How much does a mice exterminator cost?
How much does a mice exterminator cost?
$150 – $550 average cost to exterminate mice
Mice exterminator cost
A mice exterminator costs $150 to $550 on average, depending on the method, infestation size, and location. A mice inspection alone costs $75 to $125. A mouse exterminator costs $150 to $475 for setting lethal traps. Mice removal costs $300 to $550 for poison bait stations and monitoring.
| National average cost | $350 |
| Minimum cost | $75 |
| Maximum cost | $5,000 |
| Average range | $150 to $550 |
Cost data is from research and project costs reported by HomeGuide members.
Mouse exterminator cost by method
Mouse exterminator costs change for each method used. While lethal traps are often the cheapest, poison is helpful to target mice in areas too small to fit traps into.
| Method | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Traps | $150 – $475 |
| Poison | $300 – $550 |
| Fumigation | $2,000 – $5,000 |
| Live removal | $50 – $80 per mouse |
Regular lethal traps
Lethal traps cost $150 to $475 minimum for a professional to set up after their home inspection. Electric traps that electrocute the animal cost up to $700 to install for average mice removal jobs. The exterminator will collect the traps and animals within 2 to 3 days.
For DIY mouse trapping, there are several lethal trap options:
Standard snap traps cost $1.50 to $3.00 each and are the most economical option, but they pose a risk to fingers and toes during setting and endanger children or pets.
Jaw traps cost $4.50 to $9.00 each and offer a reusable, advanced alternative to snap traps, but their slow suffocation method requires careful usage.
Glue traps cost $3 to $15 and simplify locating deceased rats but are single-use and offer the least humane solution.
Electronic traps cost $30 to $75 each, provide a swift and humane kill, and are mostly tamper-proof for children and pets.
Poison
Exterminating mice with poison costs $7 to $35 per bait station for DIY removal or $300 to $550 with professional installation and station monitoring. Some poison traps are open containers, while others are covered inside a box with a hole for mice to enter.
Poison isn't the best method for a household with pets or small children who can accidentally find the bait. Furthermore, poisoned mice die slowly and wander around, so their bodies aren't always easy to find for disposal.
Fumigation
Getting rid of mice by fumigation costs $1.00 to $2.50 per square foot. A house that's 2,000 square feet will cost from $2,000 to $5,000 to fumigate. The fumigation process includes covering the home with a large tent filled with gas to kill the mice.
Some important things to remember about fumigation are:
You will have to leave their house for 1 to 5 days for safety reasons.
Fumigation is usually only used when nothing else works.
This method can get rid of many groups of mice at the same time.
Live trap and relocation removal
Live traps cost $50 to $80 per mouse for professional services and sealing entry points to prevent re-infestation. A minor mouse removal job using live traps costs $300 to $600 on average. Live trap prices are $5 to $30 each for DIY trapping and removal.
These humane traps attract mice with food so the exterminator can release them afterward. Live trapping costs vary with infestation size, and mice inside the home sometimes requires lethal extermination depending on your state's pest control laws.
Mice removal cost by infestation size
Mice removal costs vary by the infestation size. For example, removing one mouse may only involve 1 to 2 visits. Average mice removals cost more for cases that take several months of trap monitoring and permanently sealing off all entrances.
Replacing insulation after a large infestation is the most expensive scenario.
| Infestation size | Average total cost | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Small | $100 – $500 |
|
| Medium | $500 – $1,000 |
|
| Large | $1,000 – $7,000+ |
|
Mice control cost factors
The cost of mouse extermination varies according to these main factors:
Inspection – The initial assessment by exterminators costs $75 to $125 for determining the extent of the infestation. Some companies offer a free assessment for those living inside their standard service area.
Severity – More severe infestations require more labor for removal, damage repairs, and sanitizing that increase the price. Thorough sanitation post-removal is crucial to eliminate disease risks.
Infestation location – Accessibility or difficulty in reaching infested areas also affects the cost.
Home size & age – Older, larger homes have more openings for mice to enter, requiring more extensive sealing work.
Property type – Wooden homes tend to need more sealing work than those made with concrete since mice can chew through wood.
Geographic location – Costs vary based on the local market and the prevalence of mice in the area.
Texture of the exterior – If the home's brick or wood exterior allows easy climbing for mice, additional work is essential to treat upper stories of the house.
Emergency visits – Urgent calls for infestations cost $100 to $200 extra for weekend, holiday, and after-hours service.
Dead mouse removal – Extracting dead mice from within walls has additional costs due to drywall repair and odor control.
Service frequency – Costs differ based on whether the service is a one-time visit or involves regular follow-ups.
Exclusion – Post-removal steps to prevent re-infestation with exclusion doors and sealants will add to the overall cost.
Vent covers – Retrofitting vents to prevent rodent entry also adds to the total cost. Many old and standard vents have designs to keep out bugs but not mice.
Mice damage repair
Many variable costs apply for fixing damage caused by mice:
Drywall repair costs $200 to $750 for fixing holes.
Electrical rewiring costs $5 to $17 per square foot.
Attic insulation replacement costs $2 to $6 per square foot.
The cost to replace ductwork is $25 to $55 per linear foot.
Siding repair costs $2 to $14 per square foot.
Soffit and fascia repair costs $9 to $34 per linear foot.
Ceiling repair costs $200 to $500.
Roof repair costs $150 to $1,000 for minor repairs.
Porch screen replacement costs $2 to $4 per square foot.
Crawl space repairs and cleaning cost $200 to $700 after fixing a minor rodent problem, and cleaning after a large infestation costs $1,500 to $4,000.
Mice extermination FAQs
Is it worth getting an exterminator for mice?
Getting an exterminator for mice is worth it because professionals remove mice efficiently and safely. Prompt extermination is crucial due to rapid mouse reproduction. Their guidance on prevention can also reduce property damage and health risks in the future.
When do I call an exterminator for mice?
Call a mouse exterminator when noticing signs of infestation, like droppings, chewed items, scratching noises, urine markings, or seeing them hiding in dark places. Evidence of nesting, like scraps and crumbs behind cabinets, are also clear indicators of an infestation that needs immediate action.
How do exterminators get rid of mice?
Exterminators get rid of mice using traps, bait stations, or rodenticides for mouse elimination while sealing entry points for infestation prevention. The CDC recommends poison for large infestations only. Mechanical traps and chemical baits are effective but can be hazardous for home use.
How long does it take to get rid of mice?
The process to get rid of mice takes 2 to 3 days to trap a few animals, or several months to handle severe infestations. Position mouse traps under appliances, in cabinets, or near clear signs of mice for best results.
Sealing the home completely to prevent more mice can take up to 3 days.
How to prepare for an exterminator for mice?
In preparation of the mice exterminator's arrival, secure your food, fix wall openings, declutter your kitchen, and clean your home.
Essential steps involve:
Safeguarding food in air-tight containers
Mending wall gaps
Emptying areas under the sink and above the fridge
Performing a thorough cleaning
Refraining from pre-treatment pesticide use
Temporarily moving family and pets during the treatment
Taking everything out of the bottom cabinets in the bathrooms and kitchen
Do mice come back after extermination?
The mice on your property don't come back after extermination because that process should kill them all. However, if you don't seal off all the places where the mice came in, then new mice from outside can arrive later.
If you choose to release the mice instead of killing them, make sure they're taken far away. If you release mice less than 6 to 10 miles away, then they will come back.
Getting estimates from mice exterminators
Before calling a mice exterminator near you, be sure to:
Ask for estimates from 3 people who've done this work for 5 years or more.
Look at what folks are saying about them on Google and here on HomeGuide.
Make sure they have a special license for pest control and liability insurance.
Watch out for the lowest prices. These companies have lower-quality standards.
Keep a copy of their service rules, guarantee, and the itemized bid.
Don't pay them in full until they finish the job.
Questions to ask
Before hiring a mice exterminator, ask them:
How long have you specialized in mouse removal?
Could you explain your procedure for removing mice?
Are there ongoing costs for preventative measures against future infestations?
Do you use traps, poisons, or other techniques for mouse removal?
What are the local regulations regarding the release of captured mice?
Can you give me a warranty for your services?
What's the typical time frame for removing a mouse family infestation in an attic?
When can you start, and how often will you inspect the traps?
Can you offer testimonials or references from previous clients?
Do you offer post-removal cleanup services?
Will this fee include sealing all entry points?
How will you ensure my property's safety during the removal operation?
Are any additional services included in the cost?
Do you conduct free preliminary inspections?
Will it be necessary for my family and pets to leave during treatment?
Do you also provide removal services for other pests such as rats or insects?
Are there any variations in cost depending on the severity of the infestation?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.