Hey everyone!
After rats destroyed 3k ofheir loom furniture and my DIY attempts (snap traps,peppermint sprays) failed, Ihireda “5−star” exter minator for 1,800. The result?
- 1st Visit: Placed bait stations. Rats partied harder.
- 2nd Visit: “Guaranteed exclusion” with steel wool. Rats chewed through it in 72hrs.
- 3rd Visit: Ghosted.
I finally solved it myself with infrared cameras (250)and custom−sealedvents(450). But was the $1,800 wasted? When are pros truly worth the cost?
90% of guarantees are void if you don’t fix entry points. Pros should provide thermal scans + seal gaps. Your guy skipped Step 1, sue for breach of contract!
Bought a 400 borosco pecameratoins pectwalls. Foundnest Myself! Hired Handyman tosealgaps:300 total. Saved 2kv sOrkin’s 2.5k quote.
State Farm paid $8k for rat-damaged wiring BUT only if you prove prior maintenance (e.g., pest inspections). Denied 70% of claims due to ‘preventable neglect.’
1800s farmhouse: Local exterminator charged 5k.National Chain Quoted 12k! Local used Titanium mesh + rat-deterrent paint. Worth every penny. Chains = cookie-cutter fails.
Subscription traps = leasing a Ferrari to buy milk. Bought refurbished electronic traps + motion sensors for 600. Killed 22 Rats. Proswanted 150/month forever.
Their ‘exclusion’ missed attic vents. Won $12k for moldy insulation replacement. Always film the inspection, evidence is gold.
Boroscope = smart! But nests mean hantavirus risk. Pros have hepa vacuums + biohazard suits. Your 300 fix could lead 10k medical bills. Risk it?
@SueHappy Filming inspections? Check two-party consent laws! Illegal in CA without permission. Use contract clauses requiring video documentation upfront.
Terminix’s 120/monthplansavedus.Rats chewed BMW wires(4k repair). Their warranty covered it! Read the exterminator-insurance partnerships fine print.
Bought a Tyvek suit on Amazon + rented a hepa vac for 80. Cleaned Nests Safely. Total Cost:380 vs your $10k scare tactic. Knowledge > overpriced pros.