are no more mice to catch. Then the exterminator will formulate a plan to help the homeowner or renter prevent reinfestation.

Q. Do mice come back after extermination?

Unless the dynamic that enticed the mice in the first place is eliminated, yes, they can return. The area will smell familiar to them, likely even if it's been cleaned up, and if they sense that food and water are nearby, they'll come back. This is why it is critically important for residents to identify and eliminate or block entry points.

Q. How fast can exterminators get rid of mice?

Generally, mouse removal takes between 1 and 3 months, though it depends on the degree of infestation and the size of the home.

Q. Do most homes have mice?

Each year, more than 21 million homes experience a mouse invasion. Many homes, then, spend time each year removing mice from their homes.

Q. What keeps mice out of your house?

The biggest draw for mice is a good source of food and water, and they can smell food from far away. Reducing damp or wet spaces and making sure that all food is safely stored away in glass or plastic containers makes the home less appealing. Once those elements are eliminated, sealing cracks, holes, and tiny access points will block the way for other mice trying to get in.

Sources: HomeAdvisor, Angi, Fixr, This Old House, Pest Strategies, Pest World, Forbes

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