Rats in Toronto: How Big is the Problem?

Scurrying down sidewalks and invading homes, rats have quickly become a problem throughout all of Toronto. In fact, of the top five Canadian cities with a rat problem, Toronto ranks number one. Many residents and business owners have struggled with rat invasions, proving just how significant the problem is for the city. Understanding the depth of the problem, the cause, and what you can do about it can help you out.

Rat problem in Toronto – How Bad Is It?

To understand just how big the problem is, picture a fat, fuzzy rat climbing out of your toilet. It is not a sight anyone would enjoy seeing, yet that is exactly what is happening to many Toronto residents.

People find rats making their way into homes and businesses through sewer lines. They have even found them tucked up into car engines. Unfortunately, rats can create extensive damages. They can tear apart the wiring in your engine in an attempt to build a nest for themselves. For restaurant owners, this can have devastating impacts on their businesses. Knowing how to keep the businesses mouse and rat-free is essential for staying in business. That is why it is important to know to learn how to get rid of rats in restaurant.

To make matters worse, nothing seems to slow the growing rat population. In fact, the matter continues to grow larger day by day. Exterminators throughout the city feel the increasing frustration in dealing with these pests and the problems they cause.

The Cause of the Problem

Many experts blame increased construction projects as the cause of the booming rat population. When construction takes place, it creates a perfect environment for pests, especially rats. Piles of wood and other debris provide the materials rats need to build nests.

If rats currently exist on the construction site, any digging and additional work will disrupt their nests and burrows, causing them to flee. As such, you may notice an increase in rat activity in areas where construction is high.

Finally, Toronto has had mild winters with warmer temperatures than usual and wetter summers. Altogether, the shifts in weather patterns have created the perfect environment for rats to thrive. Unfortunately, the combination of weather patterns and construction have haunted Toronto, creating a “rat-pocalypse.”

Toronto Rat Problems in 2020

According to a recent CityNews article, we are seeing an uptick in rat activity in residential neighborhoods where never was any activity before. It is said, that this large scale migration is due to COVID- 19. Due to restaurants’ limitations and reduced hours, rats and mice do not have a steady food supply to rely on, leading them to residential neighborhoods. According to the article, rats need three things: Food, water, and shelter, taking one of these things away can cause panic among its population. It is mentioned, that there has been a rise in calls from homeowners due to this new pattern from frantic homeowners who are seeing rats in yards, gardens, and flowerbeds. It is predicted, however, that once restaurants and bars open that rats will most likely return to their original dwelling. 

Toronto Rat Problems in 2019

According to this CBC article, Toronto residents are experiencing a spike in rat activities, 311 complains are skyrocketing in certain Toronto areas. For instance, Parkdale – High Park, Davenport and Beaches-East York areas produced the most complains in 2018. Most of these areas have multiple ongoing construction projects that can trigger rat populations to look for new places to build their nesting burrows. Toronto city services are conducting a new study to deeply understand the current situation with rats and plan to finish it by the end of the year. John Tory expressed his worrying about the future rat prevention program that it might cost the city quite a lot. “It’s a huge cost, and that cost comes from the same money that pays for affordable housing or transit,” said John Tory.

What Can You Do?

A surge of rat activity is a rather disturbing sight to see, but it does not mean that you have to vacate your home or business. Fortunately, there are ways you can combat unwanted pests, including rats.

Block Entrances

Start by blocking entrances into your home. Walk around the exterior of your home to look for gaps or entrances that rats may use to gain entry. Fill gaps with a combination of expandable foam and steel wool. Steel wool deters rats from using their teeth to chew through the material.

Make sure you also place weather stripping around doors and windows to seal any gaps. If you see daylight around your doors and windows, that means a rat can gain entry to your home. Take extra measures to check your attic for possible entrances.

If you notice any gaps in your roof where you can see daylight, use a combination of wire mesh and steel wool to repair the gaps. Also, take the time to trim tree limbs and other vegetation so they do not hang near your home. Rats can climb trees and vegetation to get on your roof and enter through any damaged areas.

Keep it Clean

Make sure you keep your premises clean. Removing all food and water sources will deter rats. Rats are scavengers so they will seek shelter in an area that provides plenty of food and water so they can survive.

You can keep your property clean by doing the following:

• Clean counters and stoves between every meal and before bed
• Remove trash and place it in a lidded bin outdoors
• Clean out your sink and wipe it dry every single night
• Wipe moisture out of bathtubs and sinks throughout your home
• Sweep, mop, and vacuum your floors frequently to remove any food particles

By keeping your property clean, you can minimize a rat infestation in your home.

Call a Professional

Finally, ask a professional rat control Toronto to assist you with a rat problem in your home or business. You should never attempt any DIY rat removal. Canada has specific laws that require a humane approach to pest control.

Professionals may use lethal or non-lethal methods, but they must do so in a humane way. The method they use must not cause any unnecessary fear or pain. If you attempt a DIY approach, you may find yourself in violation of local laws and regulations without realizing you’ve done anything wrong.

Article Updated: December 8, 2020