.png){kind=logo}
Mice & Rats
Mice and rats are common indoor and outdoor pests in Ontario. Mice are small (6–10 cm), agile, and nest in warm indoor areas like walls and attics. Rats, particularly Norway rats, are larger (20–25 cm), burrow outdoors, and may enter buildings for food and warmth.
They are nocturnal, reproduce quickly, and cause damage by chewing wires, contaminating food, and spreading disease. Signs include droppings, gnaw marks, scratching sounds, and nests made of shredded material.
​
They enter through cracks, vents, and gaps, attracted by food and shelter. Control involves sealing entry points, removing food sources, and using traps or bait stations. Professional extermination ensures safe, effective removal and long-term prevention.
Mice and rats are highly adaptable and commonly found in both urban and rural Ontario.
​
​
Habitat & Where They’re Found:​
​
-
Outdoors: Burrow in soil, under decks, sheds, woodpiles, and garbage areas
-
Indoors: Nest in wall voids, attics, basements, behind appliances, ceilings, and storage areas
-
Common in: Restaurants, food facilities, residential homes, warehouses, and farms
-
Seasonal: Increased indoor activity in fall and winter seeking warmth and food
Mice
​​​
Habitat & Where They’re Found:​
-
Prefer dry, dark, and warm environments near food and water sources.
-
Common indoor nesting spots: wall voids, attics, basements, ceilings, behind appliances, and furniture.
-
Outdoors: Found in garages, sheds, and cluttered areas near homes.
-
Build nests from shredded paper, insulation, fabric, and similar materials.
​
Characteristics:
​
Size:
-
6–10 cm (body), 12–20 cm with tail
Color:
-
Light brown or grey
Droppings:
-
Small, rod-shaped, pointed ends (~6 mm)
Behavior:
-
Curious, agile, excellent climbers
Activity:
-
Nocturnal; active year-round indoors
Lifespan:
-
9–12 months
​
Life Cycle & Reproduction:
-
Reach sexual maturity in 5–8 weeks.
-
Gestation lasts 19–21 days.
-
Produce 5–10 litters per year, each with 4–12 pups.
-
Nests are often small and hidden in insulation, behind walls, or near heat sources.
​
​
​​​​
Signs, Symptoms & Infestation Indicators:
-
Droppings along walls, cupboards, drawers, and food storage areas.
-
Gnaw marks on wires, wood, plastic, and food packaging.
-
Scratching or scurrying sounds at night inside walls, ceilings, or attics.
-
Grease marks (from body oil) along baseboards and entry points.
-
Urine odor, especially in heavy infestations.
-
Damaged food packaging and stored products.
-
Visible rodents during the day can suggest a large population.
​
How Did I Get It? / Entry:
Rodents enter through:
-
Cracks and holes in foundations, vents, pipes, and utility lines
-
Gaps under doors, garage doors, and windows
-
Openings around attic vents and roof edges
Attracted by:
-
Easy food access, unsecured trash, pet food, and compost
-
Cluttered environments that provide hiding and nesting spots
-
Weather changes, especially fall and winter, when outdoor resources diminish​
Food Sources:
​
-
Mice and rats are omnivorous scavengers.
​
Common sources:
-
Grains, seeds, cereals, nuts
-
Bread, pasta, pet food, bird seed
-
Grease, garbage, and even soap or candle wax in some cases
​
-
Rats may also hunt small animals or insects when needed.​
Rats
​
Habitat & Where They’re Found:
-
Norway Rats (common in Ontario): Prefer burrowing in soil, under buildings, decks, garbage areas, and concrete slabs.
-
May nest in basements, crawlspaces, and sewers.
-
In colder months, they migrate indoors for warmth and food.
-
Tend to build complex tunnel systems.
​
Characteristics:
​​
Size:
-
20–25 cm (body), 40 cm including tail
Color:
-
Brownish-grey with lighter belly
Droppings:
-
Large, blunt-ended droppings (~18 mm)
Behavior:
-
Cautious, excellent burrowers
Activity:
-
Nocturnal; increase indoor presence in fall/winter
Lifespan:
-
Up to 2 years
​​
Life Cycle & Reproduction:
-
Reach maturity in 2–3 months.
-
Gestation lasts 21–24 days.
-
Produce 4–7 litters per year, with 6–12 pups per litter.
-
Build deep burrows or nest in low, protected indoor areas.
​​
​​
​​​​
Interior vs. Exterior Pest
-
Mice: Prefer indoor nesting. Once inside, they can survive indefinitely if food and shelter are available.
-
Rats: Prefer outdoor nesting (burrows), but invade interiors for warmth and food. Commonly found in basements or near garbage.
​
Procedures in Extermination
Inspection
​​
-
Technicians will:
- Look for droppings, gnaw marks, and nesting materials.
- Trace urine trails (using UV light).
- Check for entry points and structural vulnerabilities.
- Assess sanitation and food storage practices.
​
Treatment Options​
-
Trapping: Snap traps (fast kill), live traps (humane), glue boards (used selectively).
-
Rodenticides:- Used in tamper-proof bait stations as required by Ontario regulations.- Placed indoors (behind appliances, in corners) and outdoors (near foundation, burrows).
-
Exclusion:- Sealing entry points with steel wool, caulk, concrete, or metal flashing.- Screening vents and fixing gaps in siding, soffits, and doors.
​
Integrated Pest Management (IPM):
​
Long-term prevention through:
-
Improved sanitation and food storage.
-
Removal of clutter and nesting materials.
-
Exterior cleanup (removing woodpiles, trimming vegetation).
-
Routine inspections for high-risk structures (restaurants, warehouses).
​
Mice & Rats
Ontario-Specific Notes
-
Rodent pressure increases in urban areas like Toronto, Mississauga, and Hamilton due to construction and mild winters.
-
Commercial sites (restaurants, groceries) must comply with strict rodent control programs.
-
Public Health Units in Ontario require regular monitoring and documentation in food establishments.
-
Use of second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides is regulated; must be applied by licensed professionals with tamper-proof bait stations.
Preparation (Customer Guidelines)
-
Access: Clear access to infested areas—attics, basements, behind appliances.
-
Seal: Fill gaps in walls, doors, windows, floors, and foundation (¼ inch or larger).
-
Food Storage: Store dry goods in metal or plastic containers with tight-fitting lids.
-
Sanitation:
- Remove pet food at night.
- Clean under stoves, fridges, and cabinets.
- Dispose of garbage daily and use rodent-proof bins.
-
Yard Maintenance:
- Trim bushes, remove wood and debris near the building.
- Keep compost bins tightly closed.
-
Pets: Secure pet food and litter boxes, especially overnight.