How much does a mouse exterminator cost?
A professional mouse control program typically costs $300–$700 for the initial trapping phase, which includes a home inspection, trap placement, and 2–3 follow-up visits. If you add exclusion work (sealing the entry points), expect another $200–$600 — but exclusion is the only permanent fix.
Trapping without exclusion is renting a solution, not buying one. Mice re-enter through the same gaps within weeks if the holes aren't sealed. A good pest company will quote both services; be skeptical of anyone who quotes trapping only.
What affects the cost of mouse control
Initial inspection + trapping setup
$150 – $350How to tellFirst visit: inspector identifies entry points, activity areas, and nesting signs; sets snap traps and bait stations in key locations
The fixStandard opening service for any mouse infestation
Follow-up visits (trapping phase)
$75 – $150 per visit; $200 – $400 as packageHow to tellTechnician returns 2–3 times over 2–4 weeks to check traps, remove mice, and reset or reposition
The fixIncluded in most full programs; priced per visit if not
Exclusion work — sealing entry points
$200 – $600; larger homes or extensive gaps: up to $1,200How to tellInspector finds gaps around pipes, foundation cracks, utility penetrations, door sweeps, and vents that mice are using
The fixSeal gaps with steel wool, caulk, hardware cloth, or foam backer — any gap wider than a dime (¼ inch) needs sealing
Severe infestation (multiple areas or long-term)
$600 – $1,500 total; insulation removal is separateHow to tellDroppings in multiple rooms, nesting material in walls or insulation, gnaw marks on wiring or structure
The fixMore traps, more visits, possible attic or crawl space cleanup — contaminated insulation may need removal
Ongoing monitoring plan
$40 – $80/monthHow to tellHome has known ongoing risk factors — wooded lot, adjacent fields, older construction with many gaps
The fixQuarterly service visits with trap checks and perimeter treatment
Try this first (before you pay anyone)
- Before calling a pro, place snap traps (not glue boards) in areas with droppings — along walls, behind appliances, inside cabinets. Victor snap traps at $1–$2 each work as well as anything on the market.
- Find and temporarily block the most obvious entry points with steel wool stuffed into gaps — hardware stores carry it for a few dollars. This tells you whether new mice are still entering.
- Remove food sources first: transfer dry goods to sealed containers, don't leave pet food out overnight, and clear clutter from cabinets and garage where mice nest.
Unlock the hiring checklist
Use this before you call a pest control, so you know what to ask and what to avoid.
Call a pro when…
- You're finding droppings in multiple rooms or fresh droppings keep appearing despite your own traps — the colony is larger than surface traps can handle
- You hear scratching in walls at night — mice in walls need trap placement inside the structure that DIY doesn't access
- You've found chewed wiring, gnaw marks on joists, or nesting material in insulation — professional assessment of damage extent is needed
- You want a warranty on the work — pros who include exclusion typically guarantee no re-entry for 1–3 years
Repair or replace?
Mouse control isn't a repair-or-replace question — it's a treat vs prevent decision. Trapping alone ($300–$700) solves the immediate problem but doesn't prevent re-entry. Exclusion ($200–$600) is the one-time investment that makes the trapping permanent. Total for a complete, warranted solution: $500–$1,300. Compare that to recurring infestations every winter and the math strongly favors doing exclusion the first time.
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Related questions
How long does mouse extermination take?
An active infestation is typically controlled in 2–4 weeks with professional trapping — this is how long it takes to catch the bulk of the colony. Exclusion work can be done at the same time or after. Signs of activity (fresh droppings, gnawing) should stop within that window.
Do exterminators use poison for mice?
Most residential mouse programs use snap traps and bait stations rather than open poison. Rodenticide bait blocks are used in locked tamper-resistant stations — they're effective but carry secondary poisoning risk for pets and wildlife if mice die outdoors. Ask your technician to clarify what they're placing and where.
How do mice get into the house?
Mice can squeeze through gaps as small as a dime — about ¼ inch. The most common entry points are gaps around pipes where they enter the home, gaps at the foundation sill plate, dryer vents without proper dampers, and gaps around garage door frames. A good exclusion inspection checks all of these.
Can mice come back after extermination?
Yes — if entry points aren't sealed. Mice follow scent trails left by previous occupants, so the same holes that let the first colony in will attract new mice from neighboring properties. Exclusion with a guarantee is the only way to prevent this. Don't pay for trapping-only service without asking about entry point sealing.