The best-rated rat exterminators near you typically charge $150–$600 to wipe out a small colony and $750–$1,200 or more when walls and attics are teeming, and they back the work with written warranties. This guide ranks the ten services that pair top customer reviews with proven exclusion techniques and broad U.S. coverage for 2025.

Rats carry disease, gnaw wires, and multiply every few weeks. A couple of snap traps may thin the numbers, but they’ll miss hidden nests and the half-inch cracks rats squeeze through. Professional technicians track runway stains, seal entry points, sanitize, and set monitors, cutting reinfestation risk sharply. Plus, they shoulder the messy crawl-space work most homeowners can’t or won’t do. To help you pick one, we scored each company on service area, treatment science, safety credentials, guarantees, price clarity, customer support, and speed of response.

The result is a mix of nationwide brands, regional specialists, and online marketplaces, ensuring readers in every ZIP code can line up reliable, fairly priced help. Let’s compare the top 10 rat exterminator services one by one—starting with our top pick.

1. Redi Pest Control LLC

If you type “rat exterminator near me” into Google from most Arizona ZIP codes, Redi Pest Control pops up near the top—and for good reason. The family-run firm marries same-day responsiveness with a thorough, exclusion-first philosophy that keeps rodents out for the long haul instead of just trapping the ones already inside.

Snapshot & Coverage

• Headquarters: Phoenix, AZ
• Service area: Greater Phoenix, Tucson, Mesa, Chandler, and surrounding Maricopa, Pinal, and Pima counties
• Availability: Same-day or next-day service slots Monday–Saturday
• Credentials: State-licensed, fully insured technicians with background checks

Rat Removal Approach & Prevention Methods

Redi follows a four-step Integrated Pest Management plan:

1. Comprehensive attic, crawl-space, and perimeter inspection
2. Custom blueprint outlining entry points, food sources, and nesting zones
3. Targeted treatment using tamper-resistant bait stations, snap traps, and pet-safe repellents, followed by hardware-cloth exclusion repairs
4. Two-week follow-up visit and optional quarterly monitoring to catch newcomers before they multiply

Average Cost & Contract Options

• One-time rat eviction: $175 – $400 (includes inspection)
• Whole-home exclusion package: $600 – $950 with a one-year guarantee
• Quarterly “Protect Plus” plan: $45 – $65 per month covering rats and common household pests
  First inspections are free, and bundling termite or scorpion treatment knocks 10 % off the total.

Pros, Cons & Standout Features

Pros

• Lightning-fast turnaround—techs often arrive within four hours
• Locally owned customer service that remembers returning clients
• Long-term exclusion warranty at no added fee

Cons

• Limited to Arizona market
• No overnight call center (phones open 6 a.m.–8 p.m.)

Unique edge: big-brand workmanship without big-brand pricing.

Who It’s Best For

Homeowners who value personal attention, landlords juggling multiple units, and anyone needing rats gone yesterday without signing a multi-year contract.

How to Get a Quote & Schedule

Call, chat, or submit the web form with your square footage, attic access notes, and ideal appointment window. A rep will confirm a two-hour arrival slot and email a digital inspection report before any work begins.

2. Orkin Pest Control

When most homeowners search “rat exterminator near me” and want a household name, Orkin is usually the first logo they recognize. Founded in 1901, the company blends more than a century of rodent-behavior research with coast-to-coast reach, making it a go-to for complex or recurring infestations.

Snapshot & Coverage

• Footprint: Branches in 47+ states and Washington, D.C.
• Technicians: State-licensed, QualityPro certified, background-checked
• Availability: 24/7 customer hotline; same-week appointments in most metro areas

Integrated ORKINShield Rat Service

Orkin’s signature program starts with a meticulous inspection that maps rub marks, grease trails, and droppings. Techs then:

1. Seal gaps ¼-inch or larger with steel wool, copper mesh, and mortar
2. Deploy a mix of tamper-resistant bait stations and snap traps, rotated to avoid bait shyness
3. Install monitoring devices and return in 7–10 days to gauge activity
4. Provide sanitation tips and written proof-of-service for insurance or housing records

Pricing & Guarantees

• Initial rat treatment: $250 – $600 (scope depends on structure size and entry-point repairs)
• Ongoing plan: $40 – $70 per month with unlimited call-backs
• Guarantee: 30-day money-back plus complimentary re-service until the issue is resolved

Pros & Cons

Pros

• In-house entomologists and CDC collaboration inform treatment protocols
• Strong nationwide warranty honored across branch locations

Cons

• Higher entry price than many regional competitors
• Annual service agreements are standard, so one-off jobs cost more

Best For

Large or older homes with multiple entry points, customers who value brand backing and a transferable guarantee, and businesses requiring compliance documentation.

Booking Experience

Quotes start with a free phone or online consultation; an on-site inspection is typically scheduled within 48 hours. You can sign documents electronically and track technician arrival in real time via text alerts.

3. Terminix Rodent Control

Terminix is the 800-pound gorilla of pest management—more than 10,000 technicians, 95 years in business, and trucks in every ZIP code. That reach means homeowners who type “rat exterminator near me” almost always see Terminix in the ad carousel. The company leans on standardized protocols and a hefty warranty, making it a reliable, if sometimes upsell-heavy, option.

Snapshot & Coverage

• Service area: All 50 states plus Puerto Rico
• Fleet: 300+ local branches with on-call supervisors
• Emergency option: Same-day or next-morning visits for active sightings
• Credentials: State-licensed techs, NPMA QualityPro certification

Rat Control Plan Features

Terminix combines commercial-grade hardware with home-friendly touches:

1. Detailed inspection and digital entry-point map
2. Tamper-resistant Rat Bait Stations blended with species-specific blocks
3. Gap sealing using steel wool, mortar, and expandable foam
4. Optional attic or crawl-space sanitation and insulation top-off
5. Follow-up monitoring every 30–45 days while the plan is active

Cost Range & Contracts

• Initial treatment: $200 – $550, depending on structure size and exclusion work
• Ongoing protection: $30 – $60 per month; no-penalty cancellation after the first 90 days
• Guarantee: “Nix Pest Guarantee” promises free re-service or refund if rats return

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Nationwide bundled discounts for termites, mosquitoes, and rodents
• Robust online dashboard for service records

Cons

• Aggressive upsells on insulation and crawl-space products
• Technician experience can vary by franchise territory

Best For

Homeowners who want one contract to cover multiple pests and appreciate around-the-clock customer support.

How to Hire

Call the 24/7 hotline or book online for a no-charge inspection. Expect to answer questions about square footage, foundation type, and any prior rodent activity; a written quote arrives on-site before work starts.

4. Critter Control

Critter Control approaches rats as nuisance wildlife, not just household pests. That shift in mindset—born from decades of raccoon, squirrel, and bat work—means its technicians are equally comfortable fixing soffit gaps and replacing chewed insulation as they are setting traps. Homeowners searching “rat exterminator near me” who also need attic repairs routinely land on this specialist network.

Snapshot & Coverage

• 80+ locally owned franchises across 35 states
• Same- or next-day appointments in most metro areas
• Licensed wildlife technicians trained in ladder safety and bio-hazard cleanup
• Fully insured, with optional wildlife damage liability coverage for commercial clients

Wildlife-Style Rat Removal

Critter Control favors a “remove, repair, and restore” model:

1. Inspect attics, rooflines, and crawl spaces for rub marks and droppings
2. Set snap traps or one-way exit doors to humanely clear the colony
3. Seal entry holes with metal flashing and chew-proof mesh
4. Sanitize, deodorize, and, if needed, install new R-19 insulation to erase pheromone trails

Pricing & Warranty

• Typical single-family project: $300–$700, including up to three follow-up visits
• Attic restoration or insulation add-on: $4–$8 per square foot
• Renewable three-year exclusion warranty that covers any future rat re-entry at no service fee

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Humane methods respected by wildlife agencies
• Detailed photo reports before and after repairs
• Long warranties transferable to new homeowners

Cons

• Higher upfront cost than many general pest firms
• Limited franchise coverage in the Mountain West and Dakotas

Best For

Property owners who want a one-stop shop for eviction, structural repair, and long-term wildlife proofing.

Contact & Scheduling

Call your nearest franchise or submit an online form; a tech will arrange an on-site inspection within 24 hours and email a written estimate the same day.

5. Fox Pest Control

Fox Pest Control is the new kid climbing the rankings when you Google “rat exterminator near me,” thanks to aggressive branch-opening and a customer-first cancellation policy. Although only a decade old, the company already covers 16 states and promises a same-day technician for calls placed before 2 p.m.—a lifesaver when you spot a rat at breakfast.

Snapshot & Coverage

• 30+ brick-and-mortar branches concentrated in the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, and Midwest
• Locally hired, state-licensed techs backed by a corporate quality team
• Service hours: Monday–Saturday, 7 a.m.–8 p.m.; emergency after-hours line

Fox Home Protection Plan for Rats

The plan mixes proven hardware with solid exclusion work: tamper-proof bait stations outdoors, interior snap traps where kids and pets can’t reach, and galvanized steel mesh over vents and crawl-space gaps. If activity pops up between scheduled visits, Fox returns at no charge—no questions asked.

Average Cost

• One-time rat start-up: $180–$350
• Ongoing monthly: $45–$65, billed per visit, cancel any time
• Free inspection and quote; 5 % multi-property discount for landlords

Pros & Cons

Pros: month-to-month billing, technician on site the same day, text alerts with photo ID of the tech.
Cons: little to no West Coast presence, no online customer portal yet.

Best For

Renters, first-time homeowners, and anyone wary of year-long contracts but still wanting professional protection.

Booking Process

Enter your ZIP on the Fox website for an instant ballpark quote, or call the central line. You’ll choose a two-hour arrival window, receive SMS confirmation, and get an on-site written estimate before work begins.

6. Ehrlich Pest Control (Rentokil)

If your “rat exterminator near me” search ends in the Northeast or Mid-Atlantic, chances are Ehrlich shows up at the top. Part of the global Rentokil family, the 97-year-old brand blends old-school inspection know-how with a slick, sensor-based monitoring system that keeps both homes and commercial sites rat-free 24/7.

Snapshot & Coverage

• 100+ local offices from Maine to Virginia, with satellite crews in the Midwest and Gulf Coast
• Founded 1928; absorbed into Rentokil in 2006
• State-licensed, QualityPro-certified technicians; 24/7 customer help line

SMART Digital Rodent Monitoring

Ehrlich’s optional SMART program installs battery-powered IoT traps in attics, basements, and drop ceilings. The devices ping activity data to a cloud dashboard every 15 minutes, alerting technicians (and you) the moment a rat trips a sensor. Result: faster captures, proof of compliance for health inspectors, and fewer surprises between scheduled visits.

Cost & Service Levels

• Residential initial treatment: $250–$550 depending on square footage and exclusion scope
• SMART equipment rental: $12–$20 per sensor per month
• Commercial plans and multi-site rollouts are custom-quoted after a free site survey

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Real-time digital monitoring limits damage and downtime
• Detailed analytics reports for insurance or regulatory audits
• Technicians trained in advanced exclusion repairs

Cons

• Sensor rental fees add up on large properties
• Coverage thins west of the Mississippi
• Annual service agreement usually required

Best For

Restaurants, food warehouses, and tech-savvy homeowners who want data-driven assurance—not just traps.

How to Get Started

Book a free on-site survey online or by phone; a rep will inspect within 24 hours, map sensor placement, and deliver a same-day digital quote. Sign electronically, schedule service, and track every visit through the MyEhrlich portal.

7. Aptive Environmental

Scrolling through “rat exterminator near me” results, Aptive stands out for its modern, green-first branding and slick vans wrapped in eco-icons. Founded in 2015, the company has grown quickly on a promise to make pest control safer for families, pets, and the planet.

Snapshot & Coverage

• 25+ states, strongest in the West, South, and Midwest
• 300+ licensed technicians trained in reduced-risk protocols
• Partner of the United Nations’ Nothing But Nets program, donating a portion of every sale

Green Rat Treatment Methods

Aptive’s techs rely on Integrated Pest Management with an eco twist: essential-oil repellents, mechanical snap traps inside locked boxes, and silicone or copper-mesh caulking to block ¼-inch gaps. Synthetic rodenticides are used only when monitoring shows non-toxic options aren’t cutting it.

Pricing & Contracts

• Initial visit: $220–$450, includes inspection and first round of treatment
• Quarterly follow-ups: $55–$75
• One-year service agreement required; early cancellation fee equals one visit

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Sustainability focus with EPA reduced-risk products
• Free re-service between quarters

Cons

• No one-time option
• Limited appointments on Sundays

Best For

Eco-conscious homeowners, parents of curious kids or pets, and buyers who prefer a clear, set maintenance schedule.

Booking Steps

Call or start a live chat, answer a five-question survey about house size and recent sightings, pick a two-hour window, and e-sign the annual plan from your phone.

8. Yelp Local Rat Exterminator Listings

Sometimes the fastest route to a trustworthy “rat exterminator near me” is crowdsourcing. Yelp’s review platform lets you browse hundreds of licensed rodent pros in real time, filtering by star rating, response speed, and service specialty. It’s not a pest-control company itself—it’s a matchmaking tool that hands you the data to pick a local hero.

Snapshot & Coverage

• Nationwide database covering every U.S. ZIP code
• Thousands of rat and general pest contractors, from solo operators to franchises
• Real-time messaging and “Request a Quote” buttons on most profiles

How It Works

Enter your city or ZIP, select the “Pest Control” category, and toggle “Rats” under the specialty filter. Yelp’s algorithm surfaces top-rated businesses first, but you can re-sort by distance, price range, or “open now.” Message up to four pros at once; you’ll usually get quotes within hours, complete with photos of past jobs.

Typical Pricing

Based on verified check-ins and quote data, small infestations average $150–$550. Expect higher numbers—$700+—if you need attic cleanup or extensive exclusion repairs.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Unfiltered customer photos and reviews
• Side-by-side quote requests save time

Cons

• Licenses and insurance aren’t verified by Yelp—you must confirm
• Review quality varies; occasional fake feedback slips through

Best For

Homeowners who enjoy comparing multiple bids and reading real-world experiences before choosing.

Usage Tips

1. Sort by “Most Reviewed” to spot established pros.
2. Click “Amenities” and tick “Offers virtual consultations” if you want a quick video inspection.
3. Verify state license numbers through your local regulatory board before booking.

9. Thumbtack Rat Control Marketplace

Need bids from multiple “rat exterminator near me” pros without spending your Saturday on the phone? Thumbtack’s app-based marketplace crowdsources local, vetted technicians in minutes. The platform functions like a dating site for home services—match, chat, and book—all from your phone or laptop.

Snapshot & Coverage

• Nationwide reach in all 50 states
• 200+ pest categories, with a dedicated “Rodent & Rat Control” filter
• Pros must pass criminal background checks to earn the “Thumbtack Pro” badge

Hiring Process

1. Post a short project: size of home, where rats are active, and desired timeline.
2. Receive 3–5 bids—often within 30 minutes—with ballpark pricing and availability.
3. Review star ratings, photos, and “Top Pro” status before booking.

Average Costs

• Median quote: $180–$470 for standard rat removal
• Add $50–$125 travel or ladder fees in remote or multi-story cases

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Rapid, side-by-side price comparisons
• In-app messaging and payment protection

Cons

• Quality varies; some pros are new to the trade
• Deposits or trip fees are common with lower-cost bids

Best For

Price-savvy homeowners who like shopping around and don’t mind coordinating details themselves.

How to Maximize Success

• Write a detailed description (square footage, attic access, pictures of droppings).
• Sort bidders by “Top Pro” and response time.
• Ask for license and insurance proof before you hit “Hire.”
• Use Thumbtack’s milestone payments to hold funds until the job is finished.

10. Angi Rat Exterminator Network

Formerly Angie’s List, Angi has pivoted from a subscription review site into an on-demand marketplace that pairs homeowners typing “rat exterminator near me” with pre-screened, customer-rated contractors. Because Angi negotiates flat-rate “Angi Deals” and offers live support, it acts more like a concierge than a simple directory; you can compare bids, finance larger jobs, and track milestones inside one dashboard.

Snapshot & Coverage

• Nationwide database of licensed pest and wildlife contractors
• 24/7 customer care line and in-app chat
• Projects protected by the Angi Happiness Guarantee (up to the job’s invoice total)

Service Model

Angi vets pros for license, insurance, and background checks, then publishes verified reviews. When you request rat control, the platform:

1. Matches you with 3–6 local companies
2. Presents prepaid “Angi Deals” or custom bids
3. Provides a dedicated project manager for multi-step jobs (exclusion, cleanup, re-inspection)

Pricing Insight

User-reported costs fall between $200–$500 for standard rat removal; whole-home exclusion or attic sanitation can push totals past $1,000. Zero-interest financing is available on jobs over $499.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Vetted pros and written workmanship guarantee
• Bundled discounts and financing options

Cons

• Membership upsells during checkout
• Limited contractor choices in very rural ZIP codes

Best For

Busy homeowners who want a one-stop, managed experience and the safety net of a platform-backed guarantee.

Booking & Project Tracking

Create a free account, answer a short questionnaire, and choose either a fixed-price Deal or request bids. Once hired, you can message the pro, approve change orders, and release payments through the Angi app—no paper invoices needed.

Final Take on Rat Exterminator Choices

Rats don’t wait, so neither should you. Whichever provider you favor, focus on four deal-breakers before signing:

• Speed of response – Same-day or next-day visits prevent another litter from being born (a female can drop 6–12 pups every 21 days).
• Exclusion warranty – Trapping means nothing if the holes stay open; look for at least a one-year guarantee on sealing work.
• Treatment safety – Ask about tamper-resistant bait stations, reduced-risk rodenticides, and cleanup protocols that remove droppings and parasites.
• Total cost of ownership – Compare the full year’s price (initial + follow-ups) rather than just the first visit, and factor in attic repair or monitoring tech if you need it.

National giants like Orkin and Terminix bring deep resources; wildlife specialists such as Critter Control excel at repairs; marketplaces like Yelp, Thumbtack, and Angi give you instant price transparency. Balance those strengths against your urgency, budget, and comfort with contracts.

Spotting gnaw marks, rub stains, or late-night scurrying? Act now—each week of delay raises remediation costs and health risks. If you live in Arizona and want that problem solved by dinner, schedule your free rat inspection with Redi Pest Control today.