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You can find anti-rat sprays in most home department stores that may be worth a try. Spray them along fences and in areas where you don’t want rats to go (like around decks) and they may think twice before approaching. For a natural version, you can try a mint spray, since rats generally dislike mint. But even the most effective sprays are unlikely to stop a hungry rat over time.

The cost to hire an exterminator or pest control service is $175 on average, with typical costs ranging from $100 to $500. However, you could spend more depending on several factors, including the type of pest, the size and severity of the infestation, and the number of visits required.

Service costs also vary by frequency:

• One-time service: $300–$550

• Initial visit with ongoing service: $150–$300

• Monthly visits: $40–$70

• Quarterly visits: $100–$300

• Annual visits: $300–$550

The type of pest significantly impacts the price. For example, exterminating spiders typically costs between $100 and $300, while a termite problem can range from $230 to $2,500 or more, depending on the extent of the damage. Routine pest control services can help prevent future infestations and costly damage to your home.

No. Carpenter ants range far when seeking out food, usually proteins or sugars. They may be attracted to dead pests near your house, or crumbs in the kitchen or pantry. That doesn’t necessarily mean you have an infestation, or that there is a nest nearby. However, it does mean that the ants have found a way to enter your home, so it’s time to be vigilant.

Ground moles are not typically dangerous. They're not known to carry rabies like many other wild animals, such as raccoons, skunks, and bats. And they don't typically bite humans, although it's possible if they feel threatened. If you do get bitten by a mole, it's best to see a physician to be safe, but most often, the bite will heal on its own unless it gets infected.