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Rats

Rats can be found nesting in private and public properties, in burrows, crawlspaces, trees, ceilings or attics.

Because rats can cause property damage, contaminate food and spread disease, it’s important to:

  • Learn to identify evidence of rats
  • Prevent rats from entering your property
  • Safely remove rats from your property

Signs of rats on your property

Evidence of rats in and around your property includes:

  • Droppings
  • Underground holes
  • Chewed food
  • Scratch marks on walls and other surfaces

How to prevent rats from entering your property

  • Identify entry points outside your home
  • Check your home foundation, roof, siding windows
  • Use heavy wire mesh to cover vents
  • Use metal sheeting to cover holes
  • Remove attractants
  • Consider removing any source of food in your yards, such as vegetable gardens, bird feeders, fruit trees and bushes
  • Make sure compost receptacles are in a state of good repair to ensure rodents can’t get inside them

If you decide to use traps, consider the following:

  • Use enclosed bait stations as they will help keep other pets or wildlife safe from exposure to rodenticide
  • Only use snap traps indoors, as they can harm wildlife, including raccoons, skunks and squirrels
  • Ensure someone is home and monitoring snap traps to prevent any unintended injury

What to do with a rat infestation

If you are dealing with several rats or have an infestation on your property, consider hiring a professional for support.

You can also contact the City’s Compliance and Licensing Enforcement department by dialling 311 (905-615-4311 outside City limits) for information on property standards relating to rats.

For support with issues relating to rats found in public green spaces, parks or trails, contact the City’s Parks department by dialling 311 (905-615-4311 outside City limits).

For support with issues relating to rats found in boulevards, such as evidence of rat mounds or nesting spaces, contact Animal Services at 905-896-5858.

For more information about rat control in the City, contact Animal Services at 905-896-5858.

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