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How Much Does a Rat Exterminator Cost in Columbus? [2025 Data]
Normal Range: $151 - $301
Homeowners in Columbus, OH, can expect to pay $221 for a visit from a rat exterminator. Depending on the infestation size and location in the home, you may spend between $151 and $301.
How we get this data
FollowTheFlow / Adobe Stock Photography
FollowTheFlow / Adobe Stock Photography
Highlights
Rat exterminator costs in Columbus, OH, are around 45% lower than national averages.
The lower costs could be due to healthy competition among removal services, given that the city ranks among the top 25 “rattiest” in the U.S.
Historic homes in densely populated neighborhoods and parts of the city with poor trash practices or lots of construction are more at risk of infestations.
The size of your home, the infestation severity, and the ease of accessibility impact extermination costs.
Professional rat extermination in Columbus, OH, costs $221 on average. However, depending on the severity of the infestation, the size of your home, and how tricky it is to get to the nest, most homeowners spend between $151 and $301.
Columbus is no stranger to rodent problems. Between the city’s rapid development, aging housing stock, and less-than-ideal waste practices, rats are regular residents. Despite pest control costs running lower than the national average, the rising rodent numbers mean putting aside funds for a professional exterminator is a smart move.
Rat Exterminator Cost Factors
In Columbus, OH, the size of your home and the severity of the infestation are the biggest factors in rat extermination costs, but tricky spots can add to the price. This can be a problem if you live in an older home in areas like German Village or Olde Towne East, where rats might nest behind brick walls or in basements.
Local rat exterminators offer several levels of service. Your price will increase if you select options to rodent-proof your home (sensible if you live in a rat-prone district, like the South Side) 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 Location | Cost Considerations |
|---|---|
| Shed or garage | Rats living in a shed or garage are the least expensive to remove because they’re easy to find, trap, and release. |
| Attic and basement | If rats cause damage to your attic or basement, you’ll need to budget for the cost of repairs, such as replacing flooring or drywall. |
| Walls | Wall infestations can require extra labor and additional fees for using thermal imaging equipment. |
| Ductwork | Ductwork exterminations require extra work and specialized tools, adding to the cost, especially if parts of the ductwork need to be removed. |
| Crawl spaces | Crawl spaces may lead to slightly higher costs since they require more labor to access than basements. |
Infestation Size
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 are prolific disease spreaders and can produce up to 6 litters each year, catching an infestation early is important.
| Infestation Size | Average Cost Range in Columbus |
|---|---|
| Small | $55–$275 |
| Moderate | $135–$825 |
| Large | $550–$4,400 |
Home Size
The more space a professional has to inspect for signs of rats, the more it will cost. The average home size in Columbus, OH, is 1,850 square feet. 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. Costs vary depending on the extermination method, but average between $0.15 and $1.65 per square foot.
| Home Size | Average Cost for Whole-House Options in Columbus |
|---|---|
| 1,000 square feet | $150–$1,650 |
| 2,000 square feet | $300–$3,300 |
| 3,000 square feet | $450–$4,950 |
| 4,000 square feet | $600–$6,600 |
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 Removal | Cons of Live Removal |
|---|---|
| Minimal, quick labor | Charges per rat can be high |
| Suitable for small infestations | Requires hands-on removal |
If you want to get rid of rats without poison, most exterminators charge around $30 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 Exclusion | Cons of Rat Exclusion |
|---|---|
| Effective for in-home infestations | Significantly more expensive |
| Prevents rats from returning | Takes longer |
| Can apply to other pests | Not foolproof |
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 $110 to $275.
Fumigation Costs
| Pros of Fumigation | Cons of Fumigation |
|---|---|
| Tackles large-scale infestations throughout a building | Very expensive |
| Eradicates rats that can’t be found otherwise | Use of toxic fumes in the home |
| Fast-acting | Must vacate the house |
If your rat exterminator suggests fumigation, a last resort method for a severe and dangerous rat infestation, expect to pay $0.55 to $1.65 per square foot. This works out as $1,015 to $3,050 for the average Columbus, OH, home. 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 $30 to $80 for follow-up visits, which a pro may bundle in your estimate.
Extermination Pro Costs
Given the far-reaching rodent problems in Columbus, OH, demand for pest control assistance is high. This means prices to hire a local rat exterminator are competitive, especially given the cost of living in the city and lower-than-average regional construction wages.
Most local exterminators charge a flat rate per visit, which can make budgeting easier than dealing with unpredictable hourly fees. Removing a single rat from your attic might cost around $80, while a comprehensive whole-house exclusion service could cost $500.
If you live in a historic or trash-heavy neighborhood that sees a lot of rodent activity, consider setting up a regular service plan. Many professionals offer discounted rates for quarterly or annual visits, which can provide peace of mind without breaking the bank.
Does Rat Extermination Increase Home Value?
Rat extermination in Columbus, OH, may not offer the same return on investment (ROI) as a bathroom remodel or new energy-efficient windows, but it’s still a smart move in the long run. No one wants to buy a house infested with rats—unless they’re expecting a steep discount. Taking care of the problem promptly can make your home more appealing to buyers and help it sell faster, especially in a competitive market.
This is particularly important for older Columbus homes in neighborhoods like Victorian Village or Clintonville, which are hot spots for the city’s ever-growing rat population. Rapid rat extermination can also prevent or minimize costly home repairs or red flags during a buyer’s inspection. Given the chance, they’ll chew through electrical wiring, tear up insulation, and even compromise the structure of your home.
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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