According to Baltimore’s Department of Public Works (DPW), the agency responded to over 109,985 visits for rats in 2024.
The Norway rat is a ubiquitous pest found in all corners of Baltimore, from residential basements to the subway and high-rise apartments.
While the city distributes lots of resources to curb the growing rat problem, it’s up to homeowners to aid in the fight.
For your own health and safety, it’s critical to eliminate rats as soon as you spot them on your property, as these rodents are known vectors for dangerous diseases.
Public and DIY options for rat control are available, but often homeowners turn to pest control experts to help them with their rat problem.
If you’re reluctant to invest in proper rat removal or are concerned about the sticker price, this guide will help you learn what you can expect to pay for rat removal in Baltimore.
Why Baltimore Has a Rat Problem
Before diving into the various options available for rat removal across the city, it’s important to understand the relationship that rats and Baltimore have with one another.
While all cities deal with rats, Baltimore’s unique circumstances have made the city especially vulnerable to rats in recent decades. Some of these factors include:
- Urban Density: Baltimore’s dense residential neighborhoods, row homes, and aging infrastructure create the perfect environment for rats to nest and hide.
- Old Sewer Systems: The city’s older sewer infrastructure allows rats easy access to homes and businesses, often through drains or cracked foundations.
- Abundant Food Sources: From unsecured trash cans to restaurant dumpsters and compost bins, rats have no shortage of food sources here.
- Vacant Properties: Abandoned or neglected properties create safe nesting grounds, making it easy for rats to thrive and multiply.
According to surveys, this combination of factors has made Baltimore one of the top rattiest cities in America. That means even if your home is clean and well-maintained, rats can still find a way in–often through no fault of your own.
Should I Contact Pest Control or 311 for Rat Removal in Baltimore?
Baltimore has responded to the growing rat issue with its notorious Rat Rubout program, managed by the Department of Public Works (DPW).
This program will send a qualified pest control expert to deal with rats on your property if you call 311.
Another option for homeowners who need faster or longer-term relief may be to call a pest control expert.
The Rat Rubout program is limited to rats, as other rodents will fall under the purview of pest control or wildlife control.
Additionally, the sheer volume of calls that the DPW receives may mean you could end up waiting days or weeks for a technician to get to your property.
Pest control companies offer monthly programs that help prevent rats and provide elimination methods to deal with colonies of rats quickly and effectively.
Average Cost of Rat Removal in Baltimore
One concern many homeowners may have about calling pest control is the higher price tag they may charge. However, compared to other pests, rats are one of the most affordable to eliminate.
In Baltimore, the average cost of rat removal ranges between $250 and $750, depending on several variables.
The total price will depend on the severity of the infestation, the type of service required, and the size and layout of your property.
Here’s a quick breakdown of what you can expect to pay for rat removal:
| Service Type | Average Cost |
| Basic Inspection | $50 – $150 |
| Trapping (per visit) | $100 – $300 |
| Exclusion Work | $100 – $800+ |
| Bait Stations | $100 – $500 |
| Full-Service Removal | $200 – $1,000 |
Keep in mind, these are estimates. Some providers offer bundled services or monthly contracts, which may reduce the per-visit cost but increase the overall price.
Types of Rat Removal Services
One factor that greatly influences the price of rat removal is the type of service you are receiving.
Professional pest control companies typically offer a combination of the following services to address rat infestations:
- Trapping: Mechanical traps (snap traps, live traps, or glue boards) are placed strategically to eliminate smaller infestations. This method also allows pest control technicians to confirm rodent species and entry points.
- Exclusion: Sealing up entry points to prevent rats from entering your home again. This may involve patching holes, installing mesh over vents, sealing cracks in the foundation, and weatherproofing doors and windows.
- Baiting: In more severe cases, pest control companies may use tamper-proof bait stations with slow-acting rodenticides. These are often placed outdoors around the perimeter of a property or in inaccessible crawl spaces.
- Sanitization & Odor Control: After rats are removed, sanitization services can eliminate droppings, urine, and pheromone trails that could attract new rats.
- Ongoing Monitoring: Some providers offer routine follow-ups with trap checks, re-baiting, and property inspections to ensure long-term rat prevention.
Factors That Affect Rat Removal Pricing
In addition to the type of service you receive, several factors may influence the price of your rat removal services.
- Size of the Property: Larger homes require more labor and materials for exclusion and monitoring.
- Severity of Infestation: A few rats in the attic are easier (and cheaper) to handle than a colony nesting in the walls.
- Location of Nest: Hard-to-reach places like crawlspaces, chimneys, and subfloors will increase the labor cost.
- Type of Service: Trapping is typically less expensive than full-scale exclusion and baiting programs.
- Urgency: Emergency or after-hours services can come with premium pricing.
DIY vs. Professional Rat Control in Baltimore
When faced with a rat problem, many homeowners initially turn to DIY methods, hoping to save money and handle the situation quickly.
Traps, poisons, ultrasonic repellents, and even homemade deterrents are widely available at local hardware stores. While these products might offer some short-term relief, they often fall short when it comes to solving the root of the problem.
DIY efforts can work for very small or isolated problems, such as a single rat in a garage or shed. However, in most cases, these solutions fail to address the key issues that allow rats to enter and remain inside a home.
Professional rat control offers a much more comprehensive and long-lasting solution.
Pest control experts begin by thoroughly inspecting your property, identifying how and where rats are getting inside, and assessing the extent of the problem.
From there, they design a targeted plan that may include strategic trapping, baiting, and exclusion work to seal entry points and prevent reinfestation.
Perhaps the biggest advantage of hiring a professional is peace of mind. You’re not just paying to remove rats; you’re investing in a solution that includes monitoring, follow-up visits, and often some form of warranty.
While the upfront cost is higher than DIY options, professional services are far more effective at completely eliminating rats and keeping them out for good.
In a city with one of the nation’s most persistent rat problems, choosing professional pest control isn’t just the easier route—it’s the safer and smarter one, too.
FAQs
How do I know if I have rats or mice?
Rats are larger, louder, and more destructive than mice. Their droppings are bigger and more blunt-ended and often nest in basements or crawlspaces. Conversely, mice are smaller, quieter, and more likely to be found near food sources like kitchens and pantries.
Will I need follow-up visits after the initial service?
Yes, follow-up visits are typically recommended. Rats are cautious creatures, and full removal often takes multiple visits. Many pest control companies offer ongoing service plans to monitor and maintain a rodent-free environment.