Hiring an exterminator costs $400 to $600 on average for rodent removal, but costs can reach up to the thousands, depending on the type of pest, the size of your home, and the extent of the infestation. Raccoons, squirrels, and bats tend to be the most expensive rodents to eradicate.

Rodents do several things that can cause significant structural damage the longer they are in the home, including chewing through walls, destroying insulation, and chewing through electrical wiring, adding the risk of fire to your list of problems. So, you may be dealing with several other repair costs in addition to the cost of the actual extermination.

• Drywall repair costs $100 to $400 per hole.
• Ceiling repair costs $50 to $100 per square foot.
• New electrical wiring costs $4 to $9 per square foot.
• Replacing damaged ductwork costs $25 to $55 per linear foot.
• Cabinet repair costs $120 to $600.

There are several signs to look out for that indicate rodents may have taken up residence in your home, including:

• Droppings in cabinets or pantries, along baseboards, or under sinks
• Tracks or trails on dusty surfaces
• Evidence of gnawing, like holes in walls, ceilings, or pipes
• Nests in closets, the garage, the attic, the basement, or any dark and hidden areas
• Strange sounds in the walls
• Pets pawing at the walls or cabinets
• Musky or urine smells
• Dead rodent body

Most exterminator sprays today are used at a very low concentration that is strong enough to kill pests and insects but not harmful to humans or pets. However, always discuss the matter with your exterminator to confirm the safety of the products they will be using. In addition to speaking with your pest control technician, take the following precautionary measures to ensure your pets' safety:

• Remove or cover fish tanks, terrariums, and reptile cages while the area is being treated.
• Do not spray or store pest control products near pet food or water dishes.
• Keep pest control products and bait stations in areas your pet cannot reach.
• Keep your pets away from treated areas until they are dry.
• If pest control products spill, keep pets away from the area until it is cleaned up.

Whether or not you need to leave your home during an extermination depends on the type of extermination you need and the type of products the exterminator will be using. Some pest control services use fogging pesticides or other products that require you to be out of the home for a specified amount of time. For mice and other rodent infestations, the technician typically seals entry points so that no more rodents can get in, leaves baits and traps inside the home, and you can remain in the home during the ongoing process of getting the rodents out.

The process to get rid of mice depends on the size of your home and the severity of the infestation. A mice exterminator typically sets various types of bait stations and baited traps in key areas around your home and visits several times over the course of a month or so to remove the trapped mice. The exterminator also finds where the mice are entering your home and seals those areas to prevent future infestation.

Follow these simple but important guidelines to help you choose the best exterminator service near you:

• Compare 3+ estimates from companies that are licensed, bonded, and insured.
• Confirm they have active licenses and certifications with the State Department of Agriculture and the EPA.
• Check out their profiles and reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
• Hire a company that's been established for 5+ years and offers a warranty on their work.
• Get a written estimate, contract, and warranty before the work begins.
• Ask for a list of references with contact information.
• Don't pay in full until the job is complete.

Ask these questions to ensure you select the best exterminator for your needs:

• Are you licensed and insured?
• How long have you been an exterminator?
• Can you provide a list of references with contact information?
• What products do you use, and are they safe for pets?
• Have you resolved an infestation like this one before?
• How long will the extermination take and what will the process involve?
• Do I need to leave my house during the extermination?
• Will you have to make multiple visits to complete the extermination?
• How should I prepare my home for the extermination?
• What does the estimate include?
• Do you offer a guarantee?