One of the first questions Miami homeowners ask when they hear scratching in the attic: how much is this going to cost? The answer depends on the severity of the infestation, the size of your home, and what kind of service you're getting. Here's a straight breakdown of real prices in the Miami market.
Inspection: Free to $150
Many reputable companies — including us — offer free inspections. Some charge $75 to $150 for a comprehensive inspection, which is usually credited toward the service if you hire them. Be wary of companies that won't inspect without a commitment. A thorough inspection should cover the attic, crawl space, roofline, eaves, soffit, plumbing penetrations, A/C lines, garage, and foundation.
Trapping: $300 to $600
Basic trapping service typically runs $300 to $600 for a standard Miami home. This includes setting commercial-grade traps, monitoring them over 1 to 2 weeks, and removing trapped rats. The cost varies based on the number of traps needed and the number of service visits.
Exclusion: $800 to $3,000+
This is the most important investment and the most variable in cost. Rodent exclusion means sealing every entry point in your home with steel mesh, metal flashing, hardware cloth, or concrete. The price depends on:
- Home size. A 1,200 sq ft ranch home has fewer entry points than a 3,000 sq ft two-story.
- Number of entry points. Most Miami homes have 10 to 20+. Some older homes in Coral Gables or Coconut Grove have 30+.
- Roof accessibility. Tile roofs, multi-level rooflines, and steep pitches increase labor time.
- Materials needed. Steel mesh, flashing, concrete, hardware cloth — all commercial-grade.
Exclusion is what makes the fix permanent. Without it, new rats move in within days of trapping.
Attic Cleanup: $500 to $2,500
If rats have been in your attic for any length of time, cleanup is usually necessary. This includes removing contaminated insulation, sanitizing surfaces, and replacing insulation. Costs depend on the size of the attic and the extent of contamination. Rat cleanup isn't optional if you care about air quality and health.
Full Service Package: $1,500 to $5,000+
A complete solution — inspection, trapping, exclusion, and cleanup — typically runs $1,500 to $5,000 for a standard Miami home. Larger homes, severe infestations, or extensive damage can push costs higher. But this is a one-time fix. Once exclusion is complete, rats can't get back in.
The Monthly Contract Trap
Many pest control companies in Miami offer monthly contracts at $50 to $100 per month. Sounds affordable. But here's the math:
- $75/month × 12 months = $900/year
- $75/month × 3 years = $2,700
- $75/month × 5 years = $4,500
And after 5 years of monthly payments, you still have the same problem. Why? Because monthly service companies use poison bait stations. Poison doesn't seal entry points. It kills some rats, but more come in through the same gaps. The company needs you on a contract because their method requires ongoing treatment.
Compare that to a one-time exclusion job at $1,500 to $3,000 that permanently solves the problem. The math is clear.
What Affects Cost in Miami Specifically
- Housing age. Homes built before 1990 typically have more gaps and deterioration.
- Roof type. Tile roofs common in Coral Gables and Kendall create more entry points than shingle roofs.
- Tree proximity. Homes surrounded by fruit trees or dense canopy (common in Coconut Grove, Pinecrest, South Miami) often have higher rat activity.
- Previous DIY attempts. Spray foam, steel wool, and hardware store products often fail and need to be removed before proper exclusion.
How to Get an Accurate Quote
The only way to get an accurate price is a proper on-site inspection. Any company quoting you a price over the phone without seeing your home is guessing — or worse, giving you a low-ball number they'll increase later.
We provide free inspections with detailed, written estimates. No surprises. No pressure. No monthly contracts.
Request your free estimate or call (305) 555-0147.