COST GUIDES
How much does rat extermination cost in 2026?
Updated 05/26
A rat infestation on your premises can lead to costly structural and cosmetic damage, while also being unhygienic and dangerous for those who live or work in the property. To give you an idea of the average cost of rat removal in the UK, read our rat exterminator cost guide.
Fast Facts
Average rat exterminator cost: £180
Day rate for a pest control company: £230
Typical treatment involves: Initial survey, traps/bait setup, and follow-up visit
Pests in your home can be incredibly distressing. If you spot an unwanted guest scurrying around your attic or your garden, it's best to call in a rat exterminator - so let's take a look at how much it may cost.
Dealing with a different type of pest infestation? Take a look at our pest control cost guide.
How much does a rat exterminator cost in 2026?
| Cost provided item | Unit | Price range - Low | Price range - High | Average UK cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pest control specialist | Per day | £200 | £260 | £230 |
| Rat/mouse removal | Two visits | £120 | £240 | £180 |
| Last updated: May 2024 Our costs are ballpark averages - get a local tradesperson to quote now | ||||
On average, a rat exterminator costs around £180 for two visits in the UK, with exact prices depending on the size of the infestation and the treatment method used.
A more general pest control specialist, meanwhile, will charge an average of £230 per day.
What does a rat removal quote cover?
The quote typically covers two visits to your property:
During the first visit, the exterminator inspects the site and lays the traps or bait stations
The second visit is to follow up, assess the results, and clear the traps
The success rate of a trained exterminator is incredibly high, and plenty of tradespeople offer an initial consultation and aftercare visits free of charge.
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How do pest control get rid of rats?
First, a rat exterminator will assess the inside and outside of your home, looking for signs of an infestation and possible entry points. Once an infestation is confirmed and entry points blocked, the rat exterminator will discuss the options for extermination, as listed above, and place the traps.
Methods for removing rats include:
Snap traps: Traditional rat traps, used for smaller infestations
Electric rat traps: Fairly inexpensive and slightly more humane than snap traps, used for indoor infestations only
Live-capture traps: The most humane method – rats are relocated back into the wild
Rodenticide bait stations: Poison-based treatment, used for severe infestations
The type of treatment chosen will usually depend on the severity of the infestation, your location, and personal preference.
Read more in our guide: How do pest control get rid of mice and rats?
Factors affecting the cost of rat removal
Several factors can influence rat exterminator costs, including:
Size of infestation: Larger infestations may need multiple visits, raising the overall cost
Location of infestation: If the rats are nesting in hard-to-reach areas, such as the loft or wall cavities, specialist equipment may be needed, which can increase costs
Number of visits needed: Some severe cases might need more than two visits – check with the exterminator after their initial assessment
Type of treatment used: As outlined above, there are various methods of rat extermination, from electric rat traps to live-capture traps, all at different costs
Your location: As a general rule, expect to pay higher labour rates in London and the South East
Additional and hidden costs to watch out for
A few less obvious costs to be aware of when hiring an exterminator company include:
Aftercare visits: At least one follow-up visit is standard from a rodent control company. Before you hire, check how much additional visits cost, should they be needed
Damage repairs: Rodents can cause serious damage to your home. If they’ve chewed through electrical wiring or insulation, this will need to be repaired
Property proofing: Blocking future entry points is a clever move, but it will normally be charged as extra
Rat removal: Job estimator tool
Use our job estimator tool to help calculate how much you can expect pay for rat removal in your area. Just offer a bit of information about your rat problem and your home, and the tool will use Checkatrade cost data to give you an estimate.
Job Estimate Calculator
Cost of hiring vermin control vs DIY
Although rat traps and poison are available to buy, checked rat exterminators will be able to provide the correct knowledge, equipment, and safe-use licences to manage infestations properly.
Some of the benefits of hiring an exterminator company include:
Knowledge and experience to correct identification and block entry points
Safe and appropriate use of rodenticides – especially important if you have children or pets
Efficiency and a thorough eradication
Guidance to help prevent future infestations
Rat exterminator cost checklist
The average rat exterminator cost is £180 per site
Rats are very destructive pests and should be dealt with as soon as an infestation is discovered
They can also be a significant health and hygiene risk
Signs you have an infestation include rat droppings, gnaw marks on furniture, and a strong smell of urine
An exterminator company will ensure a thorough and complete job and help to prevent recurrence
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Rat removal cost FAQs
The cost of a rat exterminator is usually between £120–£240, with the average quote around £180.
The cost of rodent control can vary depending on several factors. The average day rate for a pest control specialist being around £230.
The most common methods for rat removal are conventional spring traps. In more severe cases, rodenticide may be required.
Using traps is the most dependable option if you want to keep your rat exterminator costs down, but it can be ineffective for large infestations.
The total time it takes to remove rats is normally around 3–6 weeks, depending on the level of infestation. Larger infestations can take longer.
Rat exterminators and pest control services will usually do their work across two visits. Each visit will take anywhere between 1–3 hours.
If using rodenticide (rat poison), it’s imperative to follow the instructions, as these poisons can be extremely dangerous for pets and children. A rat exterminator will be licensed and insured for the safe and proper use of this type of bait.
If you suspect that you have an infestation but have not seen any rats on your property, there are a few key indicators that you may require a rat exterminator.
Rat droppings are a common visible sign of an infestation. This may be typically accompanied by a growing smell of urine.
Other tell-tale signs of a rat infestation include scratchings, footprints, or gnaw marks on wooden surfaces.
It's very difficult. Rats are stubborn pests and require an experienced hand to ensure successful removal. Specialist equipment and poison are required, and it is not advised for an inexperienced person to attempt an infestation extermination.
Rats and mice are typically destructive pests and can wreak havoc on furniture, attics, and your electrics. If you have an infestation in your attic or walls, your property could be prone to dangerous electrical faults and blackouts.
They can also carry various serious diseases such as leptospirosis, salmonella, listeria, and hantavirus, which can spread to humans and pets.
Rat bites and scratches can be dangerous to children and adults as well. If you have been injured by a rat infestation or know someone who has been, you should contact a medical professional immediately.
It's usually a good idea to hire a pest control service to deal with rats in your home, due to the serious issues they can cause. With rats in particular, they:
Often carry diseases that can be transmitted to humans or pets
Cause damage to your property, gnawing on wires, and nesting in your insulation
Reproduce at an astounding rate, making a rat infestation a problem that must be dealt with immediately
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