Rodent control exterminators find, remove, and prevent rats, mice, and other rodents that threaten your home or business. Fast, effective control matters because rodents spread disease, chew wiring, destroy insulation, and multiply quickly. Use Pest Crews to browse nearby rodent control companies, compare reviews and services, and request quotes from providers that fit your needs and budget.

Rodent control is a focused branch of pest management that targets rats, mice, and other gnawing mammals that invade structures. A professional rodent service typically includes:

• Thorough inspection to locate entry points, travel routes, nesting areas, and food/water sources.
• Identification of species and severity, which determines the strategy and timeline.
• A plan built around Integrated Pest Management (IPM): sanitation, exclusion (sealing entry points), trapping, and monitoring.
• Ongoing follow-up to confirm elimination and prevent re-infestation.

Unlike general insect treatments, rodent work is as much about building science as it is about pests. The best results combine habitat modification, physical sealing, and targeted control methods-not just baits.

Why rodent control matters

Rodents aren't just a nuisance. They can create real health and safety risks.

• Health risks: Rodents can carry pathogens like salmonella and leptospirosis, and their droppings and dander can trigger allergies or asthma.
• Fire hazards: Chewing on electrical wiring can lead to shorts and fires.
• Property damage: Urine and nesting contaminate insulation and drywall; gnawing harms woodwork, pipes, and stored items.
• Business impact: For commercial sites, rodents can threaten health grades, merchandise, and brand reputation.

Addressing the issue early usually means faster results, less damage, and lower costs.

Signs you may need a rodent exterminator

You don't have to see a rat or mouse to have a problem. Call a professional if you notice:

• Pellet-shaped droppings in cabinets, along baseboards, or near appliances
• Grease rub marks or smudges along walls and pipes
• Gnaw marks on food packages, wiring, or wood
• Noises in walls or ceilings, especially at night
• Nesting materials like shredded paper, fabric, or insulation
• Soil burrows along foundations or under decks
• Pet agitation or unusual interest in specific areas
• Musty or ammonia-like odors, often from urine
• Footprints or tail marks in dusty areas

Ready to compare local pros? It's quick and free.

How to choose a rodent control company

The right partner makes all the difference. As you browse providers on Pest Crews, look for:

• Licensing and insurance: Ask for state licensing where required and proof of liability coverage.
• Rodent-specific experience: Rodents are different from insects; experience with exclusion and building sealing is key.
• IPM approach: Pros should prioritize sanitation and exclusion, using traps and baits strategically.
• Exclusion expertise: Confirm they seal gaps, vents, and penetrations with rodent-proof materials, not foam alone.
• Clear inspection reports: Expect photos, entry point lists, and a written plan.
• Warranty or reservice terms: Understand what's covered, for how long, and what you must do to keep it valid.
• Safety and transparency: Ask about trap placement, bait stations, and pet/child safety protocols.
• Local knowledge: Familiarity with regional species, construction styles, and codes can speed results.
• Professional communication: Quick scheduling, clean documentation, and on-time follow-ups are good signs.

Pest Crews lists independent businesses so you can compare options side by side. We don't perform service work or verify providers-always confirm credentials directly.

Typical costs and what affects them

Rodent control pricing varies by location, property type, species, and scope. You'll see a range of service models:

• Inspection and assessment: Often included or $0-$150, depending on provider and travel distance.
• Initial service (trapping, bait stations, minor sealing): Commonly $150-$350 for a standard residence.
• Exclusion and repairs: Sealing entry points may range from $300-$1,200+, depending on number of penetrations, roofline access, soffits, and materials.
• Intensive cleanup or attic restoration: $500-$2,500+ for contaminated insulation removal, sanitizing, and replacement.
• Follow-up visits: $75-$200 each, typically 1-3 visits over several weeks.
• Ongoing maintenance plans: $40-$90 per month for monitoring and prevention at homes; more for commercial sites.

Factors that drive cost:

• Species and severity (light mouse activity vs. entrenched roof rat colony)
• Square footage, construction complexity, and crawlspace/attic access
• Number and location of entry points, especially high rooflines
• Need for structural repairs or heavy sanitation
• Local labor rates, after-hours service, and drive time
• Compliance needs for restaurants, warehouses, and multi-unit housing

Ask for itemized quotes so you can see inspection, exclusion, trapping, sanitation, and follow-up broken out clearly.

Service timeline: what to expect

Every property is different, but most projects follow a similar cadence:

1. Scheduling and inspection (Day 0-2)

   • Many companies offer same- or next-day inspections.
   • Expect 60-90 minutes for a careful walkthrough, photos, and placement of initial monitors.

2. Initial control measures (Day 1-7)

   • Traps and/or locked bait stations are deployed.
   • Quick seals on obvious entry points may begin immediately.

3. Exclusion and repairs (Day 3-14)

   • Technicians seal gaps 1/4 inch and larger, screen vents, repair gnawed areas, and address pipe or roof penetrations.
   • Heavier work may be scheduled over one or two service days.

4. Follow-up and verification (Weeks 2-6)

   • Technicians return to remove carcasses, reset traps, and adjust placement.
   • Monitoring continues until activity stops and droppings/grease marks are no longer fresh.

5. Prevention and maintenance (Ongoing)

   • Sanitation guidance, exterior habitat reduction, and optional maintenance plans help keep rodents out for good.

Light mouse problems can resolve in a week or two; established rat infestations typically take several visits across a month or more.

Key components of a professional rodent plan

• Detailed inspection and mapping: Identify harborage, food sources, and travel routes.
• Sanitation and habitat changes: Secure food in sealed containers, fix leaks, reduce clutter, and manage waste.
• Exclusion (rodent-proofing): Seal exterior and interior openings with steel wool, copper mesh, hardware cloth, and metal flashing as appropriate.
• Trapping: Snap traps and multi-catch devices placed along runways, behind appliances, and near suspected nests.
• Baiting (when appropriate): Locked, tamper-resistant stations outdoors or in secure locations indoors; strict label compliance and safety protocols.
• Monitoring: Tracking powder or non-toxic monitoring blocks to confirm activity.
• Remediation: Odor neutralizers, disinfectants, and insulation replacement when contamination is significant.
• Documentation: Photos, trap maps, entry point logs, and service notes so you can track progress.

Preparation tips before your appointment

You'll speed results and reduce costs by tackling a few tasks beforehand:

• Clear access to attics, crawlspaces, basements, and mechanical closets.
• Declutter pantry and under-sink areas; store food in hard, sealed containers.
• Fix leaking pipes or standing water; wipe up grease and crumbs nightly.
• Seal indoor garbage and take trash out regularly.
• Trim vegetation back from siding and rooflines; elevate firewood and stored items.
• Note where and when you hear noises; share photos or videos with your technician.
• Secure pets and ask about pet-safe trap and bait placements.
• Provide parking and gate/lock codes to streamline the visit.

Smart ways to compare quotes

Make your comparison "apples to apples" by asking each company to include:

• The exact areas inspected (attic, crawlspace, roofline, garage, exterior perimeter)
• Species identified or suspected, and how that shapes the plan
• A line-item list for exclusion work (materials, locations, warranty on seals)
• Number of traps/stations, placement plan, and number of follow-up visits
• Whether sanitation/cleanup is included and to what standard
• Rodenticides to be used (if any), station types, and safety practices
• Warranty or reservice terms, length, and conditions
• Total price and any monthly maintenance options

Beware quotes that promise "complete elimination overnight" or rely solely on bait without sealing entry points.

Questions to ask a rodent exterminator

• Are you licensed and insured for rodent control in this state?
• What species do you think I have, and why?
• What exclusion methods and materials will you use?
• Do you follow an Integrated Pest Management approach?
• How will you ensure pet and child safety?
• Will you provide photos of entry points before and after sealing?
• How many visits are included, and what does follow-up look like?
• What are your warranty terms, and what actions on my part keep it valid?
• Is sanitation or insulation replacement part of this quote?
• What is the total cost, and what might cause a change order?

DIY vs. professional: when to call the pros

DIY can help with minor or early mouse activity-think a few well-placed snap traps, better food storage, and simple interior sealing. Call a professional when:

• You're seeing rodents during the day or hearing heavy activity at night
• You've trapped a few but activity continues week after week
• There's evidence of nesting in attics, wall voids, or crawlspaces
• You notice gnawed wiring, water lines, or significant odors
• The building is multi-unit, large, or has complicated access points
• You need roofline sealing, soffit repair, or attic remediation

Pros bring ladder work, specialized tools, and building-sealing expertise that go beyond store-bought solutions.

Residential, commercial, and multi-family considerations

• Homes and townhomes: Focus on roofline, garage, and utility penetrations; keep landscaping and bird feeders in check.
• Apartments and condos: Coordinated plans are essential-shared walls and utility chases can reinfest units without building-wide action.
• Restaurants and food service: Expect strict sanitation standards, door sweeps, exterior station networks, and detailed logs for inspections.
• Warehouses and retail: Large footprints call for zoning, frequent monitoring, and exterior habitat reduction.

If you manage multiple properties, ask about route-based pricing and standardized reporting across locations.

Eco-friendly and humane options

Many companies offer low-toxicity and humane strategies:

• Emphasis on exclusion and sanitation to prevent infestations without chemicals
• Extensive trapping over baiting, especially indoors
• Tamper-resistant bait stations used primarily outdoors when needed
• Careful product selection and label-compliant placement to protect non-target species
• Avoiding glue boards in favor of faster-acting, more humane traps

Regulations on certain rodenticides and wildlife handling vary by state and municipality. Your provider should explain local rules and the rationale behind the products they recommend.

Understanding warranties and service plans

Warranties vary. Common terms include:

• Reservice guarantee: If activity returns within a set period, the company returns at no additional labor cost.
• Exclusion warranty: Sealed entry points are covered for defects for a defined term; new damage or unsealed areas are not.
• Maintenance plans: Quarterly or monthly monitoring to prevent re-infestation, often with discounted call-backs.

Read the fine print. Most warranties require you to maintain sanitation, keep vegetation trimmed, and repair unrelated structural issues that could reopen access.

How Pest Crews works

Pest Crews is your independent, easy-to-use directory for finding rodent control exterminators near you. Here's how to use it:

• Browse listings: See companies that provide rodent inspections, exclusion, trapping, sanitation, and maintenance.
• Compare options: Review services, coverage areas, business hours, and customer feedback.
• Request quotes: Reach out to multiple providers to compare plans and pricing with no obligation.
• Hire with confidence: Choose the company that best fits your timeline, budget, and comfort level.

Important note: Pest Crews is not a contractor and does not perform rodent control services. Listings are provided by companies and third parties. We do not pre-vet or guarantee any provider-always confirm licensing, insurance, and warranty terms directly with the business you choose.

Start your search with confidence

Rodents are persistent, but a smart plan and the right pro can solve the problem and keep them out. Explore local rodent control exterminators on Pest Crews, compare quotes, and move forward with a clear, reliable plan for your property.

Frequently asked questions