Gnawing Risks: Safeguarding Your Property from Invasive Mice and Rodents, Preventing Costly Damage and Health Hazards.
The presence of small, dark pellet-like droppings near food or nesting areas, chewed wires, furniture, or packaging indicating gnaw marks, shredded paper, fabric, or disturbed insulation used as nesting materials, and scratching noises in walls or ceilings at night are all clear signs of rodent infestation.
To keep rodents out:
-Seal cracks wider than ¼ inch with steel wool or caulk.
-Store food in airtight containers and clean spills immediately.
-Trim vegetation and remove clutter near buildings.
-Install door sweeps and repair broken vents.
Prevent infestations by eliminating food and shelter. Secure trash bins with tight-fitting lids, fix leaky pipes to reduce water sources, and store firewood away from structures. Regularly inspect basements and attics for entry points. Use rodent-proof materials like metal mesh for long-term exclusion.
Use snap traps for immediate control. Bait stations with rodenticides should be handled by professionals to avoid accidental poisoning. For severe infestations, hire licensed exterminators to implement integrated pest management (IPM) strategies, including exclusion and sanitation.
See below to learn more about Mice and Rats in Ontario, including available treatment options and prevention.
House mice, Norway rats, and occasionally roof rats. Deer mice are rare but may enter rural-adjacent areas.
Look for droppings, gnaw marks, grey or black greasy rub marks on walls, or unexplained noises at night. A musky odor may indicate nesting.
Food scraps, unsecured trash, pet food, and water sources like leaky faucets. Clutter and overgrown yards provide hiding spots.
Yes. Rodents seek warmth indoors during colder months. They remain active year-round, breeding rapidly in sheltered environments.
Yes.. Professionals address entry points, nesting sites, and sanitation issues. DIY methods often fail to eliminate entire colonies.
