Rat Control in Toronto: Why They Are Back

Have rats on your GTA property? Get free quotes from licensed rodent control operators today.

If you have lived in Toronto long enough, you have noticed it: rats are everywhere. The number of rat-related service calls to the City of Toronto has increased every year since at least 2018. Former mayor John Tory famously declared rats a priority. City council allocated more money to alley cleanup and enforcement. And yet the problem keeps growing.

Why the Rat Problem Is Getting Worse

Climate. Warmer winters mean rats survive longer and breed more each year. A female Norway rat can produce up to 6 litters per year with 6 to 12 pups per litter. That is potentially 72 offspring from a single female. Warmer winters push that number higher.

Construction. Toronto is building constantly. Every construction project disrupts existing rat burrows and forces rats to relocate. They move into surrounding residential neighbourhoods, commercial plazas, and anywhere with food and shelter.

Food availability. More people means more food waste. Improperly stored garbage, overflowing public waste bins, and food businesses create reliable food sources for rats. The green bin program, while environmentally necessary, has also contributed to rat populations because food scraps in green bins are attractive to rats if not managed properly.

Infrastructure age. Older GTA neighbourhoods have foundations, sewers, and infrastructure that rats can exploit. Newer construction with poured concrete basements is less rat-friendly.

Signs You Have Rats, Not Mice

• Droppings. Rat droppings are larger than mouse droppings: 12 to 20 mm long and capsule-shaped. Fresh droppings are dark and moist. Old ones are dried and grey.
• Size. Adult rats are significantly larger than mice, with bodies 20 to 25 cm long plus a similar-length tail.
• Burrows. Rats dig underground burrows. You will see holes near the foundation, under slabs, and in garden areas. Mouse burrows are smaller and less common indoors.
• Sound. Heavy scratching and thumping inside walls, especially at night.

The Right Approach to Rat Control

Most rat problems require a combination of three things:

1. Sanitation. Remove food sources. Secure garbage in metal bins with tight lids. Move bird feeders at least 20 feet from the house. Do not leave pet food outside. Clean up fallen fruit from trees. Store bbq equipment and grass seed in sealed containers.
2. Exclusion. Seal every entry point. Rats can squeeze through any gap over 2 cm. Seal foundation cracks, gaps around pipes, and open basement windows. Install rat guards on cable and gas lines where they enter the building.
3. Population reduction. Snap traps and bait stations placed strategically along runways. Professional operators use commercial-grade products and understand rat behaviour well enough to place stations where they will be effective.

What the City Does

Toronto has a comprehensive Rodent Control Program. The city:

• Maintains bait stations in alleys and city-owned properties
• Responds to rat complaints on city property
• Requires property owners to maintain their land rat-free
• Can issue orders to property owners who fail to address rat problems

Report rats in alleys, parks, and other city-owned spaces to 311.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are there so many rats in Toronto right now?

Warmer winters allow rats to survive and breed longer each year. Construction disrupts burrows and forces rats into new areas. More people means more food waste for rats to exploit.

Where do rats hide in GTA neighbourhoods?

Rats nest in burrows underground, under concrete slabs, inside cinder block walls, in sewers, under decks and sheds, and in compost bins. They are most active after dark.

Is the City of Toronto responsible for rats on my property?

No. Property owners are responsible for managing rats on their own land. The city handles rats in public spaces. Report rats in city alleys to 311.

How much does rat control cost in Toronto?

Initial rat control service runs $300 to $500. Full exclusion sealing costs $400 to $800 additional. Combined service typically runs $600 to $1,200.

Can I use poison to control rats myself?

Ontario has restrictions on certain rodenticide products. More importantly, poison is a risk to children, pets, and wildlife. Professional operators use safer, more effective methods.

Have a rat problem? Get free quotes from licensed rat control operators in the GTA today.