Can rats be exterminated? How long does it take to get rid of rats? How much does a professional rat exterminator cost?

Can rats be exterminated? How long does it take to get rid of rats? How much does a professional rat exterminator cost?

Can rats be exterminated? How long does it take to get rid of rats? How much does a professional rat exterminator cost? Click here to learn more

You may have rats in your home without ever seeing one directly, as they are nocturnal creatures. Instead, watch for signs such as droppings, nests, or footprints. Scratching noises in walls and chewed holes in drywall or food containers are also indicators of a rat infestation.

While you might manage one or two rats on your own, these pests breed rapidly, quickly escalating the problem. When it becomes overwhelming, calling a professional pest control company is necessary. We’ll discuss the costs of both DIY and professional rat control options, along with tips for choosing the right exterminator for your home.

 

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Can rats be exterminated?

Should you DIY rat removal vs. using a professional rat exterminator?

When deciding between DIY rat removal and hiring a professional rat exterminator, it’s important to weigh the options carefully. While DIY methods using traps or poison can be cheaper and suitable for smaller infestations, they come with certain risks that should be considered.

DIY Rat Removal

DIY methods typically involve using traps or poison to eliminate rats. Here are some common options:

  • Snap Traps: These inexpensive traps cost $1–$2 each but can be challenging to set correctly and pose a risk of injury to fingers or toes.
  • Jaw Traps: Costing $4–$8 each, these traps have larger plastic jaws that close with less force, suffocating the rat more humanely than snap traps.
  • Glue Traps: Effective but inhumane, costing $3–$12 each, these traps hold rats in place until they die from starvation or dehydration and are not reusable.
  • Live Traps: Humane options costing $10–$25 each, these traps capture rats alive for release at least a mile away from your home.
  • Bait Stations: Using poisoned bait, these $12–$20 stations are effective but require caution as poison can take days to work, potentially leading to rats dying in inaccessible areas.
  • Electronic Traps: Costing $30–$60 each, these traps use a high-voltage shock to kill rats instantly and are safer for children and pets.

When using DIY methods, especially around pets and children, precautions are crucial:

  • Safety Concerns: Steel traps and poison can harm pets and children as easily as rats, so opting for safer alternatives like live traps is advisable.
  • Poison Risks: Always use tamper-resistant bait stations to prevent accidental ingestion by pets or wildlife.
  • Immediate Vet Care: If pets ingest poisoned rats, seek emergency veterinary care promptly to prevent serious illness.

A professional rat exterminator

Hiring a professional rat exterminator is advised by many experts, especially when dealing with a significant infestation. Instead of placing numerous traps throughout your home—requiring frequent checking and emptying—you can opt for a professional service that provides a more comprehensive solution.

Top-rated professional rat exterminators typically offer free estimates before beginning any treatment. This allows you to understand the expected costs of extermination services upfront, without surprises.

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