How Much Does a Rat Exterminator Cost in Phoenix? [2025 Data]

Normal Range: $144 - $443

Homeowners in Phoenix, AZ, can expect to pay $286 for a visit from a rat exterminator. Depending on the infestation size and location in the home, you may spend between $144 and $443.

How we get this data
Photo: FollowTheFlow / Adobe Stock
Photo: FollowTheFlow / Adobe Stock
Highlights
  • The desert weather in Phoenix, AZ, provides the perfect conditions for rats to thrive.

  • Roof rats are common here—they like to take advantage of citrus trees and the toasty climate.

  • The location of the infestation and the size of your home can drive costs up to $8,000 or more.

  • The higher cost of living in Phoenix increases what homeowners will pay.

  • In some instances, a recurring service plan may be needed for rat maintenance.

In Phoenix, AZ, you can expect to pay $286 for a professional rat extermination. Depending on the severity of the infestation and where rats have set up home on your property, costs commonly range between $144 and $443. Remember, acting fast isn’t just about saving your sanity. It’s also about keeping your home safe from damage that can quickly snowball.

Rat Exterminator Cost Factors 

Phoenix, AZ's, desert climate, rapid growth, and rodent-friendly landscaping make infestations harder and often pricier to handle. Using natural methods to get rid of rats without poison can add to your total. Other local cost drivers include:

  • Size of rodent population in your home

  • Location of infestation

  • Home size

  • Extermination method

Rat exterminators in Phoenix offer several levels of service. Your price will increase if you select options that prevent rats from coming back or address any damage to your home.

Infestation Location

The rats’ location affects extermination costs, and an inaccessible infestation means higher labor costs. Exclusion can quickly become expensive if rats are inside the walls or have caused internal damage to insulation or ductwork. 

Infestation LocationCost Considerations
Shed or garageLeast expensive to remove, easy to find, trap, and release.
Attic and basementNeed to budget for repairs (replacing flooring or drywall)
WallsRequires extra labor and additional fees for thermal imaging equipment
DuctworkRequires extra work and specialized tools
Crawl spacesSlightly higher costs, more labor to access than basements

Infestation Size

6 items that attract mice and rats compared visually
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The larger the rat problem, the longer inspections, exclusions, and extermination steps will take, which adds to the cost. A large infestation requires more traps, bait stations, and more serious eradication methods, such as fumigation. Since rats can produce up to 6 litters each year, catching an infestation early is important.

Infestation SizeCostCommon Methods Used
Small$100–$500Traps, bait stations, minor sealing
Moderate$300–$700Multiple traps and bait stations, full home inspection
Large$1,000–$8,000Extensive trapping, exclusion work, possible fumigation

Home Size

The more space a professional has to inspect for signs of rats, the more it will cost. If you choose exclusion services to seal and block rodent-friendly entrances, bigger homes may require more work. This is also why infestations limited to sheds, barns, or other separate buildings will be significantly less expensive. For fumigation, you'll pay $1 to $3 per square foot.

Square FeetCost
1,000$1,000–$3,000
2,000$2,000–$6,000
3,000$3,000–$9,000
4,000$4,000–$12,000

Cost of Rat Extermination Methods 

Once you’ve confirmed signs of a rodent infestation, rat exterminators can approach your rodent infestation in several ways. Let’s look at common rat extermination methods and how much exterminators charge for those services.

Live Rat Removal Cost

Pros of Live RemovalCons of Live Removal
Minimal, quick laborCharges per rat can be high
Suitable for small infestationsRequires hands-on removal

Most exterminators charge around $50 to transport each live rat caught from your property. Exterminators charge for removal because they incur fuel and labor costs while traveling at least a mile from your home to send the rat to its new happily ever after. 

Rat Exclusion

Pros of Rat ExclusionCons of Rat Exclusion
Effective for in-home infestationsSignificantly more expensive
Prevents rats from returningTakes longer
Can apply to other pests

Many exterminators will seal off all entry points where rats can enter your home. The most common exclusion strategy is sealing holes. However, exclusion can also include screening crawl spaces and roof vents, repairing holes, and pruning back trees that rats use as stairs into your home. The cost of exclusion ranges from $200 to $600.

Fumigation Costs

Pros of FumigationCons of Fumigation
Tackles large-scale infestations throughout a buildingVery expensive
Eradicates rats that can’t be found otherwiseUse of toxic fumes in the home
Must vacate the house

If your rat exterminator suggests fumigation, a last resort method for a severe and dangerous rat infestation, expect to pay $1 to $3 per square foot. Similar to termite fumigation, everyone will likely need to leave the house for one to two days while the chemical does its job.

Follow-Up Visits

Most rat exterminators will arrange follow-up visits to check for signs that more rats are on your property, such as new nests. If they laid bait or traps, pros examine the results and determine whether additional steps are needed. You can expect to pay around $50 to $150 for follow-up visits, which a pro may bundle in your estimate.

Extermination Pro Costs

The cost of living in the area is 7% higher than the national average, and that shows up in exterminator pricing. Factor in the 9.1% sales tax, which applies to residential pest control services in Phoenix, and the bill can climb higher than in lower-cost markets.Local exterminators don’t always charge by the hour. Pricing structures more commonly fall into one of these categories:

  • Flat fee for one-time services, often for basic pest control like ants or roaches

  • Recurring service plans with initial fees for monthly or quarterly rat control plans

  • One fee based on square footage

Does Rat Extermination Increase Home Value?

Professional extermination not only removes pests but also safeguards your home’s structure, wiring, and insulation. Buyers, whether retiring or upsizing, are more confident when a property is rodent-free, and proof of treatment or a pest-free certificate makes a strong selling point, signaling good upkeep and fewer post-sale surprises.

How Angi Gets Its Cost Data

Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We survey real Angi customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects. 

Want to help us improve our cost data? Send us a recent project quote to [email protected]. Quotes and personal information will not be shared publicly.

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